← G3353 G3355 →

μετρέω

metréō

G3354 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To determine or ascertain the size or extent of something by comparison to a standard (to measure); by extension, to allocate or distribute according to a measure or standard; in figurative contexts, to evaluate, assess, or judge the degree or amount of something. The primary sense concerns physical measurement, with secondary senses of apportioning or evaluating non-material qualities.

Semantic Range

to measure (physically), to apportion, to allot, to evaluate, to judge, to assess, to mete out

Root / Etymology

From the root μετρ- (metr-), related to μέτρον (metron, 'measure' or 'standard'). μετρέω is the verbal form meaning 'to measure' or 'to use a measure.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

μετρέω occurs in both classical and Hellenistic Greek with its primary, tangible sense of 'to measure' physical objects or distances. In the Septuagint and New Testament, the verb retains this literal use (e.g., measuring length, capacity, or boundaries) but also acquires a figurative dimension: measuring, judging, or assessing intangible attributes (e.g., worth, actions, conduct). In some New Testament passages (e.g., Mt 7:2; Lk 6:38; Rev 11:1), the verb carries a metaphorical sense relating to the standard by which one evaluates or treats others, often with the implication that the same measure will be applied reciprocally. While English translations may render μετρέω as 'measure,' 'mete,' or 'allot,' the word's use can extend to moral or judicial evaluation. The underlying concept relates closely to that of μέτρον (measure, standard), and with semantic overlap with verbs like ἀξιολογέω ('to value') in certain contexts, but μετρέω has a more concrete and procedural nuance. Not limited to physical measurement, the word encompasses allocation, assessment, and the establishment of boundaries—physically or metaphorically.

Translation Consistency

primary "measure" 11 occurrences

The primary and most common sense of μετρέω is physical measurement, with secondary senses of apportioning or assessing that are naturally expressed with 'measure' (e.g., measure out, measure by, measure up). It is the most frequent and idiomatic choice in the provided renderings and covers both literal and figurative uses while remaining simple and consistent for all forms.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from μέτρον; to measure (i.e. ascertain in size by a fixed standard); by implication, to admeasure (i.e. allot by rule):--figuratively, to estimate:--measure, mete.

Root Family

μετρέω (metreō) — to measure, to use a standard, to apportion, to assess

Root μετρ- to measure, to use a standard

Word Forms

7 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3354-02 μετρεῖτε metreite V PRS ACT IND 2P PL you measure you measure you measure 3
G3354-01 ἐμέτρησεν emetresen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG he measured he measured he measured 2
G3354-06 μετρηθήσεται metrethesetai V FUT PASS IND 3P SG it will be measured will be measured it will be measured 2
G3354-07 μετροῦντες metrountes V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL measuring those measuring measuring 1
G3354-05 μέτρησον metreson V AOR ACT IMP 2P SG measure Measure! Measure 1
G3354-03 μετρήσῃ metrese V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P SG he might measure he might measure he might measure 1
G3354-04 μετρήσῃς metreses V AOR ACT SUBJ 2P SG measure you might measure you might measure 1

Occurrences in Scripture

11 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3354-02 Matthew 7:2 μετρεῖτε metreite V PRS ACT IND 2P PL you measure you measure you measure
G3354-06 Matthew 7:2 μετρηθήσεται metrethesetai V FUT PASS IND 3P SG it will be measured will be measured it will be measured
G3354-02 Mark 4:24 μετρεῖτε metreite V PRS ACT IND 2P PL you measure you measure you measure
G3354-06 Mark 4:24 μετρηθήσεται metrethesetai V FUT PASS IND 3P SG it will be measured will be measured it will be measured
G3354-02 Luke 6:38 μετρεῖτε metreite V PRS ACT IND 2P PL you use you measure you measure
G3354-07 2 Corinthians 10:12 μετροῦντες metrountes V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL measuring those measuring measuring
G3354-05 Revelation 11:1 μέτρησον metreson V AOR ACT IMP 2P SG measure Measure! Measure
G3354-04 Revelation 11:2 μετρήσῃς metreses V AOR ACT SUBJ 2P SG measure you might measure you might measure
G3354-03 Revelation 21:15 μετρήσῃ metrese V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P SG he might measure he might measure he might measure
G3354-01 Revelation 21:16 ἐμέτρησεν emetresen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG he measured he measured he measured
← G3353 Greek Lexicon G3355 →