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    Luke 6:38 – Meaning & Devotional

    "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom."

    — Luke 6:38 (KJV)

    What This Verse Means

    Jesus teaches a principle of reciprocal generosity: those who give generously receive abundantly. The imagery of grain being pressed down, shaken together, and overflowing describes a return far exceeding the original gift.

    This is not a prosperity formula but a kingdom principle. Generosity opens the door for God's abundant provision, often through the hands of other people.

    Historical Context

    Jesus taught this as part of His sermon on the plain (Luke 6). The context includes loving enemies, not judging, and showing mercy — generosity of spirit extends beyond money to encompass all of life.

    How to Apply This Today

    Practice generosity in all forms — time, money, encouragement, forgiveness. Don't give to get, but trust that God honors generous hearts with overflowing provision.

    Related Verses

    2 Corinthians 9:6

    "He which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully."

    Proverbs 11:25

    "The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself."

    🙏 A Prayer from Luke 6:38

    Lord, make me generous with everything You've given me. I trust that as I give, You will provide abundantly — pressed down, shaken together, and running over. Amen.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Jesus teaches a principle of reciprocal generosity: those who give generously receive abundantly. The imagery of grain being pressed down, shaken together, and overflowing describes a return far exceeding the original gift.

    Jesus taught this as part of His sermon on the plain (Luke 6). The context includes loving enemies, not judging, and showing mercy — generosity of spirit extends beyond money to encompass all of life.

    Practice generosity in all forms — time, money, encouragement, forgiveness. Don't give to get, but trust that God honors generous hearts with overflowing provision.

    Related Bible Questions

    Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.

    What Does the Bible Say About Generosity?

    The Bible teaches that generosity reflects God's character, brings blessing to both giver and receiver, and is to be practiced cheerfully and sacrificially.

    Read answer

    What Does the Bible Say About Giving and Generosity?

    God loves a cheerful giver. Scripture teaches that generosity reflects God's character, brings blessing, and should be done willingly, sacrificially, and without seeking recognition.

    Read answer

    What Does the Bible Say About Giving and Generosity?

    The Bible teaches that generous giving reflects God's character, should be done cheerfully and sacrificially, and results in both spiritual and material blessing.

    Read answer

    What Does the Bible Say About Generosity?

    The Bible teaches that generous giving reflects God's own generous nature and promises that those who give freely will be blessed abundantly.

    Read answer

    Deep Dive Commentary

    For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:

    Luke 6:38 Commentary

    In-depth meaning, context & application • Generosity & Blessing

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    More Devotionals on Generosity

    Proverbs 11:25

    The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

    2 Corinthians 9:7

    Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

    2 Corinthians 9:7

    Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

    Malachi 3:10

    Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

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