Luke 6:38
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)
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The "good measure" described isn't just generous; it's an overflowing abundance, vividly pictured by ancient dry measures being crammed down, shaken, and piled high until they spill over. This image emphasizes that God's return for our giving isn't merely equal, but superabundant, far exceeding what we might expect.
Following a night of prayer, Jesus calls the twelve apostles and then addresses a large crowd with His core teachings on discipleship, contrasting the blessedness of those who follow Him with the woes awaiting those who reject Him. This leads into practical instructions on how His followers should live, including how to interact with others, beginning with the commands to not judge and to forgive. Jesus then directly links these attitudes to how God will treat them, emphasizing a principle of reciprocity in both judgment and generosity.
Ever feel like your giving gets lost in the shuffle? Jesus paints a picture of generosity that's far from meager. It's an abundant, overflowing response from God.
Jesus uses vivid imagery here, drawing from the practices of Jewish merchants measuring out dry goods.
The Full Measure:
This isn't just about physical goods; it points to the incredible, abundant way God responds to our generosity. It’s a promise that when we give, God doesn’t just give back a little; He gives back abundantly, exceeding all expectations.
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Jesus connects our giving directly to how we receive. It’s a divine law of reciprocity that shapes our relationship with God and others.
The second part of the verse states: 'For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.' This is a foundational principle in Jesus' teaching, often called the law of reciprocity.
How We Measure Matters:
This isn't a transactional formula to get rich, but a divine principle that encourages a generous spirit, knowing that our heavenly Father rewards that spirit abundantly.
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 directly echoes the principle of sowing and reaping, stating that generous people will prosper, just as Luke 6:38 promises abundant return for giving.
Matthew 7:1-2Jesus links the manner in which we judge others to how we ourselves will be judged, which is a parallel principle to the 'measure for measure' concept in Luke 6:38.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8This passage from Paul's letter emphasizes cheerful and generous giving, promising that God will provide abundantly for those who give, mirroring the overflowing measure promised in Luke's Gospel.
Malachi 3:10The prophet Malachi calls God's people to 'bring the full tithe into the storehouse' and promises that God will 'open the heavens and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need,' which is a divine guarantee of overflowing provision for obedience in giving.
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 "good measure" described isn't just generous; it's an overflowing abundance, vividly pictured by ancient dry measures being crammed down, shaken, and piled high until they spill over. This image emphasizes that God's return for our giving isn't merely equal, but superabundant, far exceeding what we might expect.
Following a night of prayer, Jesus calls the twelve apostles and then addresses a large crowd with His core teachings on discipleship, contrasting the blessedness of those who follow Him with the woes awaiting those who reject Him. This leads into practical instructions on how His followers should live, including how to interact with others, beginning with the commands to not judge and to forgive. Jesus then directly links these attitudes to how God will treat them, emphasizing a principle of reciprocity in both judgment and generosity.
Following a night of prayer, Jesus calls the twelve apostles and then addresses a large crowd with His core teachings on discipleship, contrasting the blessedness of those who follow Him with the woes awaiting those who reject Him. This leads into practical instructions on how His followers should live, including how to interact with others, beginning with the commands to not judge and to forgive. Jesus then directly links these attitudes to how God will treat them, emphasizing a principle of reciprocity in both judgment and generosity.
"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 "good measure" described isn't just generous; it's an overflowing abundance, vividly pictured by ancient dry measures being crammed down, shaken, and piled high until they spill over. This image…
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