Measure

From BiblePortal Wikipedia

Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words [1]

A — 1: Μέτρον (Strong'S #3358 — Noun Neuter — metron — met'-ron )

denotes (I) "that which is used for measuring, a measure," (a) of "a vessel," figuratively,  Matthew 23:32;  Luke 6:38 (twice); in   John 3:34 , with the preposition ek, "(He giveth not the Spirit) by measure," RV (which is a necessary correction; the italicized words "unto him," AV, detract from the meaning). Not only had Christ the Holy Spirit without "measure," but God so gives the Spirit through Him to others. It is the ascended Christ who gives the Spirit to those who receive His testimony and set their seal to this, that God is true. The Holy Spirit is imparted neither by degrees, nor in portions, as if He were merely an influence, He is bestowed personally upon each believer, at the time of the New Birth; (b) of "a graduated rod or rule for measuring," figuratively,  Matthew 7:2;  Mark 4:24; literally,  Revelation 21:15 (in the best mss.; see the RV);   Revelation 21:17; (II) "that which is measured, a determined extent, a portion measured off,"  Romans 12:3;  2—Corinthians 10:13 (twice);   Ephesians 4:7 , "(according to the) measure (of the gift of Christ);" the gift of grace is "measured" and given according to the will of Christ; whatever the endowment, His is the bestowment and the adjustment;  Ephesians 4:13 , "the measure (of the stature of the fullness of Christ)," the standard of spiritual stature being the fullness which is essentially Christ's;  Ephesians 4:16 , "(according to the working in due) measure (of each several part)," i.e., according to the effectual working of the ministration rendered in due "measure" by every part.

A — 2: Μέρος (Strong'S #3313 — Noun Neuter — meros — mer'-os )

"a part portion," is used with the preposition apo, "from," with the meaning "in some measure,"  Romans 15:15 , RV (AV, "... sort"). See Coast , Part.

A — 3: Σάτον (Strong'S #4568 — Noun Neuter — saton — sat'-on )

is a Hebrew dry measure (Heb., seah), about a peck and a half,  Matthew 13:33;  Luke 13:21; "three measures" would be the quantity for a baking (cp.  Genesis 18:6;  Judges 6:19;  1—Samuel 1:24; the "ephah" of the last two passages was equal to three sata).

A — 4: Κόρος (Strong'S #2884 — Noun Masculine — koros — kor'-os )

denotes a cor, the largest Hebrew dry measure (ten ephahs), containing about 11 bushels,  Luke 16:7; the hundred "measures" amounted to a very considerable quantity.

A — 5: Βάτος (Strong'S #943 — Noun — batos — bat'-os )

denotes a bath, a Jewish liquid measure (the equivalent of an ephah), containing between 8 and 9 gallons,  Luke 16:6 .

A — 6: Χοῖνιξ (Strong'S #5518 — Noun Feminine — choinix — khoy'-nix )

a dry "measure" of rather less than a quart, about "as much as would support a person of moderate appetite for a day," occurs in  Revelation 6:6 (twice). Usually eight choenixes could be bought for a denarius (about 9 1/2d.); this passage predicts circumstances in which the denarius is the price of one choenix. In the Sept.,   Ezekiel 45:10,11 , where it represents the Heb. ephah and bath.

 2—Corinthians 10:14 2—Corinthians 11:9Supply.  Galatians 1:13 2—Corinthians 1:8Abundance Mark 6:51 2—Corinthians 12:7Exalt

B — 1: Ὑπερβαλλόντως (Strong'S #5234 — Adverb — huperballontos — hoop-er-bal-lon'-toce )

"beyond measure" (huper, "over, beyond," ballo, "to throw;" for the verb huperballo, see Exceeding is rendered "above measure" in  2—Corinthians 11:23 .

: (Strong'S # — — — )

 Mark 10:26; see Exceed , B, No. 4.

: (Strong'S # — — — )

 Mark 7:37 : see Abundance D No. 3.

C — 1: Ἄμετρος (Strong'S #280 — Adjective — ametros — am'-et-ros )

"without measure" (a, negative, and A, No. 1), is used in the neuter plural in an adverbial phrase in  2—Corinthians 10:13,15 , eis ta ametra, lit., "unto the (things) without measure," RV, "(we will not glory) beyond our measure;" AV, "(we will not boast) of things without measure," referring to the sphere Divinely appointed for the Apostle as to his Gospel ministry; this had reached to Corinth, and by the increase of the faith of the church there, would extend to regions beyond. His opponents had no scruples about intruding into the spheres of other men's work.

