You 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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to focus on the "hypocrite" label, but Jesus is actually revealing the how of effective help. Once you remove your own massive "beam," you'll gain a clear, discerning sight (the original Greek emphasizes seeing through things) to truly help your brother with his "speck."
You 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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is teaching about how his followers should interact with each other, warning against harsh judgment and hypocrisy. Just before this, he spoke about not condemning others lest we be condemned ourselves, and pointed out the absurdity of noticing a tiny speck in someone's eye while ignoring a large plank in our own. This verse directly addresses the person who is quick to criticize others for minor faults while being blind to their own significant sins.
Ever pointed out someone else's flaw, only to realize you have a similar, or even bigger, one? Jesus uses a strong word here to address that very tendency.
Jesus calls the critical person a "hypocrite." This isn't just a mild insult; it's a deep accusation. In Jesus' day, a hypocrite was an actor, someone putting on a mask to deceive.
When we focus on our brother's or sister's faults before dealing with our own, we're acting like we're holier than we are. We're hiding our own mess while pretending to be a perfect judge. This isn't about never pointing out sin; it's about the motive and the timing. True correction comes from a place of humility, not a place of spiritual posturing.
Jesus uses powerful imagery – a log and a speck. What does this dramatic contrast reveal about how we should approach our own faults and the faults of others?
The 'log' in your own eye represents a significant, deep-seated sin or character flaw. The 'speck' in your brother's eye is a minor fault, something relatively small.
Jesus' point is that we often hyper-focus on the tiny issues in others while ignoring the massive problems within ourselves. This isn't to say minor sins are okay, but our priority should be the 'logs' in our own vision. Until that massive obstruction is removed, our ability to see and help others is severely compromised. It's like trying to thread a needle while wearing welding goggles!
Ask a follow-up
Jesus promises that after removing your own 'log,' you'll 'see clearly.' What does this newfound clarity enable you to do for others?
The goal isn't to become blind to others' faults, but to gain the right perspective and ability to help. When the 'log' is out of your eye, your vision is restored.
You can then 'see clearly' – meaning you can discern the situation accurately and understand how to help your brother with his speck. Your correction will be motivated by love and a genuine desire for their well-being, not by self-righteousness or a need to feel superior. This clarity allows for tender, effective intervention, rather than harsh, judgmental criticism.
Understand the original words
hypokrita · Greek Noun
A person who acts a part or wears a mask; one who pretends to be righteous or holy while harboring secret sins or lack of integrity. It describes a profound spiritual inconsistency between outward appearance and inward reality.
This passage is a parallel account from Luke, directly echoing Jesus' teaching about removing the 'log' from one's own eye before trying to remove the 'speck' from another's. It highlights the consistency of this principle across the Gospels.
Romans 2:1-3Paul directly applies this principle, arguing that those who judge others for sins they themselves commit are inexcusable. This shows how the early church understood and applied Jesus' warning against hypocrisy in judgment.
Galatians 6:1This verse offers a crucial nuance: when someone is caught in a sin, 'you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.' It complements Matthew 7:5 by explaining the *attitude* and *intent* with which we should approach helping others, especially after we've dealt with our own faults.
1 John 1:8-9This passage emphasizes the importance of self-examination and confession of our own sins. It connects to Matthew 7:5 by underscoring the necessity of acknowledging our own imperfections before we can effectively address those in others.
vincentMatthew 7:5: "Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye."
See clearly (διαβλέψεις)The preposition διά, through, giving the sense of thoroughness. Compare the simple verb βλέπεις, (beholdest), Matthew 7:3. With the beam in thine eye thou starest at thy brother's little failing. Pull out the beam; then thou shalt see clearly, not only the fault itself, but how to help thy brother get rid of it.To…
clarkeMatthew 7:5: "Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye."
Thou hypocrite - A hypocrite, who professes to be what he is not, (viz. a true Christian), is obliged, for the support of the character he has assumed, to imitate all the dispositions and actions of a Christian; consequently he must reprove sin, and endeavor to show an uncommon affection for the glory of God. Our Lord unmasks this vile prete…
It's easy to focus on the "hypocrite" label, but Jesus is actually revealing the how of effective help. Once you remove your own massive "beam," you'll gain a clear, discerning sight (the original Greek emphasizes seeing through things) to truly help your brother with his "speck."
Jesus is teaching about how his followers should interact with each other, warning against harsh judgment and hypocrisy. Just before this, he spoke about not condemning others lest we be condemned ourselves, and pointed out the absurdity of noticing a tiny speck in someone's eye while ignoring a large plank in our own. This verse directly addresses the person who is quick to criticize others for minor faults while being blind to their own significant sins.
Jesus is teaching about how his followers should interact with each other, warning against harsh judgment and hypocrisy. Just before this, he spoke about not condemning others lest we be condemned ourselves, and pointed out the absurdity of noticing a tiny speck in someone's eye while ignoring a large plank in our own. This verse directly addresses the person who is quick to criticize others for minor faults while being blind to their own significant sins.
"You 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." — It's easy to focus on the "hypocrite" label, but Jesus is actually revealing the how of effective help. Once you remove your own massive "beam," you'll gain a clear, discerning sight (the origina…
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Last reviewed October 2026