Strong’s Greek 4085 supplies the picture of grain or produce being pressed down so that more can be added to a container. The verb evokes compression that multiplies capacity, signaling bounty rather than scarcity. In everyday first-century markets, a merchant who “pressed down” the grain before handing it to a customer testified to honest scales and generous heart. Scripture uses the image to illustrate the overflowing generosity of God toward those who imitate His giving character.

Occurrence in Scripture

Luke 6:38 contains the sole New Testament use: “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.”

Agricultural and Commercial Background

Grain was commonly measured in a deep basket or folded garment. To “press down” the contents:
• eliminated empty air pockets, ensuring accuracy
• allowed the seller to add more until the container overflowed
• demonstrated integrity in trade (compare Leviticus 19:35-36; Deuteronomy 25:13-15)

Jesus draws on that scene to portray the lavish way heaven responds to earthly generosity.

Biblical Theology of Abundant Measure

1. The Old Testament repeatedly contrasts stingy and liberal measures. “One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.” (Proverbs 11:24)
2. The teaching of Jesus develops the principle. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more.” (Mark 4:24, cf. Matthew 7:2)
3. Paul applies it to ministry and stewardship. “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” (2 Corinthians 9:6)

The pressed-down measure embodies this divine arithmetic: giving triggers a return that outstrips the initial outlay. What looks like subtraction in earthly economics becomes multiplication under God’s rule.

Relationship to Divine Reciprocity

Luke 6 situates the verb within Jesus’ broader call to love enemies, bless persecutors, and lend without expectation of repayment (Luke 6:27-36). The “pressed down” reward forms part of a kingdom economy predicated on grace. Human benevolence is not a commercial contract with God but an indication of belonging to a Father who “is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.” The participle underscores that heaven’s response is not minimal but compressed, shaken, and spilling over—assuring disciples that self-giving love is never wasted.

Historical and Cultural Notes

• Rabbinic literature also employs the metaphor of packed and overflowing grain to describe divine recompense.
• In Roman markets, inspectors fined sellers who failed to press down dry goods; Luke’s audience immediately grasped the image of fair and abundant dealing.
• The participle form (perfect passive) implies a completed, ongoing state: the measure has already been packed tight and continues so, highlighting certainty.

Applications for Ministry and Discipleship

1. Generosity as Worship: Giving reflects confidence in God’s inexhaustible supply (Philippians 4:19).
2. Pastoral Counseling: Encourage believers struggling with scarcity to adopt kingdom-first priorities (Matthew 6:33), trusting the “pressed down” promise.
3. Missions and Benevolence: Churches model Luke 6:38 when budgets allocate substantial resources to gospel advance and mercy.
4. Ethical Commerce: Christian business owners demonstrate the principle by honest weights, fair pricing, and added value.

Related Passages for Further Study

Proverbs 11:24-25; Proverbs 19:17; Malachi 3:10; Matthew 6:19-21; Matthew 7:2; Mark 4:24-25; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5; 2 Corinthians 9:6-15; 1 Timothy 6:17-19