Luke 3:12
What does Luke 3:12 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 3:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 3:12 means
Significantly, even tax collectors—a group often reviled for their corruption and seen as collaborators with Rome—came to John to be baptized and asked for specific guidance on how to repent. Their willingness to seek John's instruction highlights the widespread impact of his ministry, even on those considered outcasts. Their question demonstrates a sincere desire to align their lives with God's will, indicating that repentance was reaching even unexpected segments of society.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And there came also publicans to be baptized, and they said unto him, Teacher, what must we do?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And there came also publicans to be baptized, and they said unto him, Teacher, what must we do?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then tax-farmers came to him for baptism and said to him, Master, what have we to do?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And there came also tax-gatherers to be baptised, and they said unto him, `Teacher, what shall we do?'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the publicans also came to be baptized and said to him: Master, what shall we do?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And tax-gatherers came also to be baptised, and they said to him, Teacher, what should we do?
Context
This verse continues the series of questions regarding practical repentance, specifically highlighting the presence of tax collectors. Their inclusion demonstrates the broad reach of John's message and their desire for specific guidance. This sets up John's tailored counsel for this particular group, showing how repentance applies to different vocations and life situations.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 18:13
But the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote his breast, saying, God, be thou merciful to me a sinner.
- Luke 7:29
And all the people when they heard, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.
- Matthew 21:31
Which of the two did the will of his father? They say, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, that the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.
- Luke 15:1
Now all the publicans and sinners were drawing near unto him to hear him.
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