Luke 6:38
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.
Luke 6:38 (KJV)
Context
Luke 6:38 is part of Jesus’ teaching known as the Sermon on the Plain. In this sermon, Jesus addresses His disciples and a large crowd, sharing important principles of kingdom living. The verse immediately follows Jesus’ instruction not to judge or condemn, and to forgive, establishing giving as part of a broader ethic of mercy and generosity.
Meaning
Jesus starts the verse with the instruction to give. Giving is a fundamental principle of the Christian life. It goes beyond financial giving and includes giving of our time, resources, love, and forgiveness. Jesus teaches that generosity is not only a commandment but also a way to receive blessings from God.
The verse highlights the reciprocal nature of giving and receiving. It emphasizes that as we give, it will be given unto us. The measure we use in giving will determine the measure we receive. God’s economy operates on the principle of sowing and reaping. When we give generously, God blesses us in return.
The verse describes the manner in which our giving will be returned to us. It uses vivid imagery to convey the idea of abundance. The phrases “good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over” depict a container filled beyond its capacity. This imagery, drawn from agricultural and commercial practice, suggests that God’s blessings will overflow and surpass our expectations. The phrase “into your bosom” refers to the large fold in the front of a Jewish garment, which served as a pocket or bag capable of holding a large quantity of goods.
The second half of the verse states the principle of reciprocity: “with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” This indicates that the standard or proportion one uses in giving to others becomes the standard applied in return. The promise of an overflowing return is given to encourage liberality and trust in God’s provision.
While the verse speaks about giving, it also emphasizes the motive behind our giving. Jesus encourages us to give with a generous and compassionate heart, not with a mindset of selfishness or manipulation. True giving is not about seeking personal gain but about blessing others and trusting in God’s provision. The surrounding context, including the command to lend expecting nothing in return (Luke 6:35), suggests the motivation for giving should not be a calculated desire for repayment, but rather a reflection of the Father’s mercy, who is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
Application
Luke 6:38 challenges us to examine our attitude towards giving. It encourages us to be generous, selfless, and cheerful givers, knowing that our giving will be multiplied and returned to us. We should not give with the sole intention of receiving, but rather out of a genuine desire to bless others and honor God.
This verse also invites us to trust in God’s faithfulness. When we give, we are entrusting our resources to Him, believing that He will provide for our needs. God promises to take care of His faithful children, and we can rely on His provision as we practice generosity.
Reflection
Luke 6:38 teaches us about the principle of giving and receiving in the context of the Christian life. It calls us to be generous, selfless givers, trusting in God’s provision and knowing that He will bless us abundantly in return. It is a reminder that our attitude towards giving reflects our trust in God’s faithfulness and our love for others.
