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Unveiling the Word

Understanding the meaning and context of Greek words in biblical studies is essential for uncovering the depth of Scripture. The Greek verb μετρέω (metreō), meaning “to measure,” first appears in Matthew 7:2. It is significant because it conveys the concept of judgment, fairness, and reciprocity in how we treat others. In New Testament interpretation, metreō is relevant for understanding passages dealing with justice, mercy, and God’s expectations of human behavior. In ancient Greek culture, metreō also had broader applications in measurement, from physical distances to metaphorical justice and fairness, making it a word rich with both practical and ethical dimensions.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μετρέω (metreō, pronounced meh-TREH-oh)

Etymology: The root of metreō is metron (μέτρον), meaning “measure” or “standard.” It is related to the idea of measuring or determining the dimensions of something, and metaphorically, to judging actions or character.

Part of Speech: Verb. As a verb, metreō describes the action of measuring, whether literal or figurative. In biblical usage, it often has connotations of judgment and the application of fairness.

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Defining Meanings

Meaning 1: To measure physically. Metreō can refer to the literal act of measuring dimensions, distances, or quantities. For example, in ancient Greek texts, it might be used to describe measuring land, weights, or volumes.

Meaning 2: To judge or evaluate. In the New Testament, metreō takes on a metaphorical sense, referring to how one measures or judges others’ actions. This usage is especially relevant in moral and ethical contexts, such as Matthew 7:2, where Jesus warns that the measure used to judge others will be applied to oneself.

Meaning 3: To distribute according to a standard. Another aspect of metreō is the idea of distribution or allocation based on a standard measurement, whether in material goods or in the treatment of others.

Exploring Similar Words

κρίνω (krinō, pronounced kree-NO): This word means “to judge” and shares a similar ethical dimension with metreō, especially when it comes to evaluating people’s actions. However, krinō focuses more on judgment as a legal or moral decision, while metreō focuses on applying a standard.

ἀντιμετρέω (antimetreō, pronounced an-tee-meh-TREH-oh): This word means “to measure in return” or “to measure against.” It is closely related to metreō and emphasizes reciprocity, highlighting the biblical principle that the way we measure others will be reflected back to us.

ἄγγελος (angelos, pronounced AN-gel-os): While this word means “messenger,” it is sometimes linked with judgment in the New Testament, especially in apocalyptic literature where angels are seen as agents of divine measurement or judgment.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood:
μετρέω is a verb that can be conjugated in different tenses to indicate the time of the action. In Matthew 7:2, the verb is used in the future passive tense, showing that the action of measuring will be applied back to the one who measures others.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

Metreō is a key word in understanding fairness and judgment in the New Testament. Lexicons describe it as both a physical and metaphorical term, used to indicate the act of measuring but also to warn against unfair judgment. In Matthew 7:2, the usage emphasizes reciprocal justice—how one judges others will determine how one is judged. In other parts of the New Testament, metreō reinforces themes of equity, fairness, and divine judgment, particularly in contexts where moral and ethical standards are being discussed.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

• Matthew 7:2: “For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure [μετρέω] you use, it will be measured to you.”
• Mark 4:24: “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure [μετρέω] you use, it will be measured to you.”
• Luke 6:38: “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure [μετρέω], pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The word metreō plays a significant role in the New Testament’s teaching on justice, fairness, and reciprocity. Its literal meaning, “to measure,” extends into the moral sphere, where it symbolizes how judgment and fairness are meted out. The concept is central to understanding how Christians should interact with others—what we give, whether in judgment, mercy, or generosity, is what we will receive in return. The classical usage of metreō also emphasizes physical measurement, but biblical usage heightens its moral and spiritual significance. Whether describing the fair division of resources or the judgment of character, metreō underscores the importance of applying a standard of fairness.

Did You Know?

• The word metreō shares the same root as the English word “meter,” which also refers to measurement.
• In the Septuagint, metreō is often used in contexts of divine judgment or allocation of land, making it a word with both literal and theological weight.
• The verb metreō was used by ancient Greek philosophers to describe the application of justice, fairness, and balance in the governance of society.