Devine Scripture

Matthew 7:2

What does Matthew 7:2 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 7:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 7:2 means

This verse explains the consequence of judgmental behavior: the standard by which one judges others will be applied to oneself. The implication is a divine principle of reciprocity, where God will measure out judgment to us in the same way we have measured it out to others. It is a sober warning that encourages mercy, patience, and humility, as our own spiritual standing will be assessed by the very criteria we apply to others. This truth should compel us to be gracious and refrain from condemnation, understanding that we too are subject to divine scrutiny.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured unto you.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured unto you.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For as you have been judging, so you will be judged, and with your measure will it be measured to you.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for in what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged, and in what measure ye measure, it shall be measured to you.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged: and with what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you again.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

for with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you.

Context

Building directly on the previous verse, this passage provides the foundational reason *why* one should not judge. It clarifies that the prohibition isn't arbitrary but rooted in a divine principle of justice. This verse transitions into the vivid illustration of the

v.1Judge not, that ye be not judged.

v.2This passage

v.3And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Revelation 18:6

    Render unto her even as she rendered, and double unto her the double according to her works: in the cup which she mingled, mingle unto her double.

  • 2 Corinthians 9:6

    But thisI say, He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

  • Luke 6:38

    give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, shall they give into your bosom. For with what measure ye mete it shall be measured to you again.

  • Judges 1:7

    And Adoni-bezek said, Threescore and ten kings, having their thumbs and their great toes cut off, gathered their food under my table: as I have done, so God hath requited me. And they brought him to Jerusalem, and he died there.

  • Mark 4:24

    And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete it shall be measured unto you; and more shall be given unto you.

  • Obadiah 1:15

    For the day of Jehovah is near upon all the nations: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee; thy dealing shall return upon thine own head.

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