κάρφος (karphos)
karphos
speck
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun karphos refers to a small, dry stalk or twig, often translated as "speck" in English Bibles. Derived from a root meaning "to wither," it describes something brittle and lifeless, like chaff or a splinter of wood that has dried out completely.
This word appears exclusively in the teachings of Jesus regarding judgment and humility, specifically in Matthew 7:3-5 and Luke 6:41-42. In these passages, it serves as a metaphor for a minor fault or sin. The imagery contrasts sharply with the "log" (a large piece of timber) representing one's own serious flaws. The point is not that small sins are harmless, but that they are often invisible to the person committing them while glaringly obvious in others.
Translators typically render karphos as "speck" to convey its tiny size, though the physical reality is a dry twig. This distinction highlights the absurdity of trying to remove a small irritant from another’s eye while ignoring a large obstruction in one’s own. The word underscores the priority of self-examination before attempting to correct others.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word karphos describes a tiny, dry twig or splinter—so small it might seem insignificant on its own. Yet Jesus uses this image to expose a common human blind spot: we often notice minor flaws in others while remaining unaware of the larger issues within ourselves. This metaphor invites us to pause before offering correction, reminding us that spiritual clarity begins with honest self-reflection rather than quick judgment.
When we feel the urge to point out someone else’s mistake, this passage challenges us to check our own hearts first. It is not about ignoring sin, but about addressing it in the right order. By removing the larger obstruction from our own vision, we gain the humility and clarity needed to help others with genuine care, rather than criticism.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- splinter6×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κάρφος6×
Key Verses
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Matthew 7:3
Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but don’t consider the beam that is in your own eye?
This verse introduces the contrast between the minor fault in another's eye and the major obstruction in one's own, setting the stage for Jesus' teaching on self-examination.
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Matthew 7:5
You hypocrite! First remove the beam out of your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother’s eye.
Here Jesus explicitly commands removing one's own larger issue first, emphasizing that clarity is a prerequisite for helping others effectively.
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Luke 6:42
Or how can you tell your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove the speck of chaff that is in your eye,’ when you yourself don’t see the beam that is in your own eye? You hypocrite! First remove the beam from your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck of chaff that is in your brother’s eye.
Luke’s account highlights the hypocrisy of offering help while ignoring one's own serious flaws, reinforcing the priority of personal integrity over public correction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word karphos mean?
Why does Jesus use the image of a speck and a log?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
How is karphos different from other words for sin?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 2 books)
Matthew 3 verses
Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but don’t consider the beam that is in your own eye?
Matthew 7:4Or how will you tell your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye,’ and behold, the beam is in your own eye?
Matthew 7:5You hypocrite! First remove the beam out of your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your…