Luke 6:41

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Luke 6:41 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother`s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother`s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
Luke 6:41 — American Standard Version

Context — Luke 6

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
41And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother`s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, etc.] A lesser sin in comparison of others; for all sins are not alike, as the Stoics asserted: and though none are to be countenanced and indulged, yet some are not so severely to be animadverted upon as others, the nature, occasions, circumstances, and aggravations considered; for no man is perfect, or wholly free from sin; nor are the words preceding to be understood of such a perfection; for which reason perhaps these words, with what follow, are mentioned: but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? meaning a greater sin, such are guilty of, who are inquisitive searchers into the faults of others, and severe…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“(See on Mat 7:3-5, Mat 7:16-27.) Next: Luke Chapter 7”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See this passage fully illustrated in the sermon on the mount, in Matt. 5–7. Luke 6:21 That hunger now - Matthew has it, “that hunger and thirst after righteousness.” Matthew has expressed more fully what Luke has briefly, but there is no contradiction. Luke 6:24-26 These verses have been omitted by Matthew. They seem to have been spoken to the Pharisees. Who are rich - In this world’s goods. They loved them; they had sought for them; they found their consolation in them. It implies, farther, that they would not seek or receive consolation from the gospel. They were proud, and would not seek it; satisfied, and did not desire it; filled with cares, and had no time or disposition to attend to…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Mat 7:3. Luke 6:46”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“6:41 a log in your own: Jesus did not say that the speck in our friend’s eye is not our business, but that we must first correct our own faults so that we can see clearly enough to remove the speck. Jesus condemned hypocritical judgment; lovingly holding one another accountable regarding sin is desirable.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“why: Mat 7:3-5; Rom 2:1, Rom 2:21-24 but: Sa2 12:5-7, Sa2 20:9, Sa2 20:10, Sa2 20:20, Sa2 20:21; Kg1 2:32; Ch1 21:6; Psa 36:2; Jer 17:9; Eze 18:28; Joh 8:7, Joh 8:40-44; Jam 1:24 Luke 6:42”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification