Verses 3-5 illustrate the principle enunciated in verse 1 and form the theological justification for the declaration of verse 2. See (so also Barclay) is translated “look at” by Good News Translation, New American Bible, New English Bible, and New International Version. The context indicates that the meaning is not merely that of casual observation, as see might suggest, but of paying attention to something. Some translators have had “Why do you remark about,” “Why are you concerned about,” or “Why do you bring attention to.” “Look at” of Good News Translation also works well in many languages.

Why do you see is often translated by a similar question, but the phrase can also be a statement such as “You should not pay attention to….” Another way to render it is to say “You notice some speck of wood in your brother’s eye, and fail to see the whole plank in your own. How can that be?”

The Greek word translated speck may refer to a small piece of straw, chaff, or wood; it signifies something quite insignificant. On the other hand, the word rendered log describes a piece of lumber used in building. This saying about the speck and the log is purposely ridiculous and is to be compared with the saying in 19.24. One scholar describes the figure as intentionally grotesque, since no one can in reality have a log in his eye. It is intended to contrast the insignificant wrongs that others do to us with the enormous sins that we commit against God, and so its real purpose is to exclude all condemnation of others. Indeed, this exaggerated language should be retained in the translation to make sure the readers get the point. Speck can be “small piece of dust (or, wood)” or “small splinter of wood.” Log can be “a tree trunk,” “a plank of wood,” or “a big stick.”

For comments on your brother, see 5.22.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on the Gospel of Matthew. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1988. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .