### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀντιμετρέω (antimetréō, `{{G488}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἀντί (anti, `{{G473}}`), meaning "against," "in return," or "instead of," and the verb μετρέω (metréō, `{{G3354}}`), meaning "to measure," "to mete out," or "to apportion." Therefore, the core meaning of ἀντιμετρέω is "to measure in return," "to measure back," or "to reciprocate a measure." It denotes an action where the quantity or quality of something given or done is returned in kind, often with an implication of equivalence or proportionality. The "anti" prefix emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the action, indicating a response or counter-action to a prior measurement or deed. Its semantic range is tightly focused on this concept of retributive or reciprocal measurement, whether in a positive or negative sense, though its biblical usage primarily highlights the former.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἀντιμετρέω appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Luke:
* **[[Luke 6:38]]**: "Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you in return." (τῷ γὰρ αὐτῷ μέτρῳ ᾧ μετρεῖτε ἀντιμετρηθήσεται ὑμῖν.)
In this crucial passage, Jesus articulates a profound principle of divine economy and justice. The first part of the verse encourages generous giving, promising an exceedingly abundant return from God ("good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over"). The second part, where ἀντιμετρέω is used in the passive voice ("it will be measured to you in return"), clarifies the mechanism of this divine reciprocity. It establishes a direct correlation between the measure of generosity, mercy, or judgment that one extends to others, and the measure that one will receive from God. The context of [[Luke 6:37-38]] emphasizes not judging, not condemning, forgiving, and giving. Thus, ἀντιμετρέω here underscores the principle that the standard we apply to others will be the standard by which we are judged and rewarded by God. It is a divine assurance that God's response is commensurate with, yet infinitely surpasses, human action.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is μετρέω (metréō, `{{G3354}}`), the root verb meaning "to measure." Understanding μετρέω is essential, as ἀντιμετρέω builds directly upon it by adding the dimension of reciprocity. Other related concepts include:
* **Reciprocity**: The idea that actions or behaviors are returned, often in kind. This is a pervasive theme in biblical ethics and divine justice.
* **Divine Justice**: God's righteous administration of rewards and consequences, often reflecting human actions.
* **Sowing and Reaping**: While different Greek words are used (e.g., σπείρω - speirō, `{{G4687}}` and θερίζω - therizō, `{{G2325}}` in [[Galatians 6:7]]), the underlying principle of receiving according to what one has given or done is analogous to the concept embedded in ἀντιμετρέω.
* **The Golden Rule**: "Do to others as you would have them do to you" ([[Luke 6:31]], [[Matthew 7:12]]). Although not directly using ἀντιμετρέω, the ethical imperative to treat others as one wishes to be treated aligns with the principle that one's measure will be returned.
* **Judgment**: The measure by which one judges others is the measure by which one will be judged ([[Matthew 7:2]]). This concept is directly paralleled in the Synoptic Gospels, highlighting the ethical implications of ἀντιμετρέω.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀντιμετρέω in [[Luke 6:38]] is profound, encapsulating a foundational principle of God's interaction with humanity.
1. **Divine Reciprocity and Abundance**: It reveals God as a God who reciprocates human actions, not merely with exact equivalence, but with overwhelming generosity. The "good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over" illustrates God's superabundant grace and willingness to bless beyond expectation. This challenges believers to give freely, knowing that divine recompense is not merely just but lavish.
2. **Ethical Imperative**: The verse serves as a powerful ethical call to action. Believers are exhorted to embody generosity, forgiveness, and non-judgment, understanding that their disposition towards others directly influences God's disposition towards them. It underscores the active role of human choice in inviting divine response.
3. **Principle of Justice**: While emphasizing generosity, ἀντιμετρέω also implicitly carries the weight of justice. The measure applied to others, whether in mercy or judgment, will be returned. This serves as a sober warning against harshness or condemnation, as such a measure will inevitably be applied back to oneself by God.
4. **Reflection of God's Character**: The principle of ἀντιμετρέω reflects God's own character of perfect justice tempered with boundless mercy and generosity. He is not indebted to humanity, yet He chooses to operate on a principle of giving back, and indeed, giving more.
### Summary
ἀντιμετρέω (antimetréō, `{{G488}}`) is a unique and potent Greek verb, appearing only once in the New Testament at [[Luke 6:38]]. Formed from ἀντί (anti, `{{G473}}`) and μετρέω (metréō, `{{G3354}}`), it signifies "to measure in return" or "to reciprocate a measure." In its sole biblical occurrence, it underpins a crucial teaching of Jesus: the measure of generosity, mercy, and non-judgment that one extends to others will be the measure, albeit an abundantly overflowing one, that God returns. This concept highlights divine reciprocity, serving as both an ethical imperative for believers to embody Christ-like generosity and a profound assurance of God's just yet superabundant response to human action. It encapsulates a theological principle where human conduct sets the standard for divine recompense, urging a life of open-handed and open-hearted living in anticipation of God's lavish return.
TRV