King James Version

What Does Luke 6:38 Mean?

Luke 6:38 in the King James Version says “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give ...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Luke 6:38 · KJV

Context

36

Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

37

Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

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.

39

And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?

40

The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. that: or, shall be perfected as his master

Read Luke 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. This verse establishes the reciprocal principle of generosity. The command "Give" (didote, δίδοτε) is a present imperative, indicating continuous, habitual giving. The promise "it shall be given unto you" (dothēsetai hymin, δοθήσεται ὑμῖν) uses divine passive—God ensures return, though often through human agents.

The description of the return uses agricultural imagery from grain measurement. "Good measure" (metron kalon, μέτρον καλόν) indicates quality and quantity. "Pressed down" (pepiesmenon, πεπιεσμένον) describes compacting grain to fit more in the container. "Shaken together" (sesaleumenon, σεσαλευμένον) means shaking to eliminate air pockets and add more grain. "Running over" (hyperekchynnomenon, ὑπερεκχυννόμενον) depicts grain overflowing the container. "Into your bosom" (eis ton kolpon hymōn, εἰς τὸν κόλπον ὑμῶν) refers to the fold of the outer garment used as a pocket for carrying grain or money.

The concluding principle, "with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again" (hō gar metrō metreite antimetrēthēsetai hymin, ᾧ γὰρ μέτρῳ μετρεῖτε ἀντιμετρηθήσεται ὑμῖν), establishes reciprocity. The verb metreō (μετρέω) means to measure out, apportion, or distribute. How we measure generosity toward others determines how generosity is measured back to us. This operates both horizontally (social reciprocity) and vertically (divine recompense). Jesus promises abundant return for generosity—not necessarily material wealth, but spiritual blessing, eternal reward, and often material provision.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Palestinian economy was primarily agricultural and operated on reciprocity and patronage systems. Wealthy landowners acted as patrons, providing for clients who offered loyalty and service in return. Hospitality was sacred obligation—refusing hospitality or failing to reciprocate could destroy social standing. Jesus' teaching on generosity operated within this cultural context but transcended it by promising divine, not merely social, reward.

Jewish teaching emphasized charity (tzedakah, from the Hebrew root meaning "righteousness"). The Torah commanded provision for the poor through gleaning laws (Leviticus 19:9-10), the sabbatical year (Deuteronomy 15:7-11), and the tithe for Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows (Deuteronomy 14:28-29). Proverbs repeatedly promises blessing for generosity: "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again" (Proverbs 19:17).

Early Christian practice embodied radical generosity. Acts 2:44-45 and 4:32-37 describe believers selling property to meet others' needs. Paul's collection for Jerusalem's poor (Romans 15:25-27, 1 Corinthians 16:1-4) demonstrated practical application of this principle. The Corinthian correspondence teaches that generous sowing produces generous reaping (2 Corinthians 9:6-11), echoing Jesus' teaching. Early Christians understood material generosity as both spiritual obedience and investment in eternal reward.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' promise of abundant return for generosity challenge both materialism and false asceticism?
  2. What is the relationship between generosity toward others and experiencing God's provision in our own lives?
  3. How can believers practice generosity motivated by love rather than by expectation of return?
  4. In what ways does the 'same measure' principle apply to judgment, mercy, and forgiveness in addition to material generosity?
  5. How should this verse shape Christian stewardship, budgeting, and attitudes toward money and possessions?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
δώσουσιν1 of 24

“Give”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

καὶ2 of 24

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

δώσουσιν3 of 24

“Give”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

ὑμῖν4 of 24

“to you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

μέτρῳ5 of 24

“measure”

G3358

a measure ("metre"), literally or figuratively; by implication, a limited portion (degree)

καλὸν6 of 24

“good”

G2570

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

πεπιεσμένον7 of 24

“pressed down”

G4085

to pack

καὶ8 of 24

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

σεσαλευμένον9 of 24

“shaken together”

G4531

to waver, i.e., agitate, rock, topple or (by implication) destroy; figuratively, to disturb, incite

καὶ10 of 24

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὑπερεκχυνόμενον11 of 24

“running over”

G5240

to pour out over, i.e., (passively) to overflow

δώσουσιν12 of 24

“Give”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

εἰς13 of 24

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸν14 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κόλπον15 of 24

“bosom”

G2859

the bosom; by analogy, a bay

ὑμῶν·16 of 24

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

τᾧ17 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γὰρ18 of 24

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

αὐτῷ19 of 24

“with the same”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

μέτρῳ20 of 24

“measure”

G3358

a measure ("metre"), literally or figuratively; by implication, a limited portion (degree)

ᾧ21 of 24

“that”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

μετρεῖτε22 of 24

“ye mete withal”

G3354

to measure (i.e., ascertain in size by a fixed standard); by implication, to admeasure (i.e., allot by rule)

ἀντιμετρηθήσεται23 of 24

“again”

G488

to mete in return

ὑμῖν24 of 24

“to you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 6:38 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 6:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 9:6-8Deuteronomy 15:10Mark 4:24Proverbs 3:9-10Matthew 7:2Proverbs 22:9

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