give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The promise of an overflowing return isn't just about getting more back; it's about experiencing a generosity that literally overflows the containers, reflecting the boundless nature of God's own giving. This imagery speaks to a dynamic of blessing that is so abundant it spills out, far beyond what we can hold.
give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just finished teaching the crowds about the radical nature of God’s kingdom, contrasting it with the ways of the world. He’s told them to love their enemies and be merciful, and now he emphasizes generosity, explaining that giving freely will result in receiving abundantly, with a powerful reminder that the way we treat others is the very way God will treat us.
Ever wonder if being generous actually pays off? Jesus here lays out a principle that sounds a lot like 'what goes around, comes around.'
Jesus is teaching a core principle of God's economy: giving is met with receiving. But it's not just a tit-for-tat transaction. The imagery Jesus uses—'good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over'—paints a picture of abundance. This isn't about getting back exactly what you gave, but about experiencing God's lavish generosity in return for your own liberality. The 'measure' you use isn't just about the amount you give, but the spirit with which you give. A stingy, reluctant 'giving' will be met with a grudging 'receiving.' But a generous, open-hearted 'giving' invites an overflowing abundance from God, often through the people He places in our lives.
What does Jesus mean by giving 'into your bosom'? It's an ancient image that speaks volumes about how we should live and share.
The 'bosom' here refers to the fold of a loose outer garment, common in ancient Middle Eastern culture, which could hold a significant amount – essentially a built-in pocket. When Jesus says our generosity will be returned 'into your bosom,' He’s using a vivid, tangible image. It means generosity doesn't just float away; it comes back to us in practical, abundant ways. This isn't just about spiritual blessings; it’s about material provision, help, and abundance flowing back into our lives. The act of 'giving' here is practical—sharing resources with those in need. The return is equally practical, filling our own 'bosoms' with what we need, often through the kindness of others.
Ask a follow-up
Jesus places giving right next to 'judge not' and 'forgive.' Why is generosity so central to His teaching on how we should treat others?
In Luke 6, Jesus presents a series of commands: 'Judge not,' 'condemn not,' 'forgive,' and 'give.' These aren't isolated instructions but flow together to describe the character of God's kingdom. The tendency to judge and condemn often stems from a place of insecurity or a desire to elevate ourselves. Jesus counters this with forgiveness and, crucially, with generosity. True generosity erodes the critical spirit because it focuses on outward expression rather than inward judgment. When we freely give, we acknowledge our dependence on God’s provision and His grace, which in turn makes us less inclined to harshly judge or withhold forgiveness from others. Generosity becomes the active expression of a forgiving and humble heart.
Understand the original words
metrō · Greek Noun
A tool for assessment or quantity used to determine the portion or standard given to others. Metaphorically, it represents the standard of conduct or judgment one applies to others, which then serves as the basis for how one is treated.
This passage echoes the principle of generosity, stating that those who give freely will prosper, and those who withhold will suffer want, directly paralleling Luke 6:38's promise of abundance for givers.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8Paul explicitly connects cheerful giving with God's ability to provide abundantly, using similar imagery of overflowing provision, which reinforces the spirit of Luke 6:38.
Matthew 7:1-2This passage directly precedes and follows the Luke 6:38 saying in Matthew's Gospel, linking the principle of 'measuring back' to how we judge others, showing a broader application of reciprocal action.
Deuteronomy 15:10This Old Testament law promises a blessing from God for giving generously to the needy, demonstrating that the principle of sowing and reaping in generosity has deep roots in God's covenant with His people.
gillLuke 6:38: "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."
Give, and it shall be given unto you,.... Give liberally of your worldly substance to indigent persons, as you have an opportunity, according to your ability, and as cases require: and it shall be returned again to great advantage; with great recompense, either in tem…
barnesLuke 6:38: "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."
Good measure - They shall give you good measure, or "full" measure. Pressed down - As figs or grapes might be, and thus many more might be put into the measure. Shaken together - To make it more compact, and thus to give more. Running over - So full that the measure w…
The promise of an overflowing return isn't just about getting more back; it's about experiencing a generosity that literally overflows the containers, reflecting the boundless nature of God's own giving. This imagery speaks to a dynamic of blessing that is so abundant it spills out, far beyond what we can hold.
Jesus has just finished teaching the crowds about the radical nature of God’s kingdom, contrasting it with the ways of the world. He’s told them to love their enemies and be merciful, and now he emphasizes generosity, explaining that giving freely will result in receiving abundantly, with a powerful reminder that the way we treat others is the very way God will treat us.
Jesus has just finished teaching the crowds about the radical nature of God’s kingdom, contrasting it with the ways of the world. He’s told them to love their enemies and be merciful, and now he emphasizes generosity, explaining that giving freely will result in receiving abundantly, with a powerful reminder that the way we treat others is the very way God will treat us.
"give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”" — The promise of an overflowing return isn't just about getting more back; it's about experiencing a generosity that literally overflows the containers, reflecting the boundless nature of God's own giv…
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Last reviewed October 2026