New Testament · Gospel

Luke 6:38

Blessings and Woes

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 · Berean Standard Bible

What It Means

Luke 6:38, in plain English

Jesus promised, 'Give, and it will be given back to you — a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, poured into your lap. Whatever measure you use for others, God will use for you.'

Why it's here

This is one of the most encouraging promises Jesus ever made. Your generosity is never wasted — God returns it multiplied.

Who's speaking

Jesus makes a vivid promise about the return on generosity.

Where it sits in the story

Imagine someone pouring grain into your arms — pressing it down, shaking it to fit more, until it overflows everywhere. That's how God gives back to generous people. You can never outgive God.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

The promise of generous return employs marketplace imagery: metron kalon pepiesmenon sesaleumenon hyperekchunnomenon ("a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over") — describing how grain was measured generously. The reflexive principle: hō metrō metreite antimetrēthēsetai hymin ("the measure you use will be measured back to you").

Language and setting

The image of grain being poured into one's kolpos ("lap/bosom" — the fold of the robe used as a pocket) would be immediately vivid to an agrarian audience.

Voice

Jesus promises abundant return for generosity, using vivid marketplace imagery.

Significance

Jesus promises that generosity generates a disproportionate divine return. The imagery of overflowing measurement communicates God's lavish response to human generosity.

In context

Luke 6:36–40

36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

37Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

38Give, 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.”

39Jesus also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?

40A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.

Read all of Luke 6 — Blessed are the poor; woe to the rich. Jesus delivers his version of the great sermon and demands a love so radical it includes your enemies.

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