What does "measure you use" mean in the context of Luke 6:38? The Verse in Context “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:38) What a “Measure” Meant in Jesus’ Day • A “measure” was a standard container or scoop for grain in the marketplace. • Honest sellers filled it generously—pressed down, shaken to remove air pockets, and heaped until it overflowed. • Jesus uses that familiar scene to picture the way God responds to human giving and treatment of others. The Core Idea Behind “the Measure You Use” • It is the scale, standard, or degree by which we give, forgive, serve, or show mercy. • God mirrors that same scale back to us—yet in abundant, overflowing fashion. • This is not mechanical karma; it is the personal, gracious response of a just God who evaluates our hearts and actions (cf. 2 Corinthians 9:6; Proverbs 11:24–25). Parallel Passages Reinforcing the Principle • Matthew 7:2 — “For with the same measure you use, it will be measured to you.” • Mark 4:24 — “Pay attention to what you hear. With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more will be added to you.” • Proverbs 19:17 — “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and He will reward them for what they have done.” What “Measure” Covers in Luke 6 The broader context (vv. 27–38) speaks of: • Love for enemies • Blessing those who curse • Forgiving freely • Generous giving without expecting repayment Thus, “measure” includes attitudes, words, deeds, and material resources. Practical Takeaways • Give generously—God’s return far exceeds the initial outlay. • Deal with others mercifully—God weighs our mercy when extending His. • Adopt God’s own gracious standard, not the world’s tightfisted one. • Trust God’s promise: an overflowing reward accompanies obedience, though its timing and form rest in His wise hands. Summing It Up “Measure” speaks of our chosen standard in giving and treating others. Jesus assures that God multiplies that standard back to us—abundantly, personally, and justly. Living by a large measure reflects His character and opens us to His overflowing provision. |
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