Did Jesus really say "judge not"?

Yes. It is Jesus speaking in Matthew 7:1-2, part of the Sermon on the Mount. The phrase is quoted accurately. What is usually missing is the context: the surrounding verses explain that he is warning against hypocritical judgment, the kind that condemns others while ignoring one's own faults.

Does the Bible say never to judge anything?

No. The same Jesus said in John 7:24 to "judge righteous judgment," and the New Testament repeatedly calls for discernment. Matthew 7 forbids hypocritical, measure-for-measure condemnation, illustrated by the beam in one's own eye, not honest, humble assessment of right and wrong.

Why is "judge not" so often misused?

Because the first two words make a convenient way to end a disagreement. But quoting them alone ignores what Jesus said next and what he said elsewhere. Taken whole, his teaching is about the manner and heart of judgment, not a blanket ban on ever forming a moral view.

Does the Bible say it?

"Judge not": is it in the Bible?

Yes. Jesus said "Judge not, that ye be not judged," in Matthew 7:1-2. But it is often misused to mean never assess anyone or anything. The very next verses target hypocrisy, and the same Jesus said in John 7:24 to judge righteous judgment. The warning is against hypocritical, measure-for-measure condemnation, not against all discernment.

VerdictActually in the Bible

What it actually is

The words are Jesus', from the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 7:1-2. The point is stated in the same breath: the measure you use will be measured back to you, and the following verses picture a man with a beam in his own eye trying to remove a speck from another's. The target is hypocritical judgment, not judgment itself.

The phrase is now used as a conversation-stopper meaning "never evaluate anyone." But the same Jesus said in John 7:24, "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment," and elsewhere the New Testament calls believers to discern. Read honestly, Matthew 7 forbids the self-blind, condemning judgment that ignores one's own faults.

What the Bible actually says

Here are Jesus' words in context, including the reason he gives:

“Judge not, that ye be not judged.”

Matthew 7:1

“For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.”

Matthew 7:2

“Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.”

John 7:24

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A better question than the quote

Behind every “is this in the Bible?” is a gentler one: what does the Bible actually say, and who is the Jesus at the center of it? You do not have to take our word for it, ours least of all. Read his own words and see for yourself. It costs nothing but a little quiet and an honest look.

Meet Jesus His words and acts Read the Gospel of John

Jesus Christ is Lord.

Frequently asked questions

Did Jesus really say "judge not"?: Yes. It is Jesus speaking in Matthew 7:1-2, part of the Sermon on the Mount. The phrase is quoted accurately. What is usually missing is the context: the surrounding verses explain that he is warning against hypocritical judgment, the kind that condemns others while ignoring one's own faults.
Does the Bible say never to judge anything?: No. The same Jesus said in John 7:24 to "judge righteous judgment," and the New Testament repeatedly calls for discernment. Matthew 7 forbids hypocritical, measure-for-measure condemnation, illustrated by the beam in one's own eye, not honest, humble assessment of right and wrong.
Why is "judge not" so often misused?: Because the first two words make a convenient way to end a disagreement. But quoting them alone ignores what Jesus said next and what he said elsewhere. Taken whole, his teaching is about the manner and heart of judgment, not a blanket ban on ever forming a moral view.

Explore furtherWho is Jesus Christ?Is it in the Bible? All verdicts Explore the Bible