New International Version“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?
New Living Translation“And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own?
English Standard VersionWhy do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?
Berean Standard BibleWhy do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but fail to notice the beam in your own eye?
Berean Literal BibleAnd why do you look at the splinter that is in your brother's eye and not notice the beam that is in the own eye?
King James BibleAnd why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
New King James VersionAnd why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye?
New American Standard BibleWhy do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?
NASB 1995“Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?
NASB 1977“And why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?
Legacy Standard BibleAnd why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?
Amplified BibleWhy do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice or consider the log that is in your own eye?
Christian Standard Bible“Why do you look at the splinter in your brother’s eye, but don’t notice the beam of wood in your own eye?
Holman Christian Standard Bible“Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but don’t notice the log in your own eye?
American Standard VersionAnd why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
Contemporary English VersionYou can see the speck in your friend's eye, but you don't notice the log in your own eye.
English Revised VersionAnd why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
GOD'S WORD® Translation"Why do you see the piece of sawdust in another believer's eye and not notice the wooden beam in your own eye?
Good News Translation"Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but pay no attention to the log in your own eye?
International Standard Version"Why do you see the speck in your brother's eye but fail to notice the beam in your own eye?
NET BibleWhy do you see the speck in your brother's eye, but fail to see the beam of wood in your own?
New Heart English BibleAnd why do you see the speck of chaff that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thy own eye?
Weymouth New Testament"And why look at the splinter in your brother's eye instead of giving careful attention to the beam in your own? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhy do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but fail to notice the beam in your own eye?
World English BibleWhy do you see the speck of chaff that is in your brother’s eye, but don’t consider the beam that is in your own eye? Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd why do you behold the speck that is in your brother’s eye, and do not consider the beam that [is] in your own eye?
Berean Literal BibleAnd why do you look at the splinter that is in your brother's eye and not notice the beam that is in the own eye?
Young's Literal Translation And why dost thou behold the mote that is in thy brother's eye, and the beam that is in thine own eye dost not consider?
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd why beholdest thou the dried straw in thy brother's eye, and perceivest not the beam in thine own eye? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd why seest thou the mote in thy brother's eye: but the beam that is in thy own eye thou considerest not?
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd why do you see the straw that is in your brother’s eye, while the log that is in your own eye, you do not consider?
New American BibleWhy do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?
New Revised Standard VersionWhy do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWhy do you see the splinter in your brother’s eye, and do not see the beam in your own eye?
Aramaic Bible in Plain English“But why do you observe a chip in the eye of your brother, but you do not see the plank that is in your eye?” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd why do you look at the splinter that is in your brother's eye, but perceive not the beam that is in your own eye?
Godbey New TestamentBut why do you see the mote which is in the eye of your brother, and do not recognize the beam which is in your own eye?
Haweis New Testament
But why beholdest thou the mote which is in thy brother’s eye, but observest not the beam which is in thine own eye?
Mace New Testament
How comes it, that you can see the mote in your brother's eye, and not see the beam that is in your own eye?
Weymouth New Testament
"And why look at the splinter in your brother's eye instead of giving careful attention to the beam in your own?
Worrell New Testament
"And why do you behold the mote thatis in your brother's eye, but consider not the beam thatis in your own eye?
Worsley New Testament
But why dost thou look at the chaff in thy brother's eye, and takest no notice of the beam that is in thine own?
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Do Not Judge… 40A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher. 41Whydo you look atthespeckinyourbrother’seye,butfailto noticethe beaminyourowneye?42How can you say, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while you yourself fail to see the beam in your own eye? You hypocrite! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.…
Cross References Matthew 7:3-5Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but fail to notice the beam in your own eye? / How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while there is still a beam in your own eye? / You hypocrite! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
Romans 2:1You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on another. For on whatever grounds you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.
James 4:11-12Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. And if you judge the law, you are not a practitioner of the law, but a judge of it. / There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?
Galatians 6:1Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.
Proverbs 26:12Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Proverbs 20:9Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am cleansed from my sin”?
John 8:7When they continued to question Him, He straightened up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone at her.”
1 Corinthians 11:31Now if we judged ourselves properly, we would not come under judgment.
Psalm 51:10Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Proverbs 16:2All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes, but his motives are weighed out by the LORD.
1 John 1:8-9If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. / If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Matthew 23:24You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.
Romans 14:10-13Why, then, do you judge your brother? Or why do you belittle your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. / It is written: “As surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow before Me; every tongue will confess to God.” / So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. ...
2 Samuel 12:1-7Then the LORD sent Nathan to David, and when he arrived, he said, “There were two men in a certain city, one rich and the other poor. / The rich man had a great number of sheep and cattle, / but the poor man had nothing except one small ewe lamb that he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food and drank from his cup; it slept in his arms and was like a daughter to him. ...
