ἀντιμετρέω (antimetreō)
antimetreō
to return
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb antimetreō means to measure something back or in return, conveying the idea of giving an equivalent amount. It combines a prefix indicating "against" or "in exchange" with the root for measuring, creating a vivid image of reciprocity. This word appears only once in the New Testament, in Luke 6:38.
In that passage, Jesus uses this specific term to describe how God responds to generosity. When people give freely, they will receive back in equal measure. The word emphasizes proportionality; the measure given determines the measure received. Translators often render it as "pour out" or "give back," but the underlying concept remains one of balanced return.
Its rarity makes this single occurrence significant. It anchors a teaching on generosity by using a concrete, commercial metaphor familiar to ancient listeners. The word does not imply profit or gain in a selfish sense, but rather the faithful return of what was sown. This unique usage highlights the principle that kindness creates a cycle of abundance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word antimetreō paints a picture of exact reciprocity. In ancient markets, fairness meant that what went out came back in equal weight. Jesus uses this commercial image to describe God’s generosity. When you give freely, the return matches your gift. This is not about profit but about faithful exchange.
Consider Luke 6:38. The text says the measure you use will be measured back to you. If you pour out kindness, you receive it in full. This principle invites trust in God’s justice. It reassures us that our acts of love are never lost.
This teaching encourages a life of open-handed giving. We do not keep what we have but share it with others. The promise is that God will return what was given, often in ways we cannot predict. This cycle of abundance strengthens our faith and community.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- it will be re-measured1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀντιμετρηθήσεται1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be given to you. For with the same measure you measure it will be measured back to you.”
This verse uses antimetreō to define the principle that the standard of generosity one applies to others determines the measure of blessing received from God.