Meaning of Luke 6:38

This verse from Luke's Gospel, spoken by Jesus, articulates a fundamental principle of divine reciprocity and generosity, often summarized as the law of sowing and reaping in a spiritual context. Jesus is not merely offering a transactional quid pro quo, but rather describing a principle of divine economy where the attitude and extent of one's giving directly influences the abundance of what one receives, both materially and spiritually, from God. The imagery of a "good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over" emphasizes an overflowing, abundant return, far exceeding the initial measure of giving. This principle is rooted in the character of God, who is inherently generous, and it encourages believers to mirror that generosity in their interactions with others and in their offering to God.

Context and Background

Jesus delivers these words in the Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6:20-49), a discourse that parallels Matthew's Sermon on the Mount. In this section, Jesus is instructing his disciples and the crowds on the nature of the Kingdom of God, emphasizing a radical ethic that contrasts sharply with the prevailing societal norms. Immediately preceding verse 38, Jesus speaks of not judging others (6:37) and of showing mercy. Therefore, the call to give is situated within a broader exhortation to a merciful, non-judgmental, and self-sacrificing attitude that characterizes true discipleship and reflects God's own benevolent nature.

Key Themes and Messages

• Generosity as a Divine Principle: The verse establishes giving not as an optional act of charity, but as an inherent principle of God's interaction with humanity.
• Reciprocity and Abundance: It promises a return for what is given, emphasizing that this return will be abundant and overflowing.
• Proportionality: The "measure" used in giving is directly correlated to the "measure" received, highlighting the importance of the spirit and extent of one's giving.
• Stewardship: Implicitly, this verse speaks to how believers are to steward the resources God has entrusted to them, using them for His purposes and for the benefit of others.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this verse calls believers to a posture of open-handedness, trusting that God will honor their obedience and generosity. It encourages a shift from a mindset of scarcity and self-preservation to one of abundance and trust in God's provision. This giving is not limited to financial matters; it extends to time, talents, compassion, forgiveness, and any resource God has provided. The "measure" used relates to the motive behind the giving – is it grudging or cheerful? Is it a token offering or a sincere outpouring? The spiritual fruit of such giving includes increased faith, deeper joy, a greater sense of God's presence, and the experience of His abundant provision in one's own life.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The principle of reciprocal blessing for generosity is woven throughout Scripture. From the Old Testament promises of God blessing Abraham and his descendants for obedience (Genesis 12:1-3) to the New Testament emphasis on cheerful giving (2 Corinthians 9:7), the theme of God rewarding those who are open-handed and obedient is consistent. Jesus' teaching here aligns with the Old Testament concept of tzedakah (righteousness/justice often expressed through giving) and the prophetic calls for justice and care for the poor. It also foreshadows the ultimate act of divine giving: God giving His Son for the world (John 3:16), an act that elicits a response of faith and love from humanity.

Analogies

• Farming: The imagery of a farmer sowing seeds and reaping a harvest is a direct analogy. A farmer who sows a small amount of seed will reap a small harvest, but one who sows generously can expect a bountiful yield. The "pressed down, shaken together and running over" describes a harvest so abundant that it overflows the container.
• A Well: Imagine drawing water from a well. If you dip your bucket in only a little, you get only a little water. If you dip it in fully and repeatedly, you draw more. Likewise, the measure of our giving determines the abundance of what we draw from God's inexhaustible reservoir of blessing.
• A Recipient: Think of a child receiving a gift. The more enthusiastically and generously the gift is given, the more joy and appreciation it brings. The principle here is that God, in His perfect love, responds to our generous spirit with an even greater outpouring of His grace and provision.

Relation to Other Verses

• 2 Corinthians 9:6-8: "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." This passage directly echoes Luke 6:38, emphasizing the correlation between sowing (giving) and reaping (receiving), and highlighting the importance of a cheerful attitude in giving.
• Proverbs 11:24-25: "One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds more than is due, and comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." This Old Testament proverb articulates a similar principle of prosperity and refreshment that accompanies generosity.
• Malachi 3:10: "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. 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." This verse speaks of God's promise of abundant blessing in response to faithful tithing, demonstrating a specific application of the principle of generous giving.
• Matthew 7:2: "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the same measure you use, it will be measured to you.” This verse, also from Jesus' teachings, uses similar language of "measure" to illustrate the principle of divine reciprocity regarding judgment, reinforcing the broader theme of how our actions and attitudes are mirrored back to us by God.