Matthew 7:2

KJV

For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1722} with {G3739} what {G1063} judgment {G2917} ye judge {G2919}, ye shall be judged {G2919}: and {G2532} with {G1722} what {G3739} measure {G3358} ye mete {G3354}, it shall be measured {G488} to you {G5213} again {G488}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the way you judge others is how you will be judged -- the measure with which you measure out will be used to measure to you.

Berean Standard Bible

For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

American Standard Version

For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured unto you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 7:2, a pivotal verse within Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, articulates a profound principle of divine reciprocity: the standard of judgment and measure we apply to others will be precisely the standard by which we ourselves are judged and measured by God. This teaching serves as a stern warning against harsh, hypocritical, or uncharitable criticism, urging believers instead toward a posture of mercy, humility, and self-examination, recognizing that the grace we extend to others is the grace we will ultimately receive.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus’ direct command in [Matthew 7:1](/matthew/7-1 "Matthew 7:1 - Do Not Judge"), "Judge not, that ye be not judged." Matthew 7:2 functions as the foundational rationale for this prohibition, explaining the inevitable consequence of judgmental behavior. It sets the stage for the subsequent illustrations of hypocrisy, particularly the famous analogy of the "mote and beam" in [Matthew 7:3-5](/matthew/7-3-5 "Matthew 7:3-5 - The Mote and the Beam"), which further underscores the necessity of self-assessment before criticizing others. The broader context is the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount"), where Jesus systematically redefines righteousness, moving beyond external legalism to address the heart and internal motivations, emphasizing radical love, mercy, and genuine discipleship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judaism, there was a strong emphasis on adherence to the Mosaic Law and the traditions of the elders. This often led to a culture where religious leaders (Pharisees and scribes) meticulously scrutinized the behavior of others, frequently condemning those who did not meet their rigorous standards. Jesus’ teaching here directly challenges this prevailing judgmental spirit. The concept of "measure" (μέτρον) was a common idiom in both Jewish and Hellenistic thought, signifying a standard or rule by which things were assessed or dispensed. The idea of divine reciprocity—that God repays according to one's deeds—was also deeply ingrained in Jewish theology, found in passages like [Psalm 18:25-26](/psalms/18-25-26 "Psalm 18:25-26 - God's Reciprocity") and [Proverbs 24:12](/proverbs/24-12 "Proverbs 24:12 - God Weighs the Heart"). Jesus here applies this established principle specifically to the realm of interpersonal judgment.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme is **Divine Reciprocity**, asserting that the criteria and severity of our judgment towards others will be mirrored in God's judgment of us. This is not merely a human tit-for-tat but a divinely ordained principle of justice and consequence. Closely related is the theme of **Mercy**, as Jesus implicitly encourages a merciful and gracious approach, understanding that such a standard will be returned. This aligns with other teachings in the Sermon, such as "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy" ([Matthew 5:7](/matthew/5-7 "Matthew 5:7 - The Beatitudes: Blessed are the Merciful")). Finally, the verse strongly calls for **Self-Examination** and humility. Before attempting to correct others, one must first critically assess one's own spiritual condition and motives, preventing spiritual arrogance and hypocrisy, a point Jesus elaborates on in [Matthew 7:3-5](/matthew/7-3-5 "Matthew 7:3-5 - The Mote and the Beam").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Judgment (Greek, _kríma_):** From G2917, meaning "a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ('crime')):--avenge, condemned, condemnation, damnation, + go to law, judgment." In this context, _kríma_ refers to the act or result of judging, a verdict, or a condemnation. It emphasizes the critical evaluation and the accompanying sentence or pronouncement. The phrase "with what judgment ye judge" highlights the *quality*, *severity*, and *nature* of the critical evaluation being rendered.
* **Judge (Greek, _krínō_):** From G2919, meaning "properly, to distinguish, i.e. decide (mentally or judicially); by implication, to try, condemn, punish:--avenge, conclude, condemn, damn, decree, determine, esteem, judge, go to (sue at the) law, ordain, call in question, sentence to, think." This verb describes the active process of forming an opinion or passing a verdict, often with an implication of condemnation or punishment. It is the action from which the _kríma_ (judgment) results.
* **Measure (Greek, _métron_):** From G3358, meaning "an apparently primary word; a measure ('metre'), literally or figuratively; by implication, a limited portion (degree):-- measure." This term signifies a standard, a rule, or an instrument used for determining quantity or quality. It speaks to the exact criterion or degree applied when evaluating or dispensing.
* **Measured again (Greek, _antimetréō_):** From G488, meaning "from ἀντί and μετρέω; to mete in return:--measure again." This compound verb literally means "to measure back" or "to measure in return." The prefix "anti-" indicates reciprocity or opposition, clearly conveying the idea that the action of measuring will be returned to the one who initiated it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged:"** This clause establishes the first part of the divine principle of reciprocity. The Greek preposition "en" (G1722, "with") indicates the instrument or standard. Jesus declares that the specific kind and severity of critical evaluation or condemnation one applies to others will be the very standard by which one is evaluated by God. The passive voice ("ye shall be judged") strongly implies divine agency, meaning God is the ultimate judge who will apply this standard.
* **"and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again."** This second clause reiterates and reinforces the principle using a different metaphor, that of measuring. "Mete" (G3354, _metréō_) means to measure out or apportion. Just as one uses a specific measure (G3358, _métron_) to dispense goods, so the standard of generosity, harshness, or leniency one applies to others will be precisely the standard returned to them. The verb "measured again" (G488, _antimetréō_) explicitly emphasizes the reciprocal nature of this divine action, ensuring that the return is directly proportional to the initial giving.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 7:2 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Parallelism** is evident in the two balanced clauses, "For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again." This rhetorical technique enhances memorability and emphasizes the direct correspondence between action and consequence. The passage also uses **Metaphor** with the imagery of "measuring" (μέτρον), which evokes the practical act of dispensing goods, making the abstract concept of divine judgment tangible and relatable. The use of the **Passive Voice** ("ye shall be judged," "it shall be measured to you again") is a theological passive, implying divine agency without explicitly naming God. This subtly yet powerfully indicates that the consequence is not merely a natural outcome but a direct act of God's justice. Finally, the entire verse functions as a statement of **Proverbial Wisdom**, encapsulating a timeless truth about the spiritual law of sowing and reaping, particularly in the context of interpersonal relationships and divine accountability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 7:2 encapsulates a core theological truth about God's justice and His expectation of mercy from His people. It reveals that God's judgment is perfectly just, mirroring the standards we ourselves uphold. This principle underscores the profound interconnectedness of our actions towards others and God's response to us. It is not a call to absolute non-discernment, but a strong caution against a spirit of condemnation, self-righteousness, and hypocrisy. The verse challenges believers to live with a constant awareness of their own need for grace, thereby fostering a merciful disposition towards their neighbors. This divine reciprocity ensures that our capacity for compassion and forgiveness directly impacts the measure of grace we receive from the ultimate Judge.

