“Judge not, that you be not judged.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just about being nice; it's about a cosmic principle of reciprocity. Jesus is warning that the standard by which we judge others is the very standard God will use to judge us. Therefore, a harsh, uncharitable, or hasty judgment about someone else will ultimately rebound, bringing that same severe judgment upon ourselves.
“Judge not, that you be not judged.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse marks the beginning of a section in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount that addresses how followers of God's kingdom should interact with the world and each other. Following teachings on inner righteousness, it warns against the dangers of self-deception and hypocrisy that can arise once one has overcome more basic sins. The immediate context emphasizes the need for genuine transformation over outward show and highlights the risk of judging others harshly, which will invite similar judgment upon oneself.
Ever feel quick to point out someone else's flaws? Jesus warns against a specific kind of judgment. Let's uncover the difference between a harsh critic and someone who wisely discerns.
Jesus' command "Judge not" isn't about ignoring wrongdoing or avoiding all discernment. The original language and context show it's a strong warning against:
The goal isn't to become blind to sin, but to approach others with humility, recognizing our own imperfections, and leaving final judgment to God.
The second half of Jesus' statement is a powerful mirror: 'that you be not judged.' What does this cosmic "measure for measure" really mean for us?
Jesus connects our judgment of others directly to how we will be judged. This is the principle of reciprocity, often called the "law of retaliation" or "law of a measure."
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Understand the original words
krinete · Greek Verb
To critique, condemn, or pass sentence upon someone. Biblically, it often refers to the assumption of a posture of moral superiority or judicial authority over others in a way that ignores one's own faults.
This passage directly echoes Jesus' warning, highlighting that those who judge others will face God's judgment, emphasizing the same principle of reciprocity.
Luke 6:37This verse from Luke's Gospel presents the same core teaching, adding the crucial detail that 'judge not' means 'condemn not,' and expands on the idea of receiving a 'full measure' back.
James 4:11-12James directly addresses the issue of speaking evil against one another and judging a brother, warning that doing so is judging the Law and God, and that there is only one Lawgiver and Judge.
1 Corinthians 4:5Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, urges them not to pass judgment before the appointed time, reinforcing Jesus' teaching that the Lord will bring to light what is hidden and reveal the motives of men's hearts.
barnesMatthew 7:1: "Judge not, that ye be not judged."
Judge not ... - This command refers to rash, censorious, and unjust judgment. See Romans 2:1 . Luke Luk 6:37 explains it in the sense of "condemning." Christ does not condemn judging as a magistrate, for that, when according to justice, is lawful and necessary. Nor does he condemn our "forming an opinion" of the conduct of others, for it is impossible "not" to form an opinion of conduct that we know to be evil. But what he refers to is a habit of…
bensonMatthew 7:1: "Judge not, that ye be not judged."
Matthew 7:1-2 . Judge not — Our Lord now proceeds to warn us against the chief hinderances of holiness. And how wisely does he begin with judging! Wherein all young converts are so apt to spend that zeal which is given them for better purposes. He must be understood as forbidding all rash and unfavourable judgments, whether of the characters of others in general, or of their actions in particular, glancing, probably, in these as also in some othe…
This verse isn't just about being nice; it's about a cosmic principle of reciprocity. Jesus is warning that the standard by which we judge others is the very standard God will use to judge us. Therefore, a harsh, uncharitable, or hasty judgment about someone else will ultimately rebound, bringing that same severe judgment upon ourselves.
This verse marks the beginning of a section in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount that addresses how followers of God's kingdom should interact with the world and each other. Following teachings on inner righteousness, it warns against the dangers of self-deception and hypocrisy that can arise once one has overcome more basic sins. The immediate context emphasizes the need for genuine transformation over outward show and highlights the risk of judging others harshly, which will invite similar judgment upon oneself.
This verse marks the beginning of a section in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount that addresses how followers of God's kingdom should interact with the world and each other. Following teachings on inner righteousness, it warns against the dangers of self-deception and hypocrisy that can arise once one has overcome more basic sins. The immediate context emphasizes the need for genuine transformation over outward show and highlights the risk of judging others harshly, which will invite similar judgment upon oneself.
"“Judge not, that you be not judged." — This verse isn't just about being nice; it's about a cosmic principle of reciprocity. Jesus is warning that the standard by which we judge others is the very standard God will use to judge us. Ther…
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Last reviewed October 2026