Topical Encyclopedia The phrase "pressed down" is often associated with the imagery of abundance and the overflowing blessings of God. It is most notably found in the New Testament, specifically in the teachings of Jesus Christ, where it is used to illustrate the principle of generous giving and the resultant blessings that follow.Biblical Reference: · Luke 6:38 : "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." In this passage, Jesus is teaching about the law of reciprocity in the Kingdom of God. The imagery of "pressed down" is drawn from the marketplace, where grain would be measured. To ensure a full measure, the grain would be pressed down, shaken together to eliminate any empty spaces, and then allowed to overflow. This vivid picture emphasizes the generosity and abundance of God's blessings when one gives freely and generously. Theological Significance: The concept of "pressed down" in this context underscores the principle that God rewards generosity with abundance. It reflects the character of God as one who is not only just but also exceedingly generous. The measure of blessing is not merely equal to what is given but is multiplied, indicating the overflowing nature of divine grace. Practical Application: Believers are encouraged to adopt a lifestyle of generosity, trusting in God's promise of provision and abundance. The principle of "pressed down" serves as a reminder that in God's economy, giving is not a loss but a gain, as it opens the door to receiving God's abundant blessings. This teaching challenges Christians to evaluate their attitudes towards giving, encouraging them to give not out of obligation but out of a heart of love and faith. Related Concepts: · Generosity: The act of giving freely and abundantly, reflecting the character of God. · Abundance: The state of having more than enough, often used to describe the blessings of God. · Reciprocity: The principle that what one gives will be returned in kind, often multiplied. Historical Context: In the ancient Near Eastern culture, measures of grain were a common commodity, and the practice of pressing down and shaking together was a way to ensure fairness and fullness in trade. Jesus uses this familiar practice to communicate a spiritual truth about the nature of God's kingdom and the rewards of living according to its principles. Cross-References: · Proverbs 11:25 : "A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." · 2 Corinthians 9:6 : "Consider this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." These cross-references further illustrate the biblical theme of generosity and the promise of divine reward for those who give freely. The concept of "pressed down" is thus woven into the broader biblical narrative of God's faithfulness and the call for His people to reflect His character through acts of generosity. Topical Bible Verses Luke 6:38Give, and it shall be given to you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that you mete with it shall be measured to you again. Topicalbible.org Greek 4085. piezo -- to press down ... Word Origin of uncertain origin Definition to press down NASB Word Usage pressed down (1). press down. Another form for piazo; to pack -- press down. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4085.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 5181. nacheth -- to go down, descend... to go down, descend NASB Word Usage bend (2), bring down (1), come down (1), go down (1), goes deeper (1), pressed down (1), settle (1), sunk deep (1). ... /hebrew/5181.htm - 6k 2115. zur -- to press down and out 5781. uq -- perhaps to totter, cause tottering 1980. halak -- to go, come, walk Library Our Deserts Of the Diverse Motions of Nature and of Grace Sermon for the Fourth Sunday after Trinity On the Words of the Gospel, Luke vii. 2, Etc. ; on the Three Dead ... The Blessing of Mercy, The Call by the Sea John Chapter i. 15-18 Psalm CXXX. (CXXXI. ). The Sermon on the Mount. In the Dead who were Raised by Christ we Possess the Highest Proof ... Resources What is Dynamic Monarchianism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about demonic/satanic miracles? | GotQuestions.org Who was King Saul in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Pressed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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