Jump to: ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the term "mote" is most notably referenced in the teachings of Jesus Christ, specifically in the context of moral and spiritual discernment. The word "mote" is used to describe a small speck or particle, often of dust or chaff, and is employed metaphorically to illustrate the concept of minor faults or sins in comparison to more significant ones.Biblical Reference: The primary scriptural reference to the "mote" is found in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus addresses the issue of hypocrisy and judgment among individuals. In Matthew 7:3-5 , Jesus states: "Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but fail to notice the beam in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while there is still a beam in your own eye? 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." This passage is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus emphasizes the importance of self-examination and humility before passing judgment on others. The "mote" represents the minor imperfections or sins of others, while the "beam" symbolizes the more significant faults within oneself. The teaching encourages believers to address their own shortcomings before criticizing others, promoting a spirit of grace and understanding. Theological Implications: The metaphor of the mote and the beam serves as a powerful reminder of the human tendency towards hypocrisy and the need for introspection. It underscores the biblical principle that judgment should be exercised with caution and humility, recognizing one's own fallibility. This teaching aligns with the broader biblical theme of mercy and forgiveness, as seen in other passages such as James 2:13 : "For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment." Practical Application: In practical terms, the lesson of the mote encourages believers to cultivate a spirit of self-awareness and repentance. It calls for an honest assessment of one's own life and actions, fostering a community where individuals support and uplift one another rather than condemn. This approach aligns with the teachings of the Apostle Paul in Galatians 6:1 : "Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted." Cultural and Historical Context: In the cultural and historical context of the New Testament, the imagery of the mote and the beam would have been vivid and relatable to Jesus' audience. The use of such everyday objects in parables and teachings was a common method employed by Jesus to convey profound spiritual truths in an accessible manner. The contrast between the smallness of the mote and the largeness of the beam effectively highlights the absurdity of focusing on minor faults in others while ignoring one's own significant failings. Overall, the concept of the mote serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of humility, self-reflection, and the pursuit of righteousness in the Christian life. Easton's Bible Dictionary (Gr. karphos, something dry, hence a particle of wood or chaff, etc.). A slight moral defect is likened to a mote (Matthew 7:3-5; Luke 6:41, 42). Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A small particle of dust; a speck; as a mote in one's eye.2. (p. p.) of Mot. 3. (pres. subj.) of Mot. 4. (v.) See 1st Mot. 5. (n.) A meeting of persons for discussion; as, a wardmote in the city of London. 6. (n.) A body of persons who meet for discussion, esp. about the management of affairs; as, a folkmote. 7. (n.) A place of meeting for discussion. 8. (n.) The flourish sounded on a horn by a huntsman. See Mot, n., 3, and Mort. 9. (n.) A small particle, as of floating dust; anything proverbially small; a speck. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MOTEmot (karphos): A minute piece of anything dry or light, as straw, chaff, a splinter of wood, that might enter the eye. Used by Jesus in Matthew 7:3;; Luke 6:41 in contrast with "beam," to rebuke officiousness in correcting small faults of others, while cherishing greater ones of our own. Greek 2595. karphos -- a small dry stalk ... mote, speck. From karpho (to wither); a dry twig or straw -- mote. (karphos) -- 6 Occurrences. 2594, 2595. karphos. 2596 . Strong's Numbers. //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2595.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 4131. mot -- to totter, shake, slip... 4130, 4131. mot. 4132 . to totter, shake, slip. Transliteration: mot Phonetic Spelling: (mote) Short Definition: shaken. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/4131.htm - 6k 4132. mot -- a shaking, pole, bar (of a yoke) Library Mote The Mote in the Sunbeam. The Mote and the Beam On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xviii. 15, "If Thy Brother Sin ... Judging, Asking, and Giving Three Condensed Parables Chapter xix. Sermon for the Fourth Sunday after Trinity No Man Can Serve Two Masters; and that Because it is Necessary ... Charitable Judgment. Thesaurus Mote (6 Occurrences)... A slight moral defect is likened to a mote (Matthew 7:3-5; Luke 6:41, 42). ... 1. (n.) A small particle of dust; a speck; as a mote in one's eye. 2. (pp) of Mot. ... /m/mote.htm - 9k Beholdest (6 Occurrences) Pull (32 Occurrences) Beam (17 Occurrences) Moth (10 Occurrences) Suffer (195 Occurrences) Lookest (8 Occurrences) Wilt (324 Occurrences) Thyself (352 Occurrences) Either (152 Occurrences) Resources Mote: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Mote (6 Occurrences)Matthew 7:3 Matthew 7:4 Matthew 7:5 Luke 6:41 Luke 6:42 Isaiah 40:15 Subtopics Mote (A Speck): A Small Particle Related Terms |
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