Devine Scripture

Luke 3:10

What does Luke 3:10 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 3:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 3:10 means

The multitudes, having heard John's searing indictment and call for "fruits worthy of repentance," respond by directly asking him, "What then must we do?" This question indicates that John's powerful preaching pierced their hearts, prompting them to seek concrete ways to demonstrate their newfound understanding of repentance. It underscores their desire for practical guidance in living a transformed life, moving beyond mere theological assent to active obedience.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And the multitudes asked him, saying, What then must we do?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And the multitudes asked him, saying, What then must we do?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the people put questions to him, saying, What have we to do?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And the multitudes were questioning him, saying, `What, then, shall we do?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the people asked him, saying: What then shall we do?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the crowds asked him saying, What should we do then?

Context

After John's powerful warnings about judgment and the need for visible fruit of repentance, this verse shows the crowds' immediate and earnest response. Their question demonstrates engagement and a desire for practical application. This sets the stage for John's specific moral instructions to different groups of people, moving from general calls to particular actions.

v.9And even now the axe also lieth at the root of the trees: every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

v.10This passage

v.11And he answered and said unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath food, let him do likewise.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Luke 3:12

    And there came also publicans to be baptized, and they said unto him, Teacher, what must we do?

  • Luke 3:14

    And soldiers also asked him, saying, And we, what must we do? And he said unto them, Extort from no man by violence, neither accuse any one wrongfully; and be content with your wages.

  • Acts 9:6

    but rise, and enter into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

  • Acts 16:30

    and brought them out and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

  • Acts 2:37

    Now when they heardthis, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do?

  • Luke 3:8

    Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

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