[Greek] πιέζω (piezō), [Latin] compressare: to press down, to press together, to pack; Lk.6:48
A spice market in Istanbul, Turkey. God’s generosity is like that generous grain merchant who fills up your cup as much as possible. He presses the grain further down, so he can still pour more grain in your cup.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term, used in an active and passive sense, means to press down, to oppress, to distress, to press hard, to hold fast to, to insist upon, to pressure, and to outweigh. Herodotus’ The Histories 5.35 states “I don’t know, but my shoulders are sure hard pressed.” Aristophanes’ Clouds 437 states “I will do so in reliance upon you, for necessity oppresses me on account of the blood-horses and the marriage that ruined me.” Xenophon’s Cyropaedia 7.2.20 states “Then overwhelmed by the afflictions, I have suffered in connection with my sons.” Xenophon’s Cyropaedia 1.1.1 states “We reflected, moreover, how many of these individuals who have aspired to have absolute power have been deposed once and for all.”
Old Testament: This term means to tread, to tread upon, to bend, to tread down, and to walk. A star shall come forth from Jacob (Num.24:17). Surely the land on which your foot has trodden will be an inheritance to you and to your children forever (Jos.14:9). In those days I saw in Judah some who were treading wine presses on the Sabbath (Neh.13:15). He has bent his bow like an enemy (Lam.2:4). O my soul, march on with strength (Jos.14:9). He leads the humble in justice, and He teaches the humble His way (Psa.25:9).
New Testament: This term, occurring only once, means to press down. This term relates to the responsibilities and blessings of giving to others (‘give and it shall be given to you).” A good measure, pressed down, shaken down, and overflowing, refers to God’s generosity (blessings) for one’s good deeds. This is likened to the humble merchant who is grateful that you are buying his merchandise. This merchant fills your cup with grain, pressing the grain (inside) down tight, shakes it, and fills it again to the top of the cup (filled to the brim). The cup is overflowing with grain, almost running over the sides. This is the good measure from the generous merchant. God cannot be outdone with His generosity.
Scripture:
“Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured in to your lap. For the measure with you which measure will in return be measured out to you.” Lk.6:38
Your generosity toward others will in someway will be rewarded by the generosity from God. God cannot be outdone in His generosity.
Piezo-electric lighter: This is a portable device used to create a flame. When a button is pressed, a high voltage produces a subsequent electrical charge which ignites the gas. An electric spark is usually generated by one press of the button. Such famous brands are Zippo and Bic.
Conclusion:
Piezoelectric (Bic) lighter, compress, compression
In the Greek Hellenistic era, this term is quite frequently used in many contexts. Not surprisingly, this term is often used in a military sense. The more interesting and nuanced meanings include insisting on, holding fast to, and being exhausted.
In the Old Testament, it is significant to note this term primarily takes on the sense of treading upon and being trodden (downtrodden). Treading can range from oppression, bending, and trampling on grapes. In Hos. 12:8 a merchant who has a false balance is one who extorts his customers. In Amos 8:5 false balances and short measures are condemned by the Law.
In the New Testament, this term is narrowly defined in a moral command to help or give to others. We will be measured in how we help others. By giving to others, a good measure we will be given to us. God will find a way to give generously to us for our good efforts. God cannot be outdone in His generosity.
To be honest, I really did not understand the notion of ‘a good measure, pressed together, shaken down, and overflowing’. After finally understanding the grateful merchant, a light went on in my understanding. We all must press on (do something) in being generous to others.
And I didn’t need to press a Bic lighter!