ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Matthew 7

Matt. 7:1–2 Judge not forbids pronouncing another person guilty before God. But see note on vv. 3–5.

Matt. 7:3–5 The metaphor of a log in your own eye is an intentional overstatement (compare 5:29–30). then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. Jesus does not forbid all evaluation or judgment of others. However, only the person who feels grieved and humbled over his own sin is able to help remove the “speck” from others. What Jesus rules out is pride that views oneself as better than others.

Matt. 7:6 In the ancient world, dogs were usually scavengers, not pets (15:26–27; Ps. 59:14–15). Jews used the term to describe unclean people and enemies (1 Sam. 17:43; Ps. 22:16). Pigs were unclean according to OT law. Pearls symbolize the great value of the message of the kingdom of heaven (compare Matt. 13:45–46). Believers should wisely recognize the true character of people and not indefinitely continue proclaiming the gospel to those who keep on rejecting it (compare 10:14; Acts 13:46).

Matt. 7:7–11 Ask . . . seek . . . knock. Disciples should come to God in humility and awareness of their need. They should actively pursue God’s will and persist in prayer. They can be confident their Father will provide what is best for them, according to his will.

Matt. 7:11 You . . . who are evil is an example of the “how much more” arguments frequently used in Matthew and Luke (e.g., Matt. 10:25; 12:12; Luke 11:13; 12:24; compare Heb. 9:13–14).

Matt. 7:12 do also to them. Known as “the Golden Rule,” this verse summarizes the teaching of the Law and the Prophets (see Lev. 19:18; Deut. 6:4–9; and note on Matt. 5:17).

Matt. 7:13–14 narrow gate. The way to eternal life is through Jesus alone (see note on Acts 4:12). destruction. Eternal punishment and separation from God.

Matt. 7:15–20 Beware of false prophets. The prophet’s life and the results of his influence on others are the fruits that show whether his message is consistent with the teachings of Jesus. fire. Future judgment.

Matt. 7:22 mighty works. Compare Acts 19:13–16.

Matt. 7:24–27 hears these words of mine and does them. Jesus ends the Sermon on the Mount with a parable. He draws a dividing line between himself and any other foundation for life. The evidence of whether one is truly a believer is in whether one does the words of Jesus (see James 1:22–23; 2:20–22; and notes on James 1:23–24).

Matt. 7:25 the rain fell, and the floods came. During the hot summer months, the sand around the Sea of Galilee was hard on the surface. But a wise builder knew that he needed to dig several feet below the surface to bedrock in order to establish the foundation for his house.

Matt. 7:28–29 The scribes cite other rabbis; Jesus has divine authority because of who he is.