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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadBob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Matthew 7:1 - 7:5
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NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Mat_7:1-5
1"Do not judge so that you will not be judged. 2For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. 3Why 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? 4Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,'and behold, the log is in your eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye."
Mat_7:1 "Do not" This is a present imperative with a negative particle meaning to stop an act already in process. Christians have a tendency to be critical of one another. This verse is often quoted to prove that Christians should not judge each other at all. But, Mat_7:5-6; Mat_7:15, 1Co_5:1-12, and 1Jn_4:1-6 show that Jesus was assuming that believers evaluate one another spiritually. One's attitude and motives are the keys (cf. Gal_6:1; Rom_2:1-11; Rom_14:1-23; Jas_4:11-12).
▣ "judge" This Greek word is the etymological source for our English word "critic." Another form of this same root in Mat_7:5 is translated "hypocrite." It seems to imply a critical, judgmental, self-righteous spirit which judges others more severely than it does itself. It emphasizes one set of sins over another set of sins. It excuses one's own faults, but will not excuse the faults of others (cf. 2Sa_12:1-9).
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Mat_7:2 The Greek text of Mat_7:2 appears in a rhythmical, poetic form. This may have been a well-known proverb. The fact that this statement was used in the other Gospels in different settings backs up this interpretation.
This verse contains a significant truth which was repeated quite often in the NT (cf. Mat_5:7; Mat_6:14-15; Mat_18:35; Mar_11:25; Jas_2:13; Jas_5:9). How believers act toward others is a reflection of how God has acted toward them. This is not meant to destroy the biblical truth of justification by faith. It is meant to emphasize the appropriate attitude and lifestyle of those who have been so freely forgiven.
Mat_7:3 "Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye" "Speck" was used by classical Greek writers for the material that made up a bird's nest. Therefore, we are talking about bits of plant material and similar insignificant, small items.
▣ "but do not notice the log that is in your own eye" This was an Oriental overstatement. The "log" referred to some large piece of lumber, a building timber or rafter. Jesus often used this literary form of hyperbole to communicate spiritual truths (cf. Mat_5:29-30; Mat_19:24; Mat_23:24).
Mat_7:5 "You hypocrite" This compound word came from the theatrical world and was used for an actor performing behind a mask. It came from two Greek words, "to judge" and "under." It described a person acting in one way but being another (Luk_18:9). A good example of this kind of activity can be seen in the life of David (cf. 2Sa_12:1-9). Jesus used this term for the self-righteous Pharisees in Mat_5:20; Mat_6:2; Mat_6:5; Mat_6:16; Mat_15:1; Mat_15:7; Mat_23:13.
This verse implies the appropriateness of believers'concern for other Christians when it is not done in a condescending, self-righteous manner. Gal_6:1 is helpful regarding the proper attitude and motive for Christians'exhorting and correcting one another. The Church has always had to spiritually examine and exhort its leadership and membership.