What does “pressed down, shaken together, and running over” mean in Luke 6:38?

Answer

In Luke 6, Jesus explains how His devoted followers should live. In verses 27–38, He focuses on inner attitudes, instructing His disciples to nurture a spirit of forgiveness, grace, and love: “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 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” (verses 37–38, NLT).

Jesus reminds us that we will harvest what we plant and in the same measure. If we desire not to face judgment and condemnation, we must refrain from judging and condemning others. If we seek abundant forgiveness, then we must generously show forgiveness to others (Matthew 6:14; Matthew 18:21-35; Ephesians 4:32). We should treat others as we would like to be treated if we were in their place «And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. », (Luke 6:31). If our focus is solely on accumulating possessions for ourselves, we will end up losing everything «For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? », (Luke 9:25). However, if we live our lives generously sharing God’s grace, forgiveness, and love with others, we will receive in return “a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over” «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 theIn the same measure that you mete withal, it shall be measured to you again.” (Luke 6:38).

The term “pressed down, shaken together” described the measuring practice of a generous merchant in Bible times. In the original Greek, the word translated as “pressed down” (piezomai) means “to be or become compacted by downward force or pressure.” “Shaken together” (saleuomai) denotes the process of agitating an ingredient in a back-and-forth motion until it becomes tightly packed and settled.

For instance, an open-handed seller of barley grain would pour his grain into a measuring jar or basket, then press it down and shake it together to maximize the space. He would do this until the grain overflowed, ensuring the full grain volume would be given. The contents were then spilled into the recipient’s lap, who folded his outer garment like a pocket and used it to transport the grain (see Ruth 3:15).

Jesus used the “pressed down, shaken together” illustration to help us understand a principle of reciprocity in our treatment of others and our approach to life. He said we will get back to the degree we are willing to invest in others and in this life—”The amount you give will determine the amount you get back” (verse 38). Jesus wasn’t focused on financial giving here. He was talking about everything we do, urging us to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and these things shall be added unto you.”, (Matthew 6:33).

Are we stingy with our grace, kindness, forgiveness, and love toward others, or are we lavishing these gifts to the same degree Jesus poured them out on us? We cannot love like Jesus in our strength, but only through the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5; Galatians 5:22-23).

Although Jesus wasn’t explicitly talking about monetary giving in Luke 6:38, the “pressed down shaken together” principle does apply: “Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything” (Proverbs 11:24; NLT; see also Proverbs 11:25; see also Proverbs 22:9; Malachi 3:10). The apostle Paul taught, “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” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8; see also 2 Corinthians 9:9-11).