Chapter

Luke 6:38

ESV give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you."
NIV 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 to you."
NASB Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.'
CSB 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."
NLT Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full — pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back. '
KJV 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.
NKJV Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

What does Luke 6:38 mean?

Jesus continues to explain how His followers should treat their enemies. This choice must be influenced by understanding the Christian's status as children of God the Father. They should let go of the instinct to judge other people's actions and declare them guilty. They should release enmity in their hearts and forgive others (Luke 6:37). They should love their enemies, bless them, and pray for them (Luke 6:27–28).

The motif of giving can apply to two distinct aspects. A natural result of persecution is often poverty and hunger. Our enemies, who hate us because we follow Jesus, may sue us and take our belongings (Matthew 5:40). Jesus says to give anyway, and don't expect anything back. God will satisfy us and give us His kingdom as our birthright (Luke 6:20–21, 29–30). So, even if persecution leads to physical loss, we are free to share what we have with our enemies.

Giving can also apply to spiritual matters. Jesus exhorts us to replace judgment and condemnation with charity, choosing to forgive, instead (Luke 6:37). We should be especially quick to give these spiritual blessings considering what God has given us (Ephesians 4:32).

When we do so, we emulate our Father (Luke 6:35) and secure His blessings. The image is that of a container being filled, then tapped and shaken so the contents settle, with even more poured on top so the excess spills over into the folds of a person's robe. Jesus even promises that if we must walk away from homes and family for His sake, He will give us a new family (Luke 18:28–30; Mark 3:33–35). Ultimately, God promises us more than we could ask or imagine in eternity (1 Corinthians 2:9). This often works itself out in practical ways: those who are kind and generous often find others are more sensitive to their needs.

Matthew 7:2 takes the negative view, applying God's reciprocation with our choice to judge, not give forgiveness.
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