Luke 3:17
What does Luke 3:17 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 3:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 3:17 means
John continues to describe the powerful work of the coming Christ using the imagery of a farmer's threshing floor. The "fan" (or winnowing fork) cleanses the grain, separating the valuable wheat, which will be gathered into the barn, from the worthless chaff, which will be burned with unquenchable fire. This illustrates Christ's dual role as both Savior and Judge, purifying His people and decisively removing the unrepentant. It underscores the severity of His impending judgment.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000whose fan is in his hand, thoroughly to cleanse his threshing-floor, and to gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn up with unquenchable fire.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901whose fan is in his hand, thoroughly to cleanse his threshing-floor, and to gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn up with unquenchable fire.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949In whose hand is the instrument with which he will make clean his grain; he will put the good grain in his store, but the waste will be burned in the fire which will never be put out.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862whose winnowing shovel <FI>is<Fi> in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his floor, and will gather the wheat to his storehouse, and the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Whose fan is in his hand: and he will purge his floor and will gather the wheat into his barn: but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890whose winnowing-fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his threshing-floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner, but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.
Context
Building on the previous verse's introduction of the coming, mightier One, this verse elaborates on His distinct and powerful ministry, especially focusing on judgment. The graphic imagery expands on the idea of baptism "with fire," giving a clearer picture of the Christ's work of separation and purification. This further heightens the anticipation for the Messiah's arrival and the nature of His kingdom.
v.16John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but there cometh he that is mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit and in fire:
v.17This passage
v.18With many other exhortations therefore preached he good tidings unto the people;
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Micah 4:12
But they know not the thoughts of Jehovah, neither understand they his counsel; for he hath gathered them as the sheaves to the threshing-floor.
- Matthew 3:12
whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing-floor; and he will gather his wheat into the garner, but the chaff he will burn up with unquenchable fire.
- Isaiah 30:24
the oxen likewise and the young asses that till the ground shall eat savory provender, which hath been winnowed with the shovel and with the fork.
- Jeremiah 15:7
And I have winnowed them with a fan in the gates of the land; I have bereaved them of children, I have destroyed my people; they returned not from their ways.
- Mark 9:43
And if thy hand cause thee to stumble, cut it off: it is good for thee to enter into life maimed, rather than having thy two hands to go into hell, into the unquenchable fire.
- Psalms 1:4
The wicked are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Luke 3
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Luke 3.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Contentment
True contentment is a deeply spiritual state, a gift from God that brings peace and satisfaction regardless of outward circumstances
Topic
Bible Verses About Children
God’s Word provides profound insights into the rearing, value, and blessing of children, as well as the responsibilities of both parents and children.
Topic
Bible Verses About Communion
Communion, often called the Lord's Supper, is a sacred practice remembering Jesus' sacrifice and looking forward to His return.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Anxiety Before a Job Interview
Quiet your nerves and walk in with steady steps — six verses to pray on the way.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Prayer Feels Empty
When the words won't come — scripture for the dry prayer life.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Forgotten by God
When the prayers feel one-sided — verses for the quiet seasons.