Devine Scripture

Luke 3:13

What does Luke 3:13 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 3:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 3:13 means

John's instruction to the tax collectors was direct and specific to their profession: "Extort no more than that which is appointed you." He didn't tell them to abandon their profession but to practice it with integrity, avoiding their common practice of illicitly overcharging. This demonstrates that repentance involves honesty and justice within one's daily work, ensuring that one's livelihood does not come at the expense of exploiting others, a critical demonstration of renewed character.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he said unto them, Extort no more than that which is appointed you.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he said unto them, Extort no more than that which is appointed you.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said to them, Do not make an attempt to get more money than the right amount.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he said unto them, `Exact no more than that directed you.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But he said to them: Do nothing more than that which is appointed you.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he said to them, Take no more [money] than what is appointed to you.

Context

Following the tax collectors' direct question, this verse provides John's specific and practical answer. It shows how John's call to repentance translates into concrete ethical behavior within a specific societal role. This instruction is particularly impactful because tax collectors were notorious for corruption, emphasizing the genuine change demanded by John.

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

v.13This passage

v.14And 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.

Cross references

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

  • Isaiah 1:16

    Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;

  • Micah 6:8

    He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth Jehovah require of thee, but to do justly, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with thy God?

  • Titus 2:11

    For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men,

  • Psalms 18:23

    I was also perfect with him, And I kept myself from mine iniquity.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:10

    nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

  • Matthew 7:12

    All things therefore whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do ye also unto them: for this is the law and the prophets.

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