* [Luke 6:38](/luke/6-38 "Luke 6:38 - Give, and it shall be given to you")
* [James 2:13](/james/2-13 "James 2:13 - Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment")
* [Romans 2:1](/romans/2-1 "Romans 2:1 - You are Without Excuse, O Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 7:2 serves as a profound mirror, inviting us to critically examine the standards we apply to others. In a world quick to criticize, condemn, and cancel, this verse calls believers to a higher, more gracious way of living. It challenges us to cultivate a spirit of empathy and understanding, recognizing that every person we encounter is also an image-bearer of God, deserving of dignity and compassion. Before we point out flaws in others, we are compelled to look inward, acknowledge our own imperfections, and remember the immeasurable grace we have received from God. This principle fosters humility, guards against self-righteousness, and encourages a lifestyle marked by forgiveness and mercy, knowing that the measure of grace we extend to others is the very measure we are inviting back into our own lives from the hand of God. It is a call to live out the Golden Rule not just in action, but in the very disposition of our hearts towards our fellow human beings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific areas of my life might I be applying a harsh or unmerciful "judgment" or "measure" to others?**
* **How does remembering God's immense mercy towards me impact my willingness to extend mercy to others?**
* **Before I criticize or judge someone, what internal "beam" or blind spot should I first examine in my own life?**
* **In what practical ways can I cultivate a more gracious and understanding spirit in my daily interactions?**

### FAQ

**Does Matthew 7:2 mean we can never make any judgments about right and wrong, or discern character?**

Answer: No, Matthew 7:2 does not forbid all forms of judgment or discernment. Jesus is not advocating for moral relativism or a naive acceptance of all behavior. The context of the Sermon on the Mount, including warnings against false prophets ([Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15-20 "Matthew 7:15-20 - Beware of False Prophets")) and the call to bear good fruit, clearly indicates a need for spiritual discernment. Instead, Jesus is primarily condemning a judgmental spirit that is censorious, hypocritical, self-righteous, and unmerciful. He is cautioning against assuming the role of God, the ultimate Judge, and against evaluating others with a standard we ourselves would not wish to face. It's about the *attitude* and *measure* of judgment: one that is critical, condemning, and lacking in grace, often while overlooking one's own faults. Believers are called to discern, but always with humility, mercy, and a desire for restoration, not condemnation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 7:2, with its stark warning about reciprocal judgment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a rigid legalism, but in the person and work of Jesus Christ himself. He is the one who perfectly embodies the merciful standard that this verse implicitly calls for. While humanity is prone to harsh judgment and hypocrisy, Christ, though perfectly righteous, did not come to condemn the world but to save it ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Sent His Son to Save the World")). His life was the ultimate demonstration of extending grace and mercy, even to those who were outcast and condemned by society's standards. On the cross, Jesus bore the full judgment for humanity's sin, fulfilling the ultimate measure of justice so that those who believe in Him might receive an immeasurable measure of mercy and forgiveness ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Therefore, for the believer, the "judgment" and "measure" we receive from God are no longer based on our flawed human attempts at righteousness or our judgmental failures, but on the perfect righteousness of Christ imputed to us. Our call to extend mercy, as commanded in [Luke 6:36](/luke/6-36 "Luke 6:36 - Be Merciful, Just as Your Father Is Merciful"), is thus a reflection of the mercy we have first received from Him, enabling us to live out the very principle of grace that Matthew 7:2 encourages.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

James 2:13

For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

Mark 4:24

And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.

Luke 6:38

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 the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Obadiah 1:15

For the day of the LORD [is] near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head.

Psalms 18:25

With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright;

Psalms 18:26

With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward.

Revelation 18:6

Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.