D — 1: Μετρέω (Strong'S #3354 — Verb — metreo — met-reh'-o )

"to measure" (akin to A, No. 1), is used (a) of space, number, value, etc.,  Revelation 11:1,2;  21:15,16,17; metaphorically,  2—Corinthians 10:12; (b) in the sense of "measuring" out, giving by "measure,"  Matthew 7:2 , "ye mete" (some mss. have No. 2);  Mark 4:24; in some mss. in  Luke 6:38 (see No. 2).

D — 2: Ἀντιμετρέω (Strong'S #488 — Verb — antimetreo — an-tee-met-reh'-o )

"to measure in return" (anti, "back, in return" and No. 1), is used in the Passive Voice, and found in some mss. in  Matthew 7:2 (the most authentic have No. 1); in   Luke 6:38 the most authentic have this verb. It is not found in the Sept.

King James Dictionary [2]

Measure n. mezh'ur. L. mensura, from mensus, with a casual n, the participle of metior, to measure Eng. to mete.

1. The whole extent or dimensions of a thing, including length, breadth and thickness.

The measure thereof is longer than the earth and broader than the sea.  Job 11

It is applied also to length or to breadth separately.

2. That by which extent or dimension is ascertained, either length, breadth, thickness, capacity, or amount as, a rod or pole is a measure of five yards and a half an inch, a foot, a yard, are measures of length a gallon is a measure of capacity. Weights and measures should be uniform. Silver and gold are the common measure of value. 3. A limited or definite quantity as a measure of wine or beer. 4. Determined extent or length limit.

Lord, make me to know my end, and the measure of my days.  Psalms 39

5. A rule by which any thing is adjusted or proportioned.

God's goodness is the measure of his providence.

6. Proportion quantity settled.

I enter not into the particulars of the law of nature, or its measures of punishment yet there is such a law.

7. Full or sufficient quantity.

I'll never pause again,

Till either death hath clos'd these eyes of mine,

Or fortune given me measure of revenge.

8. Extent of power or office.

We will not boast of things without our measure.

 2 Corinthians 10

9. Portion allotted extent of ability.

If else thou seekest

Aught not surpassing human measure, say.

10. Degree quantity indefinite.

I have laid down, in some measure,the description of the old world.

A great measure of discretion is to be used in the performance of confession.

11. In music, that division by which the motion of music is regulated or the interval or space of time between the rising and falling of the hand or foot of him who beats time. This measure regulates the time of dwelling on each note. The ordinary or common measure is one second. 12. In poetry, the measure or meter is the manner of ordering and combining the quantities, or the long and short syllables. Thus,hexameter, pentameter, Iambic, Sapphic verses, &c. consist of different measure. 13. In dancing, the interval between steps, corresponding to the interval between notes in the music.

My legs can keep no measure in delight.

14. In geometry, any quantity assumed as one or unity, to which the ratio of other homogeneous or similar quantities is expressed. 15. Means to an end an act, step or proceeding towards the accomplishment of an object an extensive signification of the word, applicable to almost every act preparatory to a final end, and by which it is to be attained. Thus we speak of legislative measures, political measures, public measures, prudent measures, a rash measure, effectual measures, inefficient measures.

In measure, with moderation with excess.

Without measure, without limits very largely or copiously.

To have hard measure, to be harshly or oppressively treated.

Lineal or long measure, measure of length the measure of lines or distances.

Liquid measure, the measure of liquors.

MEASURE, mezh'ur. To compute or ascertain extent, quantity, dimensions or capacity by a certain rule as, to measure land to measure distance to measure the altitude of a mountain to measure the capacity of a ship or of a cask.

1. To ascertain the degree of any thing as, to measure the degrees of heat, or of moisture. 2. To pass through or over.

We must measure twenty miles to day.

The vessel plows the sea,

And measures back with speed her former way.

3. To judge of distance, extent or quantity as, to measure any thing by the eye.

Great are thy works, Jehovah, infinite

Thy power what thought can measure thee?

4. To adjust to proportion.

To secure a contended spirit, measure your desires by your fortunes, not your fortunes by your desires.

5. To allot or distribute by measure.

With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.  Matthew 7

Webster's Dictionary [3]

(1): ( n.) The contents of a vessel by which quantity is measured; a quantity determined by a standard; a stated or limited quantity or amount.

(2): ( n.) A standard of dimension; a fixed unit of quantity or extent; an extent or quantity in the fractions or multiples of which anything is estimated and stated; hence, a rule by which anything is adjusted or judged.

(3): ( n.) An instrument by means of which size or quantity is measured, as a graduated line, rod, vessel, or the like.

(4): ( n.) Extent or degree not excessive or beyong bounds; moderation; due restraint; esp. in the phrases, in measure; with measure; without or beyond measure.

(5): ( n.) Determined extent, not to be exceeded; limit; allotted share, as of action, influence, ability, or the like; due proportion.

(6): ( n.) The quantity determined by measuring, especially in buying and selling; as, to give good or full measure.

(7): ( n.) A regulated movement corresponding to the time in which the accompanying music is performed; but, especially, a slow and stately dance, like the minuet.

(8): ( n.) The dimensions or capacity of anything, reckoned according to some standard; size or extent, determined and stated; estimated extent; as, to take one's measure for a coat.

(9): ( v. i.) To be of a certain size or quantity, or to have a certain length, breadth, or thickness, or a certain capacity according to a standard measure; as, cloth measures three fourths of a yard; a tree measures three feet in diameter.

(10): ( v. i.) To result, or turn out, on measuring; as, the grain measures well; the pieces measure unequally.

(11): ( v. i.) To make a measurement or measurements.

(12): ( n.) To allot or distribute by measure; to set off or apart by measure; - often with out or off.

(13): ( n.) To adjust by a rule or standard.

(14): ( n.) The space between two bars.

(15): ( n.) To pass throught or over in journeying, as if laying off and determining the distance.

(16): ( n.) To serve as the measure of; as, the thermometer measures changes of temperature.

(17): ( a.) A number which is contained in a given number a number of times without a remainder; as in the phrases, the common measure, the greatest common measure, etc., of two or more numbers.

(18): ( n.) To ascertain by use of a measuring instrument; to compute or ascertain the extent, quantity, dimensions, or capacity of, by a certain rule or standard; to take the dimensions of; hence, to estimate; to judge of; to value; to appraise.

(19): ( a.) The manner of ordering and combining the quantities, or long and short syllables; meter; rhythm; hence, a foot; as, a poem in iambic measure.

(20): ( a.) The act of measuring; measurement.

(21): ( n.) The group or grouping of beats, caused by the regular recurrence of accented beats.

(22): ( a.) Beds or strata; as, coal measures; lead measures.

(23): ( n.) Regulated division of movement

(24): ( n.) Undefined quantity; extent; degree.

(25): ( a.) A step or definite part of a progressive course or policy; a means to an end; an act designed for the accomplishment of an object; as, political measures; prudent measures; an inefficient measure.

Vine's Expository Dictionary of OT Words [4]

A. Verb.

Mâdad ( מָדַד , Strong'S #4058), “to measure, measure off, extend.” Found in both ancient and modern Hebrew, in modern usage this word has the nuance of “to survey.” The word has cognates in Akkadian, Phoenician, and Arabic. It occurs 53 times in the text of the Hebrew Old Testament. The basic meaning of the verb is illustrated in its first occurrence in the Old Testament: “… they did mete it with an omer …” (Exod. 16:18). Mâdad is used not only of “measuring” volume but also of “measuring” distance (Deut. 21:2) and length (Num. 35:5).

A rather gruesome use is found in 2 Sam. 8:2, where, after defeating the Moabites, David “measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground; even with two lines measured he to put to death, and with one full line to keep alive.”

The greatness of the creator God is expressed in the question, “Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand …?” (Isa. 40:12). Also, God “stood, and measured [NASB, “surveyed”] the earth” (Hab. 3:6).

Mâdad can express the idea of extending, stretching: “And he stretched himself upon the child three times …” (1 Kings 17:21).

B. Noun.

Middâh ( מִדָּה , Strong'S #4060), “measure; measurement; extent; size; stature; section; area.” Of the 53 times this noun appears, 25 appearances are in Ezekiel. The rest of the word’s occurrences are scattered throughout every period of biblical Hebrew.

