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ἀντιμετρέω

antimetréō

G488 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To measure in return, to measure back or countermeasure something. Primarily, to measure something in response to a preceding measurement or action, often implying equivalency or reciprocity.

Semantic Range

to measure back, to measure in return, to measure reciprocally, to mete out in response, to give equivalent measure; in some contexts, to repay in proportion

Root / Etymology

From ἀντί (against, in return) and μετρέω (to measure). The term is a compound verb formed in classical Greek by combining these two elements; each retaining its core meaning in the compound.

Historical & Contextual Notes

The verb ἀντιμετρέω is a rare compound, found in Hellenistic Greek rather than classical sources, and appears in some key Second Temple Jewish literature and the Septuagint (e.g., 2 Maccabees 1:28). It arises from the need to express not just the act of measuring but the idea of a reciprocal measure. In the New Testament, the concept of 'measuring back' is often associated with moral or judicial reciprocity, but the verb itself rarely appears: more frequently related abstract nouns or similar verbs (e.g., ἀνταποδίδωμι 'to repay') are used for reciprocal justice. English translations sometimes paraphrase or obscure the reciprocity component by rendering the verb as simply 'measure again' or 'measure back.' The sense is always that of equivalence or returns, not mere repetition. While not common, its cognates and sense of just recompense are found in wider Hellenistic Jewish and Roman discourse (cf. Philo, Josephus).

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἀντί and μετρέω; to mete in return:--measure again.

Root Family

ἀντιμετρέω (antimetreō) — measure, reckon, estimate; measure in return, give equivalent measure

Root μετρ- to measure, to reckon, to estimate

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G488-01 ἀντιμετρηθήσεται antimetrethesetai V FUT PASS IND 3P SG it will be measured it will be measured back it will be measured back 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G488-01 Luke 6:38 ἀντιμετρηθήσεται antimetrethesetai V FUT PASS IND 3P SG it will be measured it will be measured back it will be measured back
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