Lexical Summary metron: Measure Original Word: μέτρον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance measure. An apparently primary word; a measure ("metre"), literally or figuratively; by implication, a limited portion (degree) -- measure. HELPS Word-studies 3358 métron – properly, a measure (the actual measure itself); (figuratively) the basis for determining what is enough (or not enough), what is fair (or not fair), etc. 3358 /métron ("standard, measure") is the controlling basis by which something is determined as acceptable or unacceptable – preeminently rooting to the Lord Himself as His being is the only ultimate measure of truth. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition a measure NASB Translation measure (8), measurements (1), proper (1), standard (4). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3358: μέτρονμέτρον, μέτρου, τό, the Sept. chiefly for מִדָּה (cf. μήτηρ), measure; 1. an instrument for measuring; a. a vessel for receiving and determining the quantity of things, whether dry or liquid: in proverbial discourse, μέτρειν μέτρῳ, of the measure of the benefits which one confers on others, Luke 6:38; μέτρον πεπιεσμένον καί σεσαλευμένον, figuratively equivalent to most abundant requital, ibid.; πληροῦν τό μέτρον τῶν πατέρων, to add what is lacking in order to fill up their ancestors' prescribed number of crimes, Matthew 23:32 (see πληρόω, 2 a.); ἐκ μέτρου (A. V. by measure; see ἐκ, V. 3) i. e. sparingly, John 3:34 (also ἐν μέτρῳ, Ezekiel 4:11). b. a graduated staff for measuring, measuring-rod: Revelation 21:15; with ἀνθρώπου added (man's measure), such as men use, Revelation 21:17; hence, in proverbial discourse, the rule or standard of judgment: Matthew 7:2; Mark 4:24. 2. determined extent, portion measured off, measure or limit: with a genitive of the thing received, Romans 12:3; 2 Corinthians 10:13; (Ephesians 4:7); ἐν μέτρῳ, in proportion to the measure (cf. Winers Grammar, § 48, a. 3 b. and see ἐνέργεια; others, in due measure), Ephesians 4:16; the required measure, the due, fit, measure: τῆς ἡλικίας, the proper i. e. ripe, full age (see ἡλικία, 1 c.) (of a man), Ephesians 4:13 (ἡβης, Homer, Iliad 11, 225; Odyssey 11, 317; Solon 5, 52 (Poet. Min. Gr. (edited by Gaisford) 3:135)). The term translated “measure” weaves together themes of justice, equity, limitation, proportion, and divine generosity. Whether describing a literal measuring rod, the moral standard by which judgment is rendered, or the gracious allotment of spiritual gifts, the word highlights the precision, fairness, and intentionality of God’s dealings with humanity. Occurrences in the New Testament The word appears fourteen times: • Matthew 7:2; 23:32 Each context adds a facet to the biblical theology of measure. Measure in Divine Justice and Human Judgment In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warns, “For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you” (Matthew 7:2). The same principle is echoed in Mark 4:24 and Luke 6:38. Here measure functions as a reciprocating standard: the criterion one employs toward others will be applied by God toward the individual. The call is both ethical and eschatological, urging believers to adopt the just and merciful standard of God Himself. Matthew 23:32 indicts the scribes and Pharisees for filling up “the measure of your fathers,” illustrating how measure can represent the cumulative total of sin that brings eventual judgment (cf. Genesis 15:16). Measure and Grace in the Believer’s Life John 3:34 states, “For the One whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without measure”. The limitless bestowal of the Spirit upon Christ contrasts with the limited, proportional distribution of gifts to believers. Romans 12:3 urges each Christian “not to think of himself more highly than he should, but to think with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has apportioned”. Here measure tempers pride, reminding every believer that faith itself is a divine allotment, not a personal achievement. Measure, Humility, and Ministry Gifts Ephesians 4 uses the word three times, presenting a cohesive ministry framework: • 4:7: “To each one of us grace has been given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” These verses portray Christ as both Source and Standard. Spiritual gifts are distributed in precise proportion, fostering interdependence and growth toward Christlike maturity. Spiritual pride is ruled out; every contribution is valuable yet bounded. Measure and Apostolic Integrity In 2 Corinthians 10:13 Paul defends his ministry by claiming he will not boast “beyond our measure, but only within the field of influence God has assigned to us.” By respecting God-ordained boundaries, Paul models integrity and contentment, avoiding comparison and rivalry. Measure and Eschatological Fulfillment Revelation 21:15–17 depicts the angel measuring the New Jerusalem with a golden rod. The exact dimensions testify to the city’s perfection, order, and readiness as the eternal dwelling of God with His people. The act of measuring signifies both authenticity and completion of God’s redemptive plan. Historical Background In the ancient Mediterranean world, standardized measures ensured fair trade and construction accuracy. Scripture frequently rebukes dishonest scales (Leviticus 19:35–36; Proverbs 11:1). The New Testament draws upon that cultural awareness: God’s measures are always accurate, whether applied in judgment, grace, or final restoration. The golden rod in Revelation recalls temple-measuring visions in Ezekiel 40–42 and Zechariah 2, linking Old and New Testament hopes. Theological Reflection 1. God alone establishes the true measure of all things—morality, faith, gifting, and destiny. Practical Application for Church Life • Cultivate a culture of mercy, knowing the standard we use will return to us (Matthew 7:2). In every dimension—ethical, ecclesial, and eschatological—measure underscores God’s precise, righteous, and gracious ordering of His world and His people. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 7:2 N-DNSGRK: ἐν ᾧ μέτρῳ μετρεῖτε μετρηθήσεται NAS: you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, KJV: what measure ye mete, INT: with what measure you measure it will be measured again Matthew 23:32 N-ANS Mark 4:24 N-DNS Luke 6:38 N-ANS Luke 6:38 N-DNS John 3:34 N-GNS Romans 12:3 N-ANS 2 Corinthians 10:13 N-ANS 2 Corinthians 10:13 N-GNS Ephesians 4:7 N-ANS Ephesians 4:13 N-ANS Ephesians 4:16 N-DNS Revelation 21:15 N-ANS Revelation 21:17 N-ANS Strong's Greek 3358 |
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