Lexical Summary metreó: To measure, to estimate Original Word: μετρέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance estimate, measure, mete. From metron; to measure (i.e. Ascertain in size by a fixed standard); by implication, to admeasure (i.e. Allot by rule) -- figuratively, to estimate -- measure, mete. see GREEK metron HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 3354 metréō (from 3358) – literally, measure; mete out. See 3355 (metrētes). (Rev 11:1,2) This measuring relates to the holy places in the sanctuary "which symbolizes the people of God" who come "through the Tribulation" (DNTT, cf. also Ezek 40:5, 42:20; Zech 2:1). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom metron Definition to measure, measure out NASB Translation measure (7), measured (3), it will be measured (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3354: μετρέωμετρέω, μέτρῳ; 1 aorist ἐμέτρησα; 1 future passive μετρηθήσομαι; (μέτρον); from Homer, Odyssey 3, 179 down; the Sept. several times for מָדַד; to measure; i. e.: 1. to measure out or off, a. properly, any space or distance with a measurer's reed or rule: τόν ναόν, τήν αὐλήν, etc., Revelation 11:2; Revelation 21:15, 17; with τῷ καλάμῳ added, Revelation 21:16; ἐν αὐτῷ, i. e. τῷ καλάμῳ, Revelation 11:1. b. metaphorically, to judge accoding to any rule or standard, to estimate: ἐν ᾧ μέτρῳ μετρεῖτε, by what standard ye measure (others) (but the instrumental ἐν seems to point to a measure of capacity; cf. Winers Grammar, 388 (363); Buttmann, § 133, 19. On the proverb see further below), Matthew 7:2; Mark 4:24; passive to be judged, estimated, ibid.; μέτρειν ἑαυτόν ἐν ἑαυτῷ, to measure oneself by oneself, to derive from oneself the standard by which one estimates oneself, 2 Corinthians 10:12 (cf. Winer's Grammar, § 31, 8 at the end). 2. to measure to, mete out to, i. e. to give by measure: in the proverb τῷ αὐτῷ μέτρῳ ᾧ μετρεῖτε (or (so L T Tr WH) ᾧ μέτρῳ μετρεῖτε), i. e., dropping the figure, 'in proportion to your own beneficence,' Luke 6:38. (Compare: ἀντιμετρέω.) Topical Lexicon Overview of New Testament UsageThe verb translated “to measure” appears eleven times in the Greek New Testament. The Synoptic Gospels employ it to warn about reciprocal judgment and generosity (Matthew 7:2; Mark 4:24; Luke 6:38). Revelation records five occurrences that describe the angelic or prophetic act of measuring sacred space (Revelation 11:1–2; 21:15–17). Paul uses it once to expose the folly of self-reference in ministry (2 Corinthians 10:12). These three distinct settings—ethical exhortation, apocalyptic vision, and apostolic correction—together unfold a rich theology of God’s fixed standards, righteous recompense, and gracious generosity. Literal Measurement in Apocalyptic Visions Revelation twice commands measurement of the earthly temple (11:1–2) and three times details the dimensions of the New Jerusalem (21:15–17). Measurement in these visions signals ownership, protection, and perfection. • Protection: “Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod and was told, ‘Go and measure the temple of God…’” (Revelation 11:1). Delineating the worshipers marks them out for divine preservation even as outer courts face trampling. • Perfection: “The angel who spoke with me had a golden measuring rod to measure the city and its gates and walls” (Revelation 21:15). The city’s cubed symmetry (21:16) reflects God’s flawless design, recalling the Most Holy Place and proclaiming that the entire city is sanctified. • Ownership: In prophetic precedent (Ezekiel 40–48; Zechariah 2:1–5), the act of measurement declares, “This is mine.” Revelation adopts that motif, assuring embattled saints that history’s end belongs to God alone. Metaphorical Measurement and Moral Reciprocity The Synoptic sayings employ the verb to establish an unbreakable moral principle: • “For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you” (Matthew 7:2; Mark 4:24; Luke 6:38). Here measurement is the impartial principle of recompense. Whether in judgment (Matthew 7:2) or generosity (Luke 6:38), human conduct sets the scale on which God responds. The metaphor heightens personal accountability while encouraging lavish grace toward others—because divine return exceeds human giving (“and even more,” Mark 4:24). Pauline Perspective on Self-Assessment In 2 Corinthians 10:12 Paul rebukes rival teachers who “measure themselves by themselves.” The apostle exposes the futility of self-referential standards. True ministry is gauged only against the calling and commendation of the Lord (cf. 10:18). Thus the verb warns against the pride of internal comparison and summons servants of Christ to seek God’s appraisal alone. Continuity with Old Testament Imagery Old Testament prophets frequently measure temples, cities, and lands to signify impending judgment or promised restoration (2 Samuel 8:2; Isaiah 28:17; Ezekiel 40:3–5; Zechariah 2:1–5). The New Testament retention of this imagery underscores the consistency of God’s purposes: He establishes righteous order, defends His people, and prepares an eschatological dwelling of perfect proportion. Theology of Divine Standards 1. Immutable righteousness: God’s standards do not shift with culture or circumstance (Isaiah 28:17). Ministry and Discipleship Application • Preaching and teaching: Employ the reciprocity texts to cultivate mercy, generosity, and self-examination within the congregation. Historical and Cultural Background First-century measurement relied on reeds, rods, lines, and the cubit. In Revelation 21:17 both human cubits and angelic measurement merge, hinting that earthly and heavenly standards agree when God directs the assessment. The golden measuring rod in 21:15 suggests precious, incorruptible precision—no earthly fraud or fluctuation can affect God’s appraisal. Homiletical Suggestions 1. Title: “The Measure You Use.” Text: Luke 6:38. Theme: The liberality of God mirrored in generous discipleship. Conclusion Across narrative, wisdom, prophecy, and epistle, the act of measuring confronts every disciple with two questions: By whose standard will I live, and what measure will I employ toward others? Scripture answers both with the same call—to align with God’s unchanging standard and to extend to others the generous measure we ourselves have received in Christ. Forms and Transliterations εμέτρησε εμετρησεν εμέτρησεν ἐμέτρησεν μετρειτε μετρείτε μετρεῖτε μετρηθησεται μετρηθήσεται μετρήσαντες μετρήσει μετρήσεις μετρηση μετρήση μετρήσῃ μετρησης μετρήσῃς μετρησον μέτρησον μετρουντες μετρούντες μετροῦντες emetresen emetrēsen emétresen emétrēsen metreite metreîte metrese metrēsē metrḗsei metrḗsēi metrḗseis metrḗsēis metreses metrēsēs metreson metrēson métreson métrēson metrethesetai metrethḗsetai metrēthēsetai metrēthḗsetai metrountes metroûntesLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 7:2 V-PIA-2PGRK: ᾧ μέτρῳ μετρεῖτε μετρηθήσεται ὑμῖν NAS: and by your standard of measure, it will be measured KJV: measure ye mete, it shall be measured INT: what measure you measure it will be measured again to you Matthew 7:2 V-FIP-3S Mark 4:24 V-PIA-2P Mark 4:24 V-FIP-3S Luke 6:38 V-PIA-2P 2 Corinthians 10:12 V-PPA-NMP Revelation 11:1 V-AMA-2S Revelation 11:2 V-ASA-2S Revelation 21:15 V-ASA-3S Revelation 21:16 V-AIA-3S Revelation 21:17 V-AIA-3S Strong's Greek 3354 |