Job 11:4-6You have said, ‘My doctrine is sound, and I am pure in Your sight.’ / But if only God would speak and open His lips against you, / and disclose to you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom has two sides. Know then that God exacts from you less than your iniquity deserves.
Treasury of Scripture And why behold you the mote that is in your brother's eye, but perceive not the beam that is in your own eye? why. Matthew 7:3-5 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? … Romans 2:1,21-24 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things… but. 2 Samuel 12:5-7 And David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan,As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done thisthing shall surely die: … 2 Samuel 20:9,10,20,21 And Joab said to Amasa,Art thou in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him… 1 Kings 2:32 And the LORD shall return his blood upon his own head, who fell upon two men more righteous and better than he, and slew them with the sword, my father David not knowingthereof, to wit, Abner the son of Ner, captain of the host of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, captain of the host of Judah. Jump to Previous AttentionBeamBeholdestBrother'sChaffCompleteConsiderConsiderestDiscipleDustEyeGrainInstructionLogMoteNoteNoticePayPerceivestPlankSawdustSpeckSuperiorTeacherWoodJump to Next AttentionBeamBeholdestBrother'sChaffCompleteConsiderConsiderestDiscipleDustEyeGrainInstructionLogMoteNoteNoticePayPerceivestPlankSawdustSpeckSuperiorTeacherWoodLuke 6 1.Jesus reproves the Pharisees;12.chooses apostles;17.heals the diseased;20.preaches to his disciples before the people: the beattitudes;27.Love your Enemy37.Do not Judge43.A Tree and Its Fruit46.The House on the RockWhy do you look at the speck in your brother’s eyeThis phrase addresses the human tendency to focus on the minor faults of others while ignoring one's own more significant shortcomings. In the cultural context of Jesus' time, the eye was often seen as a window to one's soul or moral state. The "speck" symbolizes a small, perhaps insignificant fault or sin. This teaching is part of the Sermon on the Plain, where Jesus emphasizes humility and self-awareness. The concept of judging others is also addressed in Matthew 7:1-5, reinforcing the idea that self-examination should precede criticism of others. but fail to notice the beam in your own eye?
The "beam" represents a much larger fault or sin, suggesting hypocrisy when one criticizes others without addressing their own issues. The hyperbolic contrast between a "speck" and a "beam" serves to highlight the absurdity of such behavior. This imagery would have been vivid to Jesus' audience, many of whom were familiar with carpentry and construction. The call to self-awareness and repentance is a recurring theme in Scripture, as seen in passages likeRomans 2:1-3, where Paul warns against judging others while committing similar sins. This teaching encourages believers to seek personal transformation through Christ before attempting to correct others. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe speaker of this verse, Jesus is delivering a sermon that includes teachings on judgment and self-awareness. 2. The BrotherRepresents fellow believers or people in general whom one might judge or criticize. 3. The SpeckSymbolizes minor faults or sins in others that are often noticed and criticized. 4. The BeamRepresents significant faults or sins in oneself that are often ignored or overlooked. 5. The Sermon on the PlainThe context in which Jesus delivers this teaching, addressing a large crowd with various moral and ethical instructions. Teaching Points Self-Examination Before JudgmentJesus calls us to examine our own lives and faults before pointing out the faults in others. This requires humility and honesty. Hypocrisy in JudgmentThe imagery of the speck and the beam highlights the hypocrisy of judging others while ignoring our own larger issues. We must address our own sins first. The Importance of HumilityRecognizing our own faults should lead us to approach others with humility and grace, rather than judgment and condemnation. Restoration and EncouragementOur goal should be to help restore others gently, not to criticize or condemn. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching of love and support within the community. Continuous Self-ReflectionRegular self-reflection and repentance are crucial for spiritual growth and maintaining a right relationship with God and others. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Luke 6:41?
2.How does Luke 6:41 challenge us to examine our own faults first?
3.What does "speck" and "beam" symbolize in our daily interactions with others?
4.How can Matthew 7:3-5 deepen our understanding of Luke 6:41?
5.In what ways can we practice humility as taught in Luke 6:41?
6.How can focusing on personal growth improve our relationships with others?
7.What does Luke 6:41 teach about judging others?
8.How does Luke 6:41 challenge self-awareness in faith?
9.Why is the metaphor of the speck and plank significant in Luke 6:41?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 6?
11.What does 'Take the Plank Out of Your Eye' mean?
12.Is it right to judge others?
13.What does "Take the Plank Out of Your Eye" mean?
