[Greek] μετρέω (metreō), [Latin] metiri: to measure, to measure out, to estimate, to ascertain, to give a measure, to apportion; Mt. 7:2, Mk.4:24, Lk.6:38, Jn.3:34, Mt. 23:32, Rev. 21:15,17, Rom. 12:3, Eph. 4:7, Rev. 11:1
This illustrates the wonderful folly of man to be soon wearied of the most agreeable things.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to measure, to traverse (the sea), to evaluate, to judge, and to measure something with someone. In various ways this term provides a measure defining man and distances. In Homer’s Odyssey, to cross the sea is to measure it. Locations (sites) at sea are measured in days. In Homer’s Illiad, men grow weary of the most agreeable things. Discontent causes change. The Greek tragedian (playwright) Euripides stated that in the theater, humanity is the measure of morality. Protagoras, an ancient Greek free thinker (Sophist), is believed to have stated, “Man is the measure of all things.” This philosophy states that individuals each can determine what is truth. In other words, there is no objective truth. Man can believe whatever he wants to believe. This becomes the precursor to the philosophy of relativism.
Old Testament: This term, used in varied ways, is related to two Hebrew terms. The Hebrew terms can mean to regulate, to measure, to estimate, to reckon (count), to weight, to mete, to stretch, and to survey. Measuring and measures are repeatedly found in Old Testament in references to building specifications for holy buildings (temples, altars, and tabernacles).These terms’ passive or metaphorical sense can be found in the sense of being measured, being extended, being meted out, being reckoned out, and being repaid. Such examples include kindness, actions, and punishment. These terms can also mean to appoint or to be appointed. They measured the grain out by the omer (dry unit measure) (Exod.16:18). He stretched himself out upon the child three times and he called out to the Lord (1Kgs.17:21). He looked and made the nations tremble (Hab. 3:6). For an all-knowing God is the Lord, a God who weighs actions (1Sam.2:3). When He weighed out the wind, and measured out the waters (Job 28:25). Who has marked off the heavens with a span (Isa. 40:12). But the house of Israel says, ‘The Lord’s way is not fair.’ (Ezek. 18:29). I will measure their former work into their bosom (Isa.65:7).
New Testament: Like the Old Testament, the New Testament culture continues to use this term in various and nuanced senses. This term can mean to apportion equally (to oneself), to give out, to participate in one’s own guilt (sins), and to measure dimensions. The synoptic gospels caution that each person will be judged (measured) by how one will judge (measure) others. God will ration His gifts according to our needs. Jesus claims that the present generation (of Jews) will also to be accountable for one’s guilt (sins). Measuring rods will be needed to measure dimensions.
Scripture:
“For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you.” Mt. 7:2
This scripture states that we (our actions) will be judged according to how we act toward others. This becomes a prohibition against judging others.
“Now fill up what your ancestors measure out!” Mt. 23:32
Jesus has already stated that past generations have persecuted the prophets and the righteous. The current generation of scribes and Pharisees will also assume their (role) part in persecuting Jesus.
“But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” Eph. 4:7
God knows what is best for each of us. God will give each of us the grace we need.
Thoughts on Relativism:
“But there is another form of poverty. It (Relativism) is the spiritual poverty of our time.” Pope Francis
“The dictatorship of relativism is confronting the world. It does not recognize anything as absolute and leaves as the absolute measure only the measure of each one and his desires.” Pope Benedict XVI
“A cosmic philosophy is not constructed to fit a man; a cosmic philosophy is constructed to fit a cosmos. A man can no more possess a private religion than he can possess a private sun and moon.” GK Chesteron
Conclusion:
Measure, metrics, geometry, meter, mete
It is interesting to note that even the ancient Greek poets and tragedians (playwrights) touched upon the issues of the human condition. The Greek stage provides a window into humanity. Homer speaks to the human desire to seek change and justice. Protagoras had originally planted the seeds for the belief system of relativism. Relativism finds itself in our current age. Pope Benedict had often spoke of its dangerous effects in modern society. This belief system has in subtle ways influenced Christian beliefs. “I know that it is wrong, but who I am to judge what he/she believes….” And I think many of us are guilty of this in some form or another. Pick any important subject matter and you may possibly find this problem.
The Old Testament develops nuanced ways of measuring. This also extends into how God extends/apportions/weighs judgment and blessings. The New Testament continues this theme. It is interesting to see how Jesus apportions the sins of persecution to the both the Old Testament culture and the present generation of Jews. The New Testament further develops this idea in measuring one’s own actions. One will be judged in how they judge others
The New Testament canon contains all the inspired gospels (and books) of scripture. In a sense, this becomes the “measuring stick” or rule which defines the New Testament.
I recall one of my favorite Star Trek TNG episodes “The Measure of a Man”, which delved into Lt. Commander Data’s sentience and “humanity.” This episode determined whether Data was considered a sentient being or property by Starfleet. In my opinion, this episode (among others) had really set the standard (measure) for important subject matter and quality writing. That’s what I love about science fiction, a genre which also provides a window into man’s relationship with technology. By any measure, there really is no standard definition of what science fiction can be!