Luke 6:38 (KJV)

What does Luke 6:38 mean?

In Luke 6:38, Jesus tells his hearers that their giving will be met with generosity. The verse connects what people receive with the way they give, using the picture of a measure that is filled beyond its usual limit.

The picture is of grain packed into a container: pressing and shaking make room for more, until the grain spills over. Jesus speaks these words after calling for forgiveness in verse 37, so giving belongs within a wider discussion of how people treat one another.

The Greek behind Luke 6:38

• “bosom” — κόλπος (kolpos): This word can mean the fold of a garment over the chest. In this verse, the fold could serve as a pouch for carrying what someone received.
• “mete withal” — μετρέω (metreō): This means to measure out. The older English phrase describes using a measure to determine how much is given.

Why Luke 6:38 matters

• The picture emphasizes abundance, not a container filled only to its rim. “Pressed down,” “shaken together,” and “running over” add detail to the “good measure” Jesus describes.
• The verse includes people as the ones who give back: the KJV says “shall men give into your bosom.” The picture is of a gift placed in the fold of someone’s clothing.
• The connection reaches beyond money alone. In the surrounding passage, Jesus speaks about lending, mercy, judgment, and forgiveness as well as giving (Luke 6:34–37).