### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb πιέζω (piézō, `{{G4085}}`) is an infrequent but semantically rich term in the New Testament. Its base definition, "to pack" or "to press down," indicates an action of applying force to compress or compact something. The provided definition notes it as "another form for πιάζω (piázō, `{{G4084}}`)." While piázō often carries the sense of "to seize" or "to lay hold of," piézō specifically emphasizes the physical act of applying pressure, often to achieve a greater density or to cause something to overflow. This nuance distinguishes it, focusing on the *effect* of the pressure rather than merely the act of grasping. It evokes imagery of fullness, where contents are not merely placed but actively compacted to maximize quantity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb πιέζω (piézō, `{{G4085}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, yet its single occurrence is profoundly significant. It is found in [[Luke 6:38]], within Jesus' teaching on generosity and the nature of divine reciprocity: "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your lap. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."
In this verse, the perfect passive participle πεπιεσμένον (peppiesmenon), derived from πιέζω, describes the quality of the "good measure" (μέτρον καλὸν - metron kalon). The imagery is drawn from common market practices, where merchants would ensure a full measure for their customers by pressing down the grain or other dry goods into the measuring container. This act of pressing down, followed by shaking and then overflowing, vividly portrays a measure that is not merely full but superabundantly full, beyond what might initially seem possible. The context is one of divine generosity that mirrors and exceeds human generosity, promising an overflowing return to those who give freely and without reservation. The word πιέζω thus contributes to the powerful metaphor of God's lavish blessing, emphasizing its overwhelming abundance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is πιάζω (piázō, `{{G4084}}`), from which πιέζω (piézō, `{{G4085}}`) is considered an alternative or derivative form. While piázō frequently means "to seize" or "to catch" (e.g., [[John 7:30]], [[John 21:3]], [[Acts 12:4]]), piézō narrows the semantic focus to the specific act of "pressing."
Other Greek words that convey related concepts of fullness, abundance, or exceeding measure include:
* πληρόω (plēroō, `{{G4137}}`): "to fill," "to make full."
* πλεονάζω (pleonazō, `{{G4120}}`): "to superabound," "to be in excess."
* ὑπερπερισσεύω (hyperperisseuō, `{{G5240}}`): "to abound much more," "to be exceedingly abundant."
* περισσεύω (perisseuō, `{{G4052}}`): "to abound," "to be left over," "to exceed."
The concept of "measure" (μέτρον - metron, `{{G3358}}`) is central to the imagery in [[Luke 6:38]], and πιέζω works in concert with "shaken together" (σεσαλευμένον - sesaleumenon) and "running over" (ὑπερεκχυννόμενον - hyperekchynomenon) to paint a comprehensive picture of overwhelming fullness.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of πιέζω (piézō, `{{G4085}}`) in [[Luke 6:38]] carries profound theological weight, primarily illustrating the nature of divine generosity. It communicates that God's giving is not merely adequate or sufficient, but lavish, overflowing, and beyond human expectation. The "pressed down" measure serves as a vivid metaphor for the superabundance of God's blessings, whether material, spiritual, or relational.
This word underscores a key principle of the Kingdom of God: the principle of reciprocity. Those who give generously and without reservation will receive back in kind, but with an added dimension of divine extravagance. The imagery challenges a scarcity mindset, replacing it with a vision of God's limitless provision and desire to bless His children. It implies that God's generosity is not a grudging minimum but a pressed-down, shaken-together, running-over maximum. Thus, πιέζω serves as a powerful reminder of God's overflowing grace and the boundless nature of His recompense for faithful stewardship and open-handed love.
### Summary
πιέζω (piézō, `{{G4085}}`) is a Greek verb meaning "to press down" or "to pack." Although it appears only once in the New Testament, its sole occurrence in [[Luke 6:38]] is highly significant. Here, it describes the "good measure" that is "pressed down," forming part of a vivid metaphor for God's superabundant generosity. This word, alongside "shaken together" and "running over," paints a picture of blessing that exceeds all human expectation and measure. Theologically, πιέζω highlights the lavishness of divine recompense for human generosity, assuring believers that God's giving is characterized by overflowing abundance rather than mere sufficiency. It serves as a powerful testament to the boundless grace and provision available within the Kingdom of God.
TRV