Easton's Bible Dictionary: M. G. Easton, M.A., D.D.
Occurs in the Authorized Version as the rendering of various Hebrew words. In 1 Sam. 17:7, it means a weaver's frame or principal beam; in Hab. 2:11, a crossbeam or girder; 2 Ki. 6:2, 5, a cross-piece or rafter of a house; 1 Ki. 7:6, an architectural ornament as a projecting step or moulding; Ezek. 41:25, a thick plank. In the New Testament the word occurs only in Mt. 7:3, 4, 5, and Lk. 6:41, 42, where it means (Gr.dokos) a large piece of wood used for building purposes, as contrasted with "mote" (Gr.karphos), a small piece or mere splinter. "Mote" and "beam" became proverbial for little and great faults.