Lexical Summary dokos: Beam, Plank Original Word: δοκός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance beam. From dechomai (through the idea of holding up); a stick of timber -- beam. see GREEK dechomai HELPS Word-studies 1385 dokós – a large beam (joist) of wood; "a beam of timber" (Abbott-Smith); "a log on which planks in the house rest (as in the papyri); joist, rafter, plank (Moffatt); a pole sticking out grotesquely" (WS, 1, 60); (figuratively) a huge log (like a plank used in a house) that completely obstructs someone's vision. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dechomai (through the idea of holding up) Definition a beam of timber NASB Translation log (6). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1385: δοκόςδοκός, δοκου, ἡ (from δέκομαι for δέχομαι in so far as it has the idea of bearing (cf. Curtius, § 11)); from Homer down; a beam: Matthew 7:3-5; Luke 6:41f. Topical Lexicon Definition and Imagery Strong’s Greek 1385 (dokos) denotes a substantial beam or rafter used in construction. In the Gospel record it is never employed in a literal description of a building project, but always in the illustrative words of Jesus. The contrast Jesus draws between a δοκός (“beam”) and a κάρφος (“speck”) magnifies the absurdity of hypocritical judgment. Historical Background of Building Practices First-century Palestinian homes were commonly topped by flat roofs supported by large wooden beams laid from wall to wall, over which smaller poles, reeds, and mud were spread. Such timbers were essential structural elements; without them a house literally collapsed. Jesus’ audience—familiar with carpentry (Mark 6:3) and daily exposure to timber in construction—would have immediately appreciated the size and indispensability of a δοκός. Usage in the Teachings of Jesus 1. Matthew 7:3-5 presents the image in the Sermon on the Mount: “Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but fail to notice the beam in your own eye?”. The hyperbolic picture exposes self-righteousness. “You hypocrite, first take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”. Across the six occurrences (Matthew 7:3-5; Luke 6:41-42), the term never varies in sense, underscoring a single moral issue: personal blindness to one’s greater fault while highlighting another’s lesser fault. Theological Themes • Hypocrisy: The beam symbolizes significant, unconfessed sin. Jesus’ charge of “Hypocrite!” (Matthew 7:5; Luke 6:42) links the image to the Pharisaic spirit that prizes external appearances over inner integrity (Matthew 23:25-28). Ministry Application: Self-Examination and Church Discipline 1. Personal Devotion: Like David praying, “Search me, O God, and know my heart” (Psalm 139:23), disciples examine themselves before the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:28). Jewish and Patristic Echoes • Rabbinic sayings warn, “Do not judge your fellow until you have come to his place” (Pirkei Avot 2.4), sharing the same ethical core. Christological Consideration As the carpenter from Nazareth, Jesus selects building-site imagery with authority. The One who once shaped wooden beams for earthly dwellings now shapes human character for the Father’s house (John 14:2). His call to remove the beam is thus an invitation to participate in the sanctifying craftsmanship of the Master Builder (Hebrews 3:3-4). Practical Counsel for Today • Begin every critique with prayerful introspection. Forms and Transliterations δοκοί δοκον δοκόν δοκὸν δοκος δοκός δοκὸς δοκούς δοκών δοκώσις dokon dokón dokòn dokos dokòsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 7:3 N-AFSGRK: σῷ ὀφθαλμῷ δοκὸν οὐ κατανοεῖς NAS: but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? KJV: not the beam that is in INT: your [own] eye beam not notice Matthew 7:4 N-NFS Matthew 7:5 N-AFS Luke 6:41 N-AFS Luke 6:42 N-AFS Luke 6:42 N-AFS Strong's Greek 1385 |
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