Jesus begins teaching in the plain of Judea, attracting people from all over wanting to be healed.
Luke 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?
Luke 6:41 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?
Why, however, do you watch the chaff, the one in the eye of that brother of yours? The plank, however, the one in this your own eye? You don't observe.
The bigger our error, the harder it is to see.
Verses like this are so clearly humorous, it is hard to imagine why Jesus's other words are interpreted from the point of view being entertaining (see this article on Christ's humorous exaggeration).Hidden in translation is the fact that the plural "you" in the previous verses changes here to the singular "you", addressing a single person.
The English translations leave out or add little words throughout. The word translated as "consider" and "pay attention" primarily means "observe well" and "understand". This word is a very rare one for Jesus to use. Its root is a word that means "to perceive with the eyes." This word appears at the end of the verse, not in the middle. It is the punchline and, by not referencing sight, the English translations are missing it.
- WW --Wrong Word -- The word translated as "and" should be something more like "however."
- IW - Inserted Word -- The word "is" doesn't exist in the source.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "eye" is not shown in the English translation.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "brother " is not shown in the English translation.
- IW - Inserted Word -- The word "is" doesn't exist in the source.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "your own" is not shown in the English translation.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "but" is not shown in the English translation.
- IW - Inserted Word -- The word "at" doesn't exist in the source.
- IW - Inserted Word -- The word "of sawdust" doesn't exist in the source.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the one" is not shown in the English translation.
- CW --Confusing Word -- The "pay...attention" is more specific than the word's meaning.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "eye" is not shown in the English translation.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "brother " is not shown in the English translation.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the one" is not shown in the English translation.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "your own" is not shown in the English translation.
And -- (WW) The Greek word translated as "and" means "but," "however," and "on the other hand." It joins phrases in an adversarial way. Since it always falls in the second position, translating it as "however" often captures its feeling better.
why -- The Greek word translated as "why" in the singular means "anyone," "someone," "something," and "anything." The same forms are used both for the masculine or feminine so "anyone" works best for a person. In the plural, it means "everyone," "some," "they," and "those." Jesus often uses it to start a question so it means "who," "what," or even "why."
beholdest -- The verb translated as "beholdest" means "to see," "to look to," "to look like," "to beware," and "to look for." It is the more tangible sense of seeing, such as seeing what is right in front of you rather than understanding so "watch" works better. "Look" does not work as well because it doesn't take a direct object and this word does.
thou -- This is from the second-person, singular form of the verb.
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun. Without a noun, it has the sense of "the one." Before an adjective, participle, or infinitive it changes the following word to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
mote -- The Greek term translated as "mote" means something small like "twig", "straw," or "chaff." These terms, especially "chaff" have the sense of "trash", "rubbish," and "remains."
that -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun. Without a noun, it has the sense of "the one." Before an adjective, participle, or infinitive it changes the following word to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
is -- (IW) There is nothing that can be translated as "is" in the Greek source.
in -- The word translated as "in" means "in," "within," "with" (an instrument), "by" (near), "by" (means of), "during" (time), or "among" with a dative object as the one here. With the accusative, it means "into," "on," and "for." When referring to time, it means "during." It can mean "on," "at," or "by" in the sense of "near."
thy -- -- The word translated as "your" is the genitive form of the singular, second-person pronoun, which is most commonly the possessive form. It follows the noun so "of yours." This pronoun follows the noun so "of yours." As a genitive object of a preposition, as here, it means a movement away from something or a position away from something else.
missing "the/this" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." Before an adjective, participle, or infinitive it changes the following word to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.
missing "the/this" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." Before an adjective, participle, or infinitive it changes the following word to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.
brother -- The word translated as "brother" means a biological brother, any kinsmen, and more broadly and friend or associate.
's -- The apostrophe "s" comes from the noun's genitive form. This case usually requires the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is the "of" of possession for which an apostrophe "s" can be substituted. However, it can also mean "belonging to," "part of," "which is," "than" (in comparisons), or "for," "concerning" or "about" with transitive verbs.
eye, -- The Greek word for "eye" is the more technical terms for "eye" but it also means "sight." In Greek, an eye is a metaphor for comfort and cheer.
but -- The Greek word translated as "but" means "but," "however," and "on the other hand." It joins phrases in an adversarial way. Since it always falls in the second position, translating it as "however" often captures its feeling better.
perceivest - The word translated as "perceive" primarily means "observe well" and "understand". It is based on a root word that means "to understand" or "to perceive with the mind". It has a specific sense of coming to understand something.
not -- The Greek word translated as "not" is the Greek negative used to deny objective facts, not opinions. It means "no," "not," or"no truly." It makes a negative statement of fact. When a negative precedes the verb, it affects the whole clause. When it precedes other words, its force is limited to those words.
