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Book of Luke - Chapter 6 - Verse 41

6:41
And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

Meaning

When examining the verse "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?", we are confronted with a powerful message about self-awareness and judgment. In this passage from the Bible, Jesus is cautioning against focusing on the faults of others while ignoring our own shortcomings. The use of the imagery of a mote (a small speck of dust) and a beam (a large piece of wood) emphasizes the magnitude of our own flaws compared to those we may criticize in others. By acknowledging our own faults first, we can approach others with humility and compassion, instead of pride and hypocrisy. This verse serves as a reminder to practice self-reflection and introspection before passing judgment on others, leading to more harmonious and understanding relationships. It encourages us to look inward and address our own faults before pointing out those of others, fostering a more compassionate and empathetic approach to dealing with our fellow human beings.

Theological Overview

When examining the theological interpretation of the verse "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?", it is important to understand the context in which Jesus spoke these words. This verse is found in the Gospel of Matthew, and is part of a larger passage where Jesus is addressing the issue of hypocritical judgment. The use of the terms "mote" and "beam" in this verse is significant, as they represent small and large flaws or sins, respectively. Jesus is warning against the tendency for individuals to focus on the faults of others while ignoring their own shortcomings. This passage serves as a powerful reminder to practice humility and self-reflection before passing judgment on others. The word study reveals that the term "beam" comes from the Greek word "dokos," which refers to a large beam or plank. This emphasizes the magnitude of the sin in one's own life compared to the minor fault being criticized in another. Overall, this verse serves as a timeless lesson on the importance of self-awareness and grace towards others in our interactions and relationships.

American Standard Version

And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
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