MOTE (κάρφος, G2847). A word used metaphorically by Jesus to denote a minor fault. The Gr. word refers to a minute bit of anything, like wood, straw, or even wool, that might be flying about and enter the eye (Matt 7:3ff.; Luke 6:41f. [RSV SPECK]). Jesus contrasted the minuteness of the mote with a beam that supports the roof of a building.