Matthew 7

1. Judge not. Opinions must necessarily be formed, on conduct and character, but must not be formed consortiously.

mote. “Measure.”

3 mote. The “mote” is a “splinter” or “chip”; i.e., a very small thing; the “beam” is a very large thing.

5. Thou hypocrite. He blinds himself to the true character of his own sins, and disguises his want of charity for his brother under the garb of sympathy.

6 that which is holy. “This verse inculcates prudence, tact and discernment of character” (A. Maclaren).

7. Ask . . . seek . . . knock. The following commands and promises are repeated with more general application in Luke xi. 9-13, on which see notes. Weymouth paraphrases: “Keep asking . . . seeking . . . knocking.”

9 what man. “Man” here is emphatic, and strongly marks the contrast between the human and the divine.

11 good things. The variation in Luke xi. 13 shows that the “good things” are the blessings involved in the gift of “the Holy Spirit”; here particularly charity and wisdom.

12. Therefore. Because you hope for the Divine favour in answer to your prayer.

whatsoever ye would. The negative part of this command has been taught by others. Our Lord here puts it in a positive form. Not only avoid doing to others what you in their position would dislike, but do to them whatever you would reasonably wish them to do to you. For this we need heavenly grace; and nothing short of it is the “fulfilling of the law.”

13 at (by) the strait (narrow) gate. Both to begin and to persevere in such a course of self-denying, spiritual obedience as the foregoing precepts enjoin will be arduous and difficult; and many will choose an easier path; but this alone leads to life.

14 few. But this will not always be the case: see Rev. vii. 9.

15 in sheep’s clothing. An allusion, it may be, to the fleecy garb, the “rough garment,” of the professed prophet: see Zech. xiii. 4.

ravening. Rapacious, devouring.

16. Ye shall know them. That is, the teachers. Men are too apt to judge the doctrine itself by its unworthy advocates and professors. The “fruits” are those of spirit and conduct: see Gal. v. 22, 23.

21 “Lord, Lord.” Professing that Christ is their Master, but not doing His will.

22 in that day. “That day” is a frequent prophetic phrase (see Isa. ii. 11; Mal. iii. 17), referring to a period of Divine manifestation; sometimes the introduction of Messiah’s kingdom, sometimes its consummation. Here it is evidently the latter, when the great and final difference shall be made between the righteous and the wicked: 2 Thess. i. 7-10; Heb. x. 25.

prophesied. Or, “preached.” Not merely “foretelling,” but any “forth-telling” in Christ’s name, is included.

23. I never knew you. Or, “acknowledged”: see Psa. i. 6, and note, and cp. 1 Cor. viii. 3; Gal. iv. 9; and especially 2 Tim. ii. 19, which seems like an echo of our Lord’s words.

24. I will liken him. The germ of these similitudes may be found in Prov. xii. 7; Isa. xxviii. 16, 17; but they are here wrought out with the greatest beauty in a most impressive contrast.

a rock. Rather, “the rock,” as R.V.

doctrine. Rather, “teaching,” as R.V. His manner of teaching was that of one possessing original “authority.” On the scribes, see ii. 4. They were mainly expounders of the law, telling what this or that Rabbi thought about it.