14.Who are you to judge others?What Does Luke 6:41 Mean Why do you look•Luke 6:41 begins with a penetrating “Why,” pressing us to examine our own motives. Jesus is not merely pointing out a bad habit; He is unmasking a heart attitude that contradicts love (cf.1 Samuel 16:7;John 7:24). • The verb “look” pictures a deliberate, even scrutinizing gaze. We can become spiritual fault–finders, scanning others for flaws while feeling secure in our own goodness (Romans 14:10;Romans 2:1). • Christ’s question forces us to admit that we often judge to elevate ourselves, forgetting that all believers stand on equal footing at the cross (James 4:11–12;1 Corinthians 4:7).
At the speck in your brother’s eye• A “speck” is tiny, yet the critic fixes on it as though it defines the other person. Jesus exposes how minor shortcomings in others can loom large in our sight when grace is absent (Matthew 23:24). • The target is called “brother,” reminding us that family relationships in the body of Christ should be marked by gentle restoration, not harsh exposure (Galatians 6:1;Ephesians 4:32). • Even legitimate correction must flow from love and humility, never from superiority (Proverbs 27:6;1 Peter 4:8).
But fail to notice• “Fail to notice” shows willful blindness. The issue is not lack of information; it is refusal to face personal sin (1 John 1:8;Revelation 3:17). • Self-deception breeds hypocrisy. When we minimize our own faults, we lose moral clarity and credibility (Proverbs 30:12;Psalm 19:12). • Scripture urges continual self-examination so we can judge ourselves rightly before addressing anyone else (1 Corinthians 11:31;2 Corinthians 13:5).
The beam in your own eye• A “beam” is a load-bearing timber—far larger than a speck. Jesus’ hyperbole highlights the absurdity of condemning small flaws while ignoring glaring personal sin (Matthew 7:3-5, the parallel passage). • The beam may be pride, bitterness, lust, or any unchecked sin that distorts vision. Until it is removed, our attempts to help others will injure rather than heal (Psalm 66:18;Hebrews 12:15). • God calls us to honest confession and repentance first. Only then can we see clearly to assist a brother with compassion and truth (Psalm 139:23-24;James 1:25).
summaryLuke 6:41 teaches that rushing to critique others while excusing our own sin is hypocrisy. Christ invites us to start with rigorous self-examination, remove the “beam” through repentance, and then approach others with the grace and clarity that flow from a cleansed heart. Honest humility transforms judgment into loving help and preserves unity within Christ’s family. (41) And why beholdest thou . .?--See Notes on Matthew 7:4. The two reports of the proverb agree almost verbally, as if its repetition had impressed it deeply on the minds of the hearers. Verse 41. - And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine owneye? The thought-leaders of the day were in good truth hypocrites, proud, avaricious, in many cases self-indulgent, bigoted, and selfish; they were utterly unfit to be the moral teachers of the people - a position they had arrogated to themselves. The homely but well-known Jewish proverb of the mote and the beam picturesquely put before his listeners the position as it appeared to the Lord. The very defects among the people which the religious teachers professed to lecture upon and to discuss, disfigured and marred their own lives. They were - these priests and scribes and Pharisees - worse than self deceivers; they were religious hypocrites. The now famous illustration of the mote and the beam is, as has been said, purely Jewish, and was no doubt a familiar one to the people. It is found in the Talmud (treatise 'Bava Bathra' fol. 15. 2). Farrar quotes from Chaucer - "He can wel in myn eye see a stalke,
But in his owne he can nought see a balke." The word "mote" translates the Greekκάρφος, a chip. In Dutchmot is the dust of wood. In Spanishrecta is the flue on cloth.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek WhyΤί(Ti)Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101:Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.do you look atβλέπεις(blepeis)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 991:(primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.theτὸ(to)Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.speckκάρφος(karphos)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2595:A dry stalk, chip of wood, twig, splinter, chaff. From karpho; a dry twig or straw.inἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.yourσου(sou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.brother’sἀδελφοῦ(adelphou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 80:A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.eye,ὀφθαλμῷ(ophthalmō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3788:The eye; fig: the mind's eye. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy.butδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.failοὐ(ou)Adverb
Strong's 3756:No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.to noticeκατανοεῖς(katanoeis)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2657:To take note of, perceive, consider carefully, discern, detect, make account of. From kata and noieo; to observe fully.[the] beamδοκὸν(dokon)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1385:A beam or spar of timber. From dechomai; a stick of timber.inἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.[your]τῷ(tō)Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.ownἰδίῳ(idiō)Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2398:Pertaining to self, i.e. One's own; by implication, private or separate.eye?ὀφθαλμῷ(ophthalmō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3788:The eye; fig: the mind's eye. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy.
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NT Gospels: Luke 6:41 Why do you see the speck (Luke Lu Lk) |
