Matthew 7:2
For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
Original Language Analysis
ᾧ
what
G3739
ᾧ
what
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
2 of 13
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
γὰρ
what
G1063
γὰρ
what
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
κρίματι
judgment
G2917
κρίματι
judgment
Strong's:
G2917
Word #:
4 of 13
a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ("crime"))
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ᾧ
what
G3739
ᾧ
what
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
9 of 13
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
μέτρῳ
measure
G3358
μέτρῳ
measure
Strong's:
G3358
Word #:
10 of 13
a measure ("metre"), literally or figuratively; by implication, a limited portion (degree)
μετρεῖτε
ye mete
G3354
μετρεῖτε
ye mete
Strong's:
G3354
Word #:
11 of 13
to measure (i.e., ascertain in size by a fixed standard); by implication, to admeasure (i.e., allot by rule)
Cross References
James 2:13For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.Mark 4:24And 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 6:38Give, 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 1:15For 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.Revelation 18:6Reward 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.Judges 1:7And Adoni-bezek said, Threescore and ten kings, having their thumbs and their great toes cut off, gathered their meat under my table: as I have done, so God hath requited me. And they brought him to Jerusalem, and there he died.2 Corinthians 9:6But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
Historical Context
Jewish teaching included similar proverbs about reciprocal justice. Jesus applies this to judgmental attitudes within the community. Paul echoes this in Romans 2:1—those who judge others condemn themselves for doing the same things.
Questions for Reflection
- What standard of judgment do you apply to others that you'd not want applied to yourself?
- How can you develop merciful judgment that still upholds truth and righteousness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The principle of reciprocal judgment warns that how we judge others sets the standard by which we'll be judged. Harsh, merciless judgment invites harsh judgment in return. This isn't earning salvation by works but describes how God's justice responds to hypocritical condemners who lack mercy while demanding it for themselves.