Parallels to this verse are found in both Mark and Luke; in Mark 4.24 it is applied to the new understanding that is constantly given to persons who obey the words of Jesus, while in Luke 6.38 it is applied to the reward for generosity. Matthew uses it of judgment, indicating that God will judge us with the same severity with which we judge others. The formula means that the same standard of measurement has been used for the goods received as for those which were given in exchange. A number of CLTs identify God as the one who judges and measures out in return (Good News Translation, Bijbel in Gewone Taal, Bible en français courant).

Translators should not forget to link verses 1 and 2 with “for” or “because,” as the text does.

We indicated above that to be judged with the judgment you pronounce refers to the severity with which we judge others. Again, the passive you will be judged involves God as the agent. This can be “God will judge you in the same manner as you judge other people” or “God will judge you as severely as you judge others.”

Note that the examples we have given have reversed the order of the text. This seems easiest in many languages, but the order of the text can be retained with a sentence such as “For in the way you condemn other people, that’s how severe God will be when he judges you.”

The second part of the verse involves the measure you give and measure you get. This can be rendered as “God will condemn you in the same amount as you condemn others” or “God will use the same rules (or, standards) to judge you as you use for judging others.”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on the Gospel of Matthew. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1988. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .