Devine Scripture

Luke 3:14

What does Luke 3:14 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 3:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 3:14 means

Soldiers also approached John, seeking guidance on how to live out repentance in their demanding profession. John instructed them to avoid violence and false accusations, and to be content with their wages. He didn't tell them to abandon their service but to perform it ethically. This shows that repentance applies even to those in positions of power and authority, requiring them to uphold justice and resist corruption, while finding contentment in their legitimate earnings.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And men of the army put questions to him, saying, And what have we to do? And he said to them, Do no violent acts to any man, and do not take anything without right, and let your payment be enough for you.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And questioning him also were those warring, saying, `And we, what shall we do?' and he said unto them, `Do violence to no one, nor accuse falsely, and be content with your wages.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the soldiers also asked him, saying: And what shall we do? And he said to them: Do violence to no man, neither calumniate any man; and be content with your pay.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And persons engaged in military service also asked him saying, And we, what should we do? And he said to them, Oppress no one, nor accuse falsely, and be satisfied with your pay.

Context

Continuing the pattern of specific guidance, this verse details the interaction between John and the soldiers who sought his counsel. It demonstrates the universal applicability of repentance across various professions. This further illustrates that true repentance isn't just about personal piety but extends to ethical conduct in one's public and professional life.

v.13And he said unto them, Extort no more than that which is appointed you.

v.14This passage

v.15And as the people were in expectation, and all men reasoned in their hearts concerning John, whether haply he were the Christ;

Cross references

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

  • Philippians 2:15

    that ye may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom ye are seen as lights in the world,

  • Exodus 20:16

    Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

  • Leviticus 19:11

    Ye shall not steal; neither shall ye deal falsely, nor lie one to another.

  • Romans 13:9

    For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not covet, and if there be any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

  • Revelation 12:10

    And I heard a great voice in heaven, saying, Now is come the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, who accuseth them before our God day and night.

  • Exodus 23:1

    Thou shalt not take up a false report: put not thy hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.

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