7:2a

For: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as For introduces the basis for the command not to judge (in 7:1).

Here are some other ways to translate this conjunction:

because (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
the reason is that

In some languages, it is not necessary to use a conjunction here.

with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged: This clause is a comparison. It compares the way you judge with the way you will be judged. In other words, if you judge someone harshly, you will be judged harshly. If you judge someone fairly, you will be judged fairly.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

You will be judged in the same way that you judge others (New Century Version)
-or-
You will be judged like you judge other people.
-or-
The way you condemn others will be the way you are condemned.

you will be judged: This clause is passive. Translate it like you translated “you will be judged” (7:1b). For example:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

you will be judged (Berean Standard Bible)

• Use an active verb. For example:

God will judge you (Good News Translation)

7:2b

Verse 7:2b is a proverb that people commonly used in Jesus’ time. This proverb also occurs in Mark 4:24. In each context, this proverb has a different application.

with the measure you use, it will be measured to you: In the New Testament, the noun measure literally refers to a measuring instrument. It can be:

(a) a measuring cup that measures the quantity of something like grain that is sold in the marketplace.

(b) a measuring stick that measures the length of something.

In the context of the marketplace, this refers to that fact that if you fill the measuring cup full when you sell something to others, people will also fill the measuring cup full when they sell something to you. But if you measure in a stingy way when you sell something to others, people will also measure in a stingy way when they sell something to you. In other words, if you are generous with people, they will be generous with you. If you are stingy with people, they will be stingy with you in return.

In the context of this verse, this proverb refers to the standards you use to judge someone. If the standards you use to judge someone are harsh, you will be judged harshly. If the standards you use to judge someone are fair, you will be judged fairly.

Here are some other ways to translate this proverb:

• Translate the meaning literally or generally. For example:

and the measure you give will be the measure you get (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
and the amount you give to others will be given to you (New Century Version)
-or-
and the standard you use will be the standard used for you (New Jerusalem Bible)

• Translate the meaning as it applies here. For example:

The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
the rules you use to condemn others will also be the rules God will use to condemn you

it will be measured to you: This clause is passive.

Here are some other ways to translate this:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

will be given to you (New Century Version)

• Use an active verb. You may have to supply a subject. Depending on the way you translate this first part of this proverb, the subject may be “God” or “people.” For example:

will be the measure you receive (NET Bible)
-or-
will be the measure/amount ⌊other people⌋ will give to you

-or-

⌊God⌋ will use the same measure/standard to judge you

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