Section 7:1–6

Jesus taught about not condemning others

In this section, Jesus taught that his disciples must correct their own sins before correcting the sins of others. Jesus used a proverbial saying about a speck and a log to help the disciples remember the teaching. He warned his followers against being overly critical and condemning people and their actions too quickly (7:1). But he also warned against being uncritical and accepting of people who may then turn against them (7:6).

Here are some other possible headings for this section:

Do not judge others
-or-
Do not be too quick to condemn

Paragraph 7:1–5

Even though a new chapter begins at 7:1, Jesus continued “the Sermon on the Mount” which he began in chapter 5. In some languages, it may be natural to begin this chapter with something like:

⌊Jesus continued,⌋
-or-

⌊Jesus continued to teach and said,⌋

In other languages, no introduction is necessary here. You may want to begin this chapter as you began chapter 6.

7:1a

Do not judge: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as judge means “judge or condemn harshly.” For example:

Don’t condemn others (Contemporary English Version)

In this context the word judge does not refer to rendering a judgment in a court or council. This command does not forbid leaders to make decisions or judgments. It is a command not to judge in a harsh or unfair way.

7:1b

or you will be judged: There are several ways to interpret the Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as or:

(1) It indicates purpose. For example:

so that you may not be judged (New Revised Standard Version)

(Revised Standard Version, New Revised Standard Version, English Standard Version, New International Version, Good News Translation, New American Standard Bible, God’s Word, NET Bible, King James Version)

(2) It indicates result. For example:

and you will not be judged (New Living Translation (2004))

(Berean Standard Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, New Living Translation (2004), Contemporary English Version, Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English, Revised English Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1).

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

in order that you not be judged
-or-
for the purpose that you not be condemned

you will be judged: This clause is passive.

Here are some other ways to translate this:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

you will not be judged (NET Bible)

• Use an active verb. God is the one who will judge/condemn. For example:

God will not judge you (Good News Translation)

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