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 to you.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, Jesus teaches the principle of generous giving and the spiritual rewards that come from it. The command to “give” is broad and can apply to money, time, kindness, forgiveness, or any act of generosity. Jesus assures His followers that when they give with a generous and sincere heart, they will receive back even more.
The imagery of “a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over” comes from the marketplace of Jesus’ day, where grain was measured and poured into containers. Sellers would press the grain down and shake it to make room for more, ensuring that buyers received the full measure. The phrase “poured into your lap” likely refers to the long fold in the garment worn by people at the time, which could be used to carry grain or goods. Jesus is saying that when you give generously, you won’t just get back what you gave—you will receive an overflowing blessing.
This verse is not teaching a prosperity gospel (the idea that giving will always result in material wealth), but it does show that God rewards a heart of generosity. The reward could be spiritual blessings, joy, peace, or even God meeting your needs in unexpected ways.
Historical Context
In the time of Jesus, people often measured goods like grain, flour, or oil in public markets. A “good measure” referred to an honest and abundant measurement that was packed down to maximize what the customer received. Dishonest merchants might try to give less, but a good and honest seller would ensure the buyer received more than expected. Jesus uses this familiar imagery to illustrate God’s abundant generosity. Just as an overflowing measure was a sign of fairness and blessing in the marketplace, God’s blessings overflow for those who give generously.
Jewish culture also emphasized the importance of giving to others, especially the poor, widows, and orphans. The Law of Moses included instructions for leaving portions of the harvest for the needy (Leviticus 19:9-10). Generosity was seen as a way to honor God and express gratitude for His provision. However, by Jesus’ time, some people had reduced giving to a legalistic requirement rather than an act of sincere love. Jesus is calling His followers to give with a generous spirit, not out of obligation but out of a heart that reflects God’s love.
Theological Implications
This verse reveals the principle of God’s generosity. When believers give with a pure and generous heart, God responds by blessing them abundantly. This doesn’t mean that giving is a transactional act to manipulate God into blessing us. Rather, it reflects a life of trust and obedience. God rewards those who give because their generosity demonstrates faith in His provision.
Theologically, this verse also highlights the principle of sowing and reaping. In 2 Corinthians 9:6, Paul writes, “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” When believers give freely, they open themselves to receive God’s blessings—not always materially, but often in spiritual ways like peace, joy, and strengthened faith.
This verse also touches on the theme of reciprocity, where the way we treat others affects what we receive. If we give grudgingly or selfishly, we limit what we can experience of God’s generosity. But when we give freely, God’s blessings overflow in ways we may not even expect.
Literary Analysis
Luke 6:38 uses vivid imagery to drive home its message. The picture of an overflowing measure of grain symbolizes abundance, and the verbs “pressed down,” “shaken together,” and “running over” emphasize the completeness of God’s blessings. This is not just about getting back what you gave—it’s about receiving more than enough.
The structure of the verse presents a cause-and-effect relationship: giving leads to receiving. However, the focus is not on selfish motives but on the heart behind the giving. The final statement, “with the measure you use, it will be measured to you,” reinforces the idea that the way you give affects the blessings you receive. This phrase invites believers to examine their motives and level of generosity.
Biblical Cross-References
- Proverbs 11:24-25 – “One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
- 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 – “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously… God loves a cheerful giver.”
- Malachi 3:10 – “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse… Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”
- Matthew 7:2 – “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
- Acts 20:35 – “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For modern Christians, this verse encourages a lifestyle of generosity and trust in God’s provision. It challenges believers to be open-handed with their resources, whether that means giving money, time, or emotional support. When Christians give without holding back, they demonstrate their trust that God will take care of their needs.
This verse also serves as a reminder that giving is not about receiving earthly rewards. God’s blessings may come in the form of spiritual growth, strengthened relationships, or unexpected provisions. Believers can give joyfully, knowing that God sees their generosity and will bless them in His perfect way.
Additionally, this verse calls Christians to give with the right motives. Giving should not be driven by a desire for recognition or gain, but by love for God and others. When Christians give with a sincere heart, they experience the joy of participating in God’s work and seeing how He multiplies their efforts.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is the foundation of this teaching. He is a generous God who delights in giving good gifts to His children (Matthew 7:11). His blessings are not stingy or limited—they are overflowing, just like the measure described in this verse. God’s love motivates Him to give, and He calls His followers to reflect that same love by giving generously.
God’s love is also shown in His faithfulness. When believers give sacrificially, they can trust that God will provide for their needs. His love ensures that those who give in obedience will never be abandoned or left without what they truly need.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the ultimate example of giving. He gave His time, compassion, and healing to those in need during His ministry, and His greatest act of giving was sacrificing His life on the cross for the salvation of humanity. His life demonstrates that true giving often involves sacrifice but results in eternal blessings.
Through His death and resurrection, Jesus made it possible for believers to experience God’s abundant blessings, both now and in eternity. His example inspires Christians to give selflessly, trusting that God will reward them according to His will.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What are some ways you can give generously, not just financially but with your time, talents, and kindness?
- How do you feel about giving when you know there may be no immediate return or recognition?
- In what areas of your life do you need to trust God more with His provision?
- How does Jesus’ example of selfless giving inspire you to be more generous in your daily life?
- Have you experienced times when God blessed you unexpectedly after you gave generously to others? How did that strengthen your faith?