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κάρφος

kárphos

G2595 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A small, dry piece of plant matter such as a straw, splinter, or fragment—typically the light, withered remains of grass, stalks, or wood. In extended or figurative contexts, especially in moral or didactic speech, it denotes a minor fault or a trivial defect, often contrasted with something much larger or more serious.

Semantic Range

dry fragment (of straw, wood, or grass), splinter, speck, small piece of plant debris, minor imperfection (figurative)

Root / Etymology

κάρφος derives from a root meaning 'to dry up, to wither.' It is etymologically connected to the verb καίρω (to dry up), whose usage is attested in earlier Greek. Related forms appear in classical Greek as κάρφος (dry twig, splinter, particle of straw).

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek (e.g., Aristophanes, Herodotus), κάρφος referred to any small, dry fragment of plant matter—most commonly straw, chaff, or splinters of wood. Its usage was concrete, referring to commonplace agricultural or household debris. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, including the Septuagint and New Testament (notably Matthew 7:3–5; Luke 6:41–42), the term gained a metaphorical sense in contrast to δοκός (a beam, plank): here, κάρφος stands for a minor flaw, while δοκός represents a grave or major fault. Standard English translations render κάρφος as 'mote,' 'speck,' or 'splinter.' However, 'mote' has become archaic in modern English, sometimes obscuring the everyday, prosaic force of the term in Greek. The word does not carry a uniquely religious or ethical nuance outside specific figurative contexts, and it lacks the technical connotations sometimes read into it by later interpretation.

Translation Consistency

primary "speck" 6 occurrences

'Speck' is a natural, concise English noun that captures the small, insignificant piece of plant matter (straw/splinter) and also works well for the common figurative sense of a minor fault or trivial defect. It is more general and idiomatic than 'splinter' or 'chaff' and fits the typical usage across the occurrences.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from (to wither); a dry twig or straw:--mote.

Root Family

κάρφος (karphos) — to dry, to wither; dry fragment; splinter; small withered piece

Root καρφ- to dry, to wither

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2595-01 κάρφος karphos N ACC N SG speck a dry splinter a dry speck 6

Occurrences in Scripture

6 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2595-01 Matthew 7:3 κάρφος karphos N ACC N SG speck a dry splinter a dry speck
G2595-01 Matthew 7:4 κάρφος karphos N ACC N SG mote a dry splinter a dry speck
G2595-01 Matthew 7:5 κάρφος karphos N ACC N SG speck a dry splinter a dry speck
G2595-01 Luke 6:41 κάρφος karphos N ACC N SG speck a dry splinter a dry speck
G2595-01 Luke 6:42 κάρφος karphos N ACC N SG speck a dry splinter a dry speck
G2595-01 Luke 6:42 κάρφος karphos-2 N ACC N SG speck a dry splinter a dry speck
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