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun. Without a noun, it has the sense of "the one." Before an adjective, participle, or infinitive it changes the following word to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
beam "Beam"is Ia Greek word that means "bearing-beam", "main beam", "plank", "support", "beam", "strut", "brace", "firewood", "bar [of a gate or door]," and "a kind of meteor."
that -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun. Without a noun, it has the sense of "the one." Before an adjective, participle, or infinitive it changes the following word to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
is -- (IW) There is nothing that can be translated as "is" in the Greek source.
in -- The word translated as "in" means "in," "within," "with" (an instrument), "by" (near), "by" (means of), "during" (time), or "among" with a dative object as the one here. With the accusative, it means "into," "on," and "for." When referring to time, it means "during." It can mean "on," "at," or "by" in the sense of "near."
missing "the/this" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." Before an adjective, participle, or infinitive it changes the following word to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.
thine own -- The word translated as "his" is a very unusual word. It is not the very common pronoun usually translated as "his," but a specific word that means "one's own," "pertaining to oneself," and "private." This is usually translated as "his own."
eye? -- The Greek word for "eye" is the more technical terms for "eye" but it also means "sight." In Greek, an eye is a metaphor for comfort and cheer.and statements, negating both single words and sentences. The other negative adverb, μή applies to will and thought; οὐ denies, μή rejects; οὐ is absolute, μή relative; οὐ objective, μή subjective.
missing "but" -- (MW) The untranslated word slated as "but" means "but," "however," and "on the other hand." It joins phrases in an adversarial way. Since it always falls in the second position, translating it as "however" often captures its feeling better. It can also be an explanation of cause ("so"). When used with a conditional starting a clause, the sense is "if/when...then." When used with a particle meaning "indeed" the sense is "on one hand...on the other hand." In a listing, the sense is "then" or "yet." After an interruption, "so then."
Why -- The Greek word translated as "why" in the singular means "anyone," "someone," "something," and "anything." The same forms are used both for the masculine or feminine so "anyone" works best for a person. In the plural, it means "everyone," "some," "they," and "those." Jesus often uses it to start a question so it means "who," "what," or even "why."
do -- This English helping verb is used to create questions, commands, negative statements, and smooth word flow in translation from Greek
you -- This is from the second-person, singular form of the verb.
look -- The verb translated as "look " means "to see," "to look to," "to look like," "to beware," and "to look for." It is the more tangible sense of seeing, such as seeing what is right in front of you rather than understanding so "watch" works better. "Look" does not work as well because it doesn't take a direct object and this word does.
at -- (IW) There is nothing that can be translated as "at" in the Greek source. It is added because translating the previous word as "look" requires it.
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun. Without a noun, it has the sense of "the one." Before an adjective, participle, or infinitive it changes the following word to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
speck -- The Greek term translated as "mote" means something small like "twig", "straw," or "chaff." These terms, especially "chaff" have the sense of "trash", "rubbish," and "remains."
of sawdust -- (IW) There is nothing that can be translated as " of sawdust " in the Greek source. It is added because translating the previous word as "look" requires it.
missing "the one" -- (MW) The untranslated word "the one" is the Greek definite article, "the one," which usually precedes a noun. Without a noun, it has the sense of "the one." Before an adjective, participle, or infinitive it changes the following word to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
in -- The word translated as "in" means "in," "within," "with" (an instrument), "by" (near), "by" (means of), "during" (time), or "among" with a dative object as the one here. With the accusative, it means "into," "on," and "for." When referring to time, it means "during." It can mean "on," "at," or "by" in the sense of "near."
your -- -- The word translated as "your" is the genitive form of the singular, second-person pronoun, which is most commonly the possessive form. It follows the noun so "of yours." This pronoun follows the noun so "of yours." As a genitive object of a preposition, as here, it means a movement away from something or a position away from something else.
missing "the/this" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." Before an adjective, participle, or infinitive it changes the following word to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.
missing "the/this" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." Before an adjective, participle, or infinitive it changes the following word to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.
brother -- The word translated as "brother" means a biological brother, any kinsmen, and more broadly and friend or associate.
