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μετρέω

metréō

G3354 verb

SILEX Entry

Root μετρ- to measure, to use a standard

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.

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

Word Forms

7 distinct forms

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

Occurrences in Scripture

11 total occurrences

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