This noun refers to the act of “measurement”: “You shall do no wrong in judgment, in measures of length or weight or quantity” (Lev. 19:35, RSV). In Ezek. 41:17 this word is used of length “measurement,” and in Job 28:25 of liquid “measurement.”

Second, middâh means the thing measured, or the “size.” Exod. 26:2 (the first occurrence) specifies: “… Every one of the curtains shall have one measure [the same size].” The word can also refer to the duration of one’s life: “Lord, make me to know [realize] mine end, and the measure of my days [how short my life really is] …” (Ps. 39:4). A “man of measure” is one of great “stature or size”: “And he [Benaiah] slew an Egyptian, a man of great stature, five cubits [about 7 1/2 feet] high …” (1 Chron. 11:23).

Third, middâh sometimes represents a “measured portion” of a thing: “Malchijah the son of Harim, and Hashub the son of Pahath-moab, repaired the other piece, and the tower of the furnaces” (Neh. 3:11). In Ezek. 45:3 the word appears to represent a “measured area.”

Wilson's Dictionary of Bible Types [5]

 Psalm 39:4 (b) This figure probably represents the value of a person's time. Much time is wasted each day we live. We should evaluate both our time and our actions to see of what value these are, either to GOD or to man. If we do so we shall live useful lives, profitable in every way.

 Matthew 7:2 (b) It is quite evident that our Lord knows exactly how much reward to give and also indicates that men know how much reward to give. A man will receive what he is worth, both from the hands of men and from the Lord. (See also  Mark 4:24;  Luke 6:38).

 Matthew 23:32 (a) By this figure we learn that the evil deeds of the fathers are brought to full completion in the lives of their children. The evil that the fathers failed to do were committed by the children.

 Luke 6:38 (a) Here we learn of the abundant reward that is given in large quantities to those who themselves minister blessings to others.

 John 3:34 (a) The Father does not give the Holy Spirit on the installment plan, nor just in partial portions, but He gives His entire Holy Spirit to the Lord Jesus but also to any other true believer who desires to be Spirit-filled.

 Romans 12:3 (a) All do not have the same mental capacity. Some are more well developed mentally than others. The Lord is telling us by this figure that He is able to supply the graces of Heaven to every person according to their capacity.

 Revelation 6:0 (a) By this we learn that the blessings of GOD will be measured out to men, and there will not be an abundance of supply, but rather a meager supply in the time of GOD's wrath.

 Revelation 21:17 (b) There are many standards of measurements in the earth used in different countries. In this case the Lord is giving us the elements that will be used for determining human conditions of human hearts and lives.

Easton's Bible Dictionary [6]

  • Those which are definite. (a) 'Eyphah,  Deuteronomy 25:14,15 , usually "ephah." (b) Ammah,  Jeremiah 51:13 , usually "cubit." (c) Kor,  1 Kings 4:22 , elsewhere "cor;" Greek koros,  Luke 16:7 . (d) Seah,  Genesis 18:6;  1 Samuel 25:18 , a seah; Greek saton,  Matthew 13:33;  Luke 13:21 . (e) Shalish, "a great measure,"  Isaiah 40:12; literally a third, i.e., of an ephah. (f) In New Testament batos,  Luke 16:6 , the Hebrew "bath;" and choinix,  Revelation 6:6 , the choenix, equal in dry commodities to one-eighth of a modius.

    Copyright Statement These dictionary topics are from M.G. Easton M.A., DD Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition, published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain.

    Bibliography Information Easton, Matthew George. Entry for 'Measure'. Easton's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/ebd/m/measure.html. 1897.

  • Watson's Biblical & Theological Dictionary [7]

    that by which any thing is measured, or adjusted, or proportioned,  Proverbs 20:10;  Micah 6:10 . Tables of Scripture measures of length and capacity are found at the end of this volume.

    American Tract Society Bible Dictionary [8]

    See SHEKELS, Talent , BATH, or Ephah, Ephah , etc.

    Hawker's Poor Man's Concordance And Dictionary [9]

    Concerning the measures and weights of the Jews, they are all placed together at the end of the Bible in general, to which the reader may refer.

    Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature [10]

    is the rendering in the Auth. Vers. of a number of Hebrew and Greek terms, some of which are descriptive of dimension or extent generally, while others denote a specific length or capacity, Again, there are other words in the original denoting a particular quantity or space, which are still differently rendered in the Auth. Vers. It is our purpose in the present article to present merely a general view of the various renderings, leaving the determination of the modern equivalents to the special head of METROLOGY (See Metrology) (q.v.). The following are the words rendered "measure" in the A.V.:

    1. Those That Are Of Indefinite Import .

    (1) חֹק , Chok ( Isaiah 5:14; a Statute , as elsewhere usually rendered);

    (2) מִד , Mad ( Job 11:9;  Jeremiah 13:25; reduplicated plur.  Job 38:5; elsewhere a garment, as usually rendered);

    (3). properly מַדָּה , Middah ', the usual word thus rendered ( Exodus 26:2;  Exodus 26:8;  Joshua 3:4;  1 Kings 6:25;  1 Kings 7:9;  1 Kings 7:11;  1 Kings 7:37;  2 Chronicles 3:3;  Job 28:25;  Psalms 39:4 [5]; Jeremiah 21:39;  Ezekiel 40:3;  Ezekiel 40:5;  Ezekiel 40:10;  Ezekiel 40:21-22;  Ezekiel 40:24;  Ezekiel 40:28-29;  Ezekiel 40:32-33;  Ezekiel 40:35;  Ezekiel 41:17;  Ezekiel 42:15-19;  Ezekiel 43:13;  Ezekiel 45:3;  Ezekiel 46:22;  Ezekiel 48:16;  Ezekiel 48:30;  Ezekiel 48:33;  Zechariah 2:1 [5]; elsewhere " piece," etc.);

    (4) מְשֹוּרָה , Mesurah ' ( Leviticus 19:35; 1 Chronicles 23:39;  Ezekiel 4:11;  Ezekiel 4:16);

    (5) מַשְׁפָּט , Mishpat ( Jeremiah 30:2;  Jeremiah 46:28; judgment, as elsewhere usually rendered);

    (6) מַתְכֹּנֶת , Mithko'Neth . ( Ezekiel 45:11; "tale,"  Exodus 5:8; "composition,"  Exodus 30:32;  Exodus 30:37; " state,"  2 Chronicles 24:13);

    (7) תֹּכֶ t ִ o'ken ( Ezekiel 45:11; "tale,"  Exodus 5:18);

    (8) Μέτρον , the usual and proper Greek word ( Matthew 7:2;  Matthew 23:32;  Mark 4:24;  Luke 6:38;  John 3:34;  Romans 12:3;  2 Corinthians 10:13;  Ephesians 4:7;  Ephesians 4:13;  Ephesians 4:16;  Revelation 21:17).

    2. Such As Represent A Definite Value .

    (1) אֵיפָה , Eyphah ( Deuteronomy 25:14-15;  Proverbs 20:10;  Micah 6:10; elsewhere "Ephah " [q.v.]);

    (2) אִמָּה , Ammah ' ( Jeremiah 51:13; "post,"  Isaiah 6:4; elsewhere "cubit" [q.v.]);

    (3) כֹּר Kor ( 1 Kings 4:22 [ 1 Kings 5:2];  1 Kings 11:22];  2 Chronicles 2:10 [9];  2 Chronicles 27:5; Chald. plur.  Ezra 7:22; elsewhere "Cor " [q.v.]), Gr .- Κόρος ( Luke 16:7);

    (4) סְאָה , Seah ' ( Genesis 18:6;  1 Samuel 25:18;  1 Kings 18:32;  2 Kings 7:16;  2 Kings 7:18; a Seah [q.v.]), the Gr. Σάτον ( Matthew 13:33;  Luke 13:21), and the reduplicated form סִאסְּאָה , Sasseah ( Isaiah 27:8; used indeterminately);

    (5) שָׁלַישׁ , Shalish ' ( Isaiah 40:12; "great measure,"  Psalms 80:5; lit. a third, i.e.. prob. of the ephah, but used indefinitely;

    (6) Βάτος ( Luke 16:6; the Hebrew Bath [q.v.]); (7) Χοῖνιξ ( Revelation 6:6; the Greek Choenix [q.v.]).

    References