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.”
Luke 6:38 Meaning
In this verse, Jesus is teaching his disciples about the importance of generosity. He tells them that if they give, it will be given back to them. The measure they use in giving will determine how much they receive in return. It is a reminder that as Christians, we are called to share our blessings and help others, trusting that God will provide for our needs.
Luke 6:38 Commentary and Explanation
In Luke 6:38, Jesus presents a profound principle that speaks to the essence of generosity and abundance in our lives. He says, “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.”
As we look into this verse, we’re immediately confronted with the concept of giving. It’s not merely a suggestion but a directive from Jesus Himself. Giving is not just about material possessions; it encompasses our time, talents, and resources. We’re called to give freely, without reservation, trusting in the promise that what we give will be returned to us.
The imagery of a “good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over” vividly portrays the abundance that awaits those who give generously. It’s a picture of overflowing blessings, beyond what we could ask or imagine. This echoes the sentiment expressed in 2 Corinthians 9:6, where Paul encourages cheerful giving, knowing that God loves a cheerful giver.
Moreover, the phrase “poured into your lap” suggests a personal and intimate manner in which blessings are bestowed upon us. It’s not a distant or arbitrary act but a deliberate pouring out of God’s goodness into our lives. This aligns with the promise in Malachi 3:10, where God invites us to test Him in giving, assuring us that He will pour out blessings until there is no more need.
Yet, Jesus also emphasizes the principle of reciprocity inherent in giving. He says, “For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” This speaks to the law of sowing and reaping, echoed throughout Scripture (Galatians 6:7). Our generosity towards others sets in motion a cycle of blessing that returns to us in various forms, whether it’s material provision, spiritual enrichment, or emotional support.
However, it’s essential to note that our motives matter greatly in this equation. We’re called not to give with selfish intentions or a desire for personal gain but out of genuine love and compassion for others. Jesus Himself exemplified this selfless giving throughout His ministry, culminating in the ultimate act of sacrifice on the cross.
In essence, Luke 6:38 challenges us to adopt a lifestyle of generosity rooted in faith and trust in God’s provision. It’s an invitation to participate in God’s economy of abundance, where giving leads to receiving, and blessings flow freely. As we embrace this principle and align our hearts with God’s purposes, we become conduits of His grace, bringing light and hope to a world in need.
Also Read: Micah 7:5 Meaning and Commentary
Context of Luke 6:38
This verse is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where he teaches his disciples about various aspects of Kingdom living. In the preceding verses, Jesus talks about judging others, being merciful, and loving our enemies. He emphasizes the importance of having a transformed heart and living a life that reflects God’s love and grace.
In the larger context of the Bible, this verse aligns with the principles of sowing and reaping that are mentioned throughout. Galatians 6:7 says, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” This principle applies to all areas of life, including our generosity. When we sow seeds of generosity, we can expect to reap a harvest of blessings.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you”: This is a direct command from Jesus to be generous and to give freely without expecting anything in return.
 “A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap”: This imagery signifies the abundance of blessings that God bestows upon those who give generously.
“For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you”: Our level of generosity determines the level of blessings we receive. If we give sparingly, we limit what we can receive, but if we give generously, we open ourselves up to God’s abundant provision.
Lessons From Luke 6:38
1. Generosity leads to abundance: When Jesus says, “Give, and it will be given to you,” He is teaching us a powerful principle of sowing and reaping. Just as a farmer sows seeds and expects a harvest, when we sow seeds of generosity, we can expect a harvest of blessings. However, it’s important to note that the motive behind our giving should not be solely to receive, but rather to bless others.
God’s economy works in such a way that when we give selflessly, He multiplies our blessings in ways we cannot fathom. As Proverbs 11:24-25 states, “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”
2. Giving reflects our heart: In Luke 6:38, Jesus speaks of a “good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over.” This imagery emphasizes the quality and measure of our giving. It’s not simply about the amount we give, but the spirit in which we give. Our generosity is a reflection of our heart and our trust in God’s provision.
Are we giving with a cheerful and willing heart, or are we giving begrudgingly? The Apostle Paul encourages us in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” When our giving is motivated by love and a desire to bless others, it becomes a pleasing offering to God.
3. We cannot out-give God: When we give with open hands, trusting in God’s provision, we discover that His blessings are far greater than what we could imagine. Jesus describes the blessings as a “good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over.” This vivid imagery suggests an overflow of blessings that surpasses our expectations.
As we give generously, we position ourselves to receive God’s abundant provision in every area of our lives. This doesn’t mean that we give in order to receive material wealth alone, but rather, we trust in God’s faithfulness to meet our needs and bless us according to His perfect plan. As we read in Malachi 3:10, “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.”
4. Giving encompasses more than just material possessions: While the principle of giving in Luke 6:38 can apply to our financial resources, it is not limited to them. We can give our time, talents, love, and support to others as well. In fact, giving our time and love can sometimes have an even greater impact on someone’s life than material gifts.
We can offer a listening ear to those who are hurting, lend a helping hand to those in need, and show kindness and compassion to those around us. The Bible encourages us to “walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2). When we give ourselves to others in genuine love and selflessness, we not only bless them but also experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from being a blessing.
Biblical Translations of Luke 6:38
Luke 6:38 King James Version (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.”
Luke 6:38 English Standard Version (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.”
Luke 6:38 New Living Translation (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.”
Luke 6:38 New King James Version (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.”
Luke 6:38 Amplified Bible (AMP)
“Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over [with no space left for more]. For with the standard of measurement you use [when you do good to others], it will be measured to you in return.”
Luke 6:38 Berean Study Bible (BSB)
“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.”
Final Thoughts
Luke 6:38 serves as a reminder of the importance of generosity and the blessings that come from living a generous life. As Christians, we are called to give freely, trusting in God’s provision. When we give with open hearts, not only do we bless others, but we also position ourselves to receive God’s overflowing abundance in return. Let us aspire to be generous and experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from living a life of giving.