Devine Scripture

Luke 3:11

What does Luke 3:11 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 3:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 3:11 means

John's first instruction for demonstrating repentance centers on practical charity: those with surplus possessions, specifically two coats or ample food, should share with those who have none. This isn't about legalistic rules but about a radical generosity that reflects a transformed heart. True repentance manifests in compassion and actively meeting the needs of others, echoing the second great commandment to love one's neighbor as oneself.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he made answer and said to them, He who has two coats, let him give to him who has not even one; and he who has food, let him do the same.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he answering saith to them, `He having two coats--let him impart to him having none, and he having victuals--in like manner let him do.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he answering, said to them: He that hath two coats, let him give to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do in like manner.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he answering says to them, He that has two body-coats, let him give to him that has none; and he that has food, let him do likewise.

Context

Following the crowds' earnest question about demonstrating repentance, John provides his first specific instruction, focusing on generosity. This verse offers a tangible example of "fruit worthy of repentance," moving from abstract theological concepts to concrete ethical action. It sets the pattern for further specific guidance John will offer to various groups.

v.10And the multitudes asked him, saying, What then must we do?

v.11This passage

v.12And there came also publicans to be baptized, and they said unto him, Teacher, what must we do?

Cross references

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

  • James 2:15

    If a brother or sister be naked and in lack of daily food,

  • Hebrews 6:10

    for God is not unrighteous to forget your work and the love which ye showed toward his name, in that ye ministered unto the saints, and still do minister.

  • James 1:27

    Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

  • Daniel 4:27

    Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by showing mercy to the poor; if there may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.

  • Acts 10:4

    And he, fastening his eyes upon him, and being affrighted, said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are gone up for a memorial before God.

  • Isaiah 58:7

    Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?

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