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TO JUDGE OR NOT TO JUDGE: THE HONEST MEANING OF MATTHEW 7
Perhaps, one of the most misinterpreted (and subsequently) misused texts in the Bible is Matthew 7:1 when Jesus says, “Judge not, that you be not judged.”[1] The context of Matthew 7, however, is often ill-considered. Moreover, the irony of those who use Jesus’ words as a blanket commandment not to judge is that often their lifestyle reflects that of the people to whom Jesus offers warnings in the entirety of the text. The aim here, therefore, is to assess the correct interpretation of Jesus’ words in the seventh chapter of Matthew’s Gospel and successively what Jesus’ words do not mean or imply.
What
Matthew 7 Means
To accurately acquire the correct meaning of Matthew 7:1, the entirety of the text should be considered. While Jesus speaks of judgment at the beginning of the chapter, he also discusses asking or requesting of the Lord, how Christians should treat other, lives of those who love God bearing fruit as evidence of their love, and hypocrites who will not spend eternity with him because he never “knew” them.[2] Therefore, to assess what Matthew 7 does not mean, it is advantageous to determine what is does mean.
A Prohibition of Eternal Condemnation
The Greek word krino
used here means to pass a final moral sentence or condemn someone’s eternal
worth. Jesus notes that only God holds the role of the ultimate judge. In this
sense, the ultimate judgment comes from God—specifically God the Son. John’s
Gospel contends:
“For the Father judges no one, but has
given all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son, just as they honor
the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent
him. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who
sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from
death to life” (John 5:22-24).
Christians are not to pass final judgment on anyone not only because it violates people’s worth but because no one is even capable of making such judgments.
A Prohibition of Hypocrisy
Furthermore, Matthew 7 is an explicit prohibition of hypocrisy. In Matthew 7:3–5, Jesus uses hyperbole about removing a wooden log (beam) from one’s own eye before trying to pick a tiny speck out of someone else’s eye. He condemns criticizing others for minor flaws while ignoring major sins in one’s own life. Scripture is replete with references to lukewarm and mediocre commitment to the Lord. The Lord says, “So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth” (Rev 3:16).[3] God detests a lukewarm heart. In the Lord’s view, one is better to be cold than lukewarm. Thus, Jesus’ instruction not to judge is assuredly tied to one’s own behavior, for proper judgments are impossible if one’s heart is far from the ultimate judge—Jesus himself.
A Warning of Reciprocity
Additionally, Matthew 7:2 states that the standard of judgment one uses on others will be the standard applied to him or her, calling for grace and mercy instead of harshness. The caveat in Jesus’ instructions then is found here; sadly, however, when Matthew 7:1 is quoted, it is often not considered in context of the Matthew 7’s entirety. When understood that Matthew’s Gospel continues the instruction by stating, “For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you” (Matt 7:2), it becomes apparent that Jesus’ words in verse 1 only comprise a portion of the commandment, for believers are actually called to judge, albeit in the proper manner. Such a perspective indeed lays the foundation for the text of Matthew 7.
What
Matthew 7 Does Not Mean
Upon establishing what Jesus means in Matthew 7, it is then beneficial to conclude what he does not mean. In a broad way, Jesus does not blatantly ban discernment or allow for sin. His words, however, do quite the opposite when the text is reviewed in its entire context.
A Ban on Discernment and Critical
Thinking
Matthew 7 is certainly not a ban on discernment and critical thinking but, in fact, is a call to such attributes, which Christians should always employ. Elsewhere in the same sermon and the Gospels, Jesus tells followers to recognize people by their fruit (Matt 7:16, 20) and to make a righteous judgment (John 7:24) rather than judging by superficial appearances. Judgments are not sin in themselves. People, in fact, make judgments daily (e.g., what food to eat, how to manage time, what movie to see, etc.). If Jesus’ words were a blanket order not to judge, human discernment would surely be included. On the contrary, Jesus offers qualifications for right judgment.
Anything Goes
Jesus’ words, further, should not be understood as permission to sin or live life however one desires. The Bible still calls for truth, accountability, and objective moral standards. The Apostle Paul puts it this way: “…do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (Gal 5:13). As aforementioned, often, people who employ Matthew 7:1 the most misuse it as ammunition to effectively imply, “You cannot judge me; only God can judge me so mind your business and let me do what I want.” The problem with such a perspective, nonetheless, is that when one truly considered the judgment of God rather than the judgment of man, his or her life would fundamentally change because God is to be feared more than man.[4] Jesus’ words are certainly not open permission to sin.
A Block on Rules and Laws
Matthew 7 is also not a block on rules and laws. God-ordained authority (e.g., Rom 13—civil courts or church discipline, etc.) is distinct from personal, prideful condemnation. God has ordained government and (additionally) the church as authorities in believers’ lives; while God possesses the ultimate eternal judgment (and although humanity is not perfect), he has placed such institutions on earth as standard bearers for his plan and will, and God’s people are subject to them (apart from explicitly immoral laws). Thus, while Jesus says not to judge, he is mindful of the God-ordained institutions placed on earth for the benefit of his created order. Matthew 7, therefore, does not imply a rejection of rules and laws, which he has ordained himself.
God’s
People Are to Judge
In conclusion, God’s
people are expected to judge in the manner Jesus set forth. What Jesus does in
the Matthew 7 text is essentially distinguish between right judgment and wrong
judgment. Matthew’s Gospel principally contends that wrong judgment is
hypocritical, superficial, harsh, proud, and lacking mercy; nevertheless, right
judgment is merciful, self-reflecting, spiritually-discerning, loving, and
restoring. The purpose of human judgment is not to humiliate, destroy, or hate
but rather to seek restoration for a child upon whom the love of God rests.
When making judgments, therefore, believers should consider the recipients as
loved by God and one with the possibility of eternal salvation. While people do
not hold ultimate and eternal judgment, God’s command in Matthew is not merely,
“Do not judge,” but rather, “Judge in the right way.”
O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.[5]
[1] All biblical references are
taken from the English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible unless otherwise
noted.
[2]
The irony here is that often, such people are those who distort Matthew 7:1 to
fit their agenda or lifestyle.
[3]
The Greek text implies vomiting rather than merely spitting.
[4]
The same Gospel later argues, “And do not fear those who kill the body but
cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in
hell” (Matt 10:28).
[5]
“Sunday Closest to November 9,” The Lectionary Page, November 7, 2026, https://www.lectionarypage.net/YearA_RCL/Pentecost/AProp27_RCL.html.