's -- The apostrophe "s" comes from the noun's genitive form. This case usually requires the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is the "of" of possession for which an apostrophe "s" can be substituted. However, it can also mean "belonging to," "part of," "which is," "than" (in comparisons), or "for," "concerning" or "about" with transitive verbs.
eye, -- The Greek word for "eye" is the more technical terms for "eye" but it also means "sight." In Greek, an eye is a metaphor for comfort and cheer.
and -- (WW) The Greek word translated as "and" means "but," "however," and "on the other hand." It joins phrases in an adversarial way. Since it always falls in the second position, translating it as "however" often captures its feeling better.
pay - (CW)The word translated as "pay...attention" primarily means "observe well" and "understand". It is based on a root word that means "to understand" or "to perceive with the mind". It has a specific sense of coming to understand something. This translation is more specific than the word's meaning.
no -- The Greek word translated as "not" is the Greek negative used to deny objective facts, not opinions. It means "no," "not," or"no truly." It makes a negative statement of fact. When a negative precedes the verb, it affects the whole clause. When it precedes other words, its force is limited to those words.
attention to -- This completes the meaning of the verb.
missing "the one" -- (MW) The untranslated word "the one" is the Greek definite article, "the one," which usually precedes a noun. Without a noun, it has the sense of "the one." Before an adjective, participle, or infinitive it changes the following word to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun. Without a noun, it has the sense of "the one." Before an adjective, participle, or infinitive it changes the following word to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
plank "Beam"is Ia Greek word that means "bearing-beam", "main beam", "plank", "support", "beam", "strut", "brace", "firewood", "bar [of a gate or door]," and "a kind of meteor."
that -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun. Without a noun, it has the sense of "the one." Before an adjective, participle, or infinitive it changes the following word to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
is -- (IW) There is nothing that can be translated as "is" in the Greek source.
in -- The word translated as "in" means "in," "within," "with" (an instrument), "by" (near), "by" (means of), "during" (time), or "among" with a dative object as the one here. With the accusative, it means "into," "on," and "for." When referring to time, it means "during." It can mean "on," "at," or "by" in the sense of "near."
missing "the/this" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." Before an adjective, participle, or infinitive it changes the following word to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.
your own -- The word translated as "his" is a very unusual word. It is not the very common pronoun usually translated as "his," but a specific word that means "one's own," "pertaining to oneself," and "private." This is usually translated as "his own."
eye? -- The Greek word for "eye" is the more technical terms for "eye" but it also means "sight." In Greek, an eye is a metaphor for comfort and cheer.and statements, negating both single words and sentences. The other negative adverb, μή applies to will and thought; οὐ denies, μή rejects; οὐ is absolute, μή relative; οὐ objective, μή subjective.
Τί [252 verses](irreg sg neut acc) "Why" is tis, which can mean "someone," "something," "any one," "everyone," "they [indefinite]," "many a one," "whoever," "anyone," "anything," "some sort," "some sort of," "each," "any," "the individual," "such," and so on. In a question, it can mean "who," "why," or "what." Plural, "who are" is τίνες ἐόντες. It has specific meanings with certain prepositions, διὰ τί; for what reason? ἐκ τίνος; from what cause? ἐς τί; to what point? to what end?
δὲ [446 verses](conj) "And" is de which means "but" and "on the other hand." It is the particle that joins sentences in an adversarial way but can also be an explanation of indirect cause ("so"). In an "if" (εἰ ) clause or temporal "when" (ὅταν) clause the sense is "if/when... then." In a series begun by men, its means "on the other hand." In a listing, the sense is "then" or "yet." After an interruption, "so then."
βλέπεις [46 verses](2nd sg pres ind act) "Beholdest" is from of blepo, which means "to look," "to see," "to look to," "to look like," "to rely on," "to look longingly," "to propose," "to beware," "to behold," and "to look for." Used with the prepostion meaning "from" (ἀπὸ) to means "watch out."
τὸ [821 verses](article sg neut acc) "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). When not preceding a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." Proper nouns do normally not take articles but they are needed when the noun ending cannot be changed to show the noun's role in the sentence as an object, indirect object, or genitive (possessive) form. However, the Greek article is very close to "this" so the purpose of an article like this can also be demonstrative. See this article.
κάρφος (noun sg neut acc) "Mote" [5 verses](noun sg neut acc) "Mote" is karphos, which means "any small dry body", "dry stalk", "dry twigs", "chips," "chaff," "straws", "bits of wool", "toothpick", "a small piece of wood on which the watchword was written," and "ripe fruit[plural],."
τὸ [821 verses](article sg neut acc) "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). When not preceding a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." Proper nouns do normally not take articles but they are needed when the noun ending cannot be changed to show the noun's role in the sentence as an object, indirect object, or genitive (possessive) form. However, the Greek article is very close to "this" so the purpose of an article like this can also be demonstrative. See this article.
ἐν [413 verses](prep) "In" is en, which means, with its usual indirect (dative) object, "in," "on," "at," "by," "among," "within," "surrounded by," "in one's hands," "in one's power," "during," and "with." With a direct (accusative) object, it means "into," "on," and "for." Referring to time, it means. "in the course of" or "during."
τῷ [821 verses](noun sg masc dat) Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). When not preceding a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." Proper nouns do normally not take articles but they are needed when the noun ending cannot be changed to show the noun's role in the sentence as an object, indirect object, or genitive (possessive) form. However, the Greek article is very close to "this" so the purpose of an article like this can also be demonstrative. See this article.
ὀφθαλμῷ [26 verses](noun sg masc dat) "Eye" is ophthalmos, which means "eye," "sight," "the dearest and best," "light," "cheer," "comfort," and "the bud [of a plant]."
τοῦ [821 verses](noun sg masc gen) Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). When not preceding a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." Proper nouns do normally not take articles but they are needed when the noun ending cannot be changed to show the noun's role in the sentence as an object, indirect object, or genitive (possessive) form. However, the Greek article is very close to "this" so the purpose of an article like this can also be demonstrative. See this article. -
ἀδελφοῦ [37 verses](noun sg masc gen) "Brother's" is adelphos, which means "son of the same mother," "kinsman," "colleague," "associate," and "brother."
σου [144 verses](pron 2nd sg gen) "Thy" is sou is the genitive form of the second-person, singular pronoun that means "of you" and "your."
τὴν [821 verses] (article sg fem acc) "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). When not preceding a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." Proper nouns do normally not take articles but they are needed when the noun ending cannot be changed to show the noun's role in the sentence as an object, indirect object, or genitive (possessive) form. However, the Greek article is very close to "this" so the purpose of an article like this can also be demonstrative. See this article. -
δὲ [446 verses](conj) "But" is de which means "but" and "on the other hand." It is the particle that joins sentences in an adversarial way but can also be an explanation of indirect cause ("so"). In an "if" (εἰ ) clause or temporal "when" (ὅταν) clause the sense is "if/when... then." In a series begun by men, its means "on the other hand." In a listing, the sense is "then" or "yet." After an interruption, "so then."
δοκὸν [5 verses] (noun sg fem acc) "Beam"is dokos, which means "bearing-beam", "main beam", "plank", "support", "beam", "strut", "brace", "firewood", "bar [of a gate or door]," and "a kind of meteor."
τὴν [821 verses] (article sg fem acc) Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). When not preceding a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." Proper nouns do normally not take articles but they are needed when the noun ending cannot be changed to show the noun's role in the sentence as an object, indirect object, or genitive (possessive) form. However, the Greek article is very close to "this" so the purpose of an article like this can also be demonstrative. See this article.
ἐν [413 verses](prep) "In" is en, which means, with its usual indirect (dative) object, "in," "on," "at," "by," "among," "within," "surrounded by," "in one's hands," "in one's power," "during," and "with." With a direct (accusative) object, it means "into," "on," and "for." Referring to time, it means. "in the course of" or "during.
τῷ [821 verses] (article sg masc dat) Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). When not preceding a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." Proper nouns do normally not take articles but they are needed when the noun ending cannot be changed to show the noun's role in the sentence as an object, indirect object, or genitive (possessive) form. However, the Greek article is very close to "this" so the purpose of an article like this can also be demonstrative. See this article. -
ἰδίῳ [16 verses] (adj sg masc dat) "Thine own" is idios, which means "one's own," "pertaining to oneself," "private," "personal," "personally attached" to one, "separate," "distinct," "strange," and "unusual."
ὀφθαλμῷ ; [26 verses] (noun sg masc dat) "Eye"" is ophthalmos, which means "eye," "sight," "the dearest and best," "light," "cheer," "comfort," and "the bud [of a plant]."
οὐ [269 verses](adv) "Not" is ou , the negative adverb for facts and statements, negating both single words and sentences. The negative, οὐ, denies, is absolute, and objective.
κατανοεῖς [5 verses](2nd sg pres ind act) "Perceivest" is from katanoeo, which means to "observe well", "understand", "apprehend", "perceive", "learn", "consider", "look at", "view", "to be in one's right mind," and "to be in one's senses."
The use of a word with the double meaning of "observe" and "understand" to refer to our vision.
The only major change from the version in Matthew 7:3 is that the word "beam" is moved to make it less of a punchline but better Greek grammar.