Luke 3 14

Luke 3:14 kjv

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.

Luke 3:14 nkjv

Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, "And what shall we do?" So he said to them, "Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages."

Luke 3:14 niv

Then some soldiers asked him, "And what should we do?" He replied, "Don't extort money and don't accuse people falsely?be content with your pay."

Luke 3:14 esv

Soldiers also asked him, "And we, what shall we do?" And he said to them, "Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages."

Luke 3:14 nlt

"What should we do?" asked some soldiers. John replied, "Don't extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay."

Luke 3 verses

Luke 3 14 Meaning

Luke 3:14 presents John the Baptist's specific instructions to soldiers regarding ethical conduct within their profession. It clarifies that repentance does not necessarily demand abandoning one's occupation, but rather transforming it through righteous behavior. For soldiers, this means refraining from illegal or violent extortion, avoiding false accusations to gain advantage, and being content with their legitimate earnings rather than seeking illicit gain through their authority. It underscores the principle that every profession can be pursued righteously, characterized by integrity, justice, and contentment.

Luke 3 14 Context

Luke chapter 3 narrates John the Baptist's powerful ministry in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Lk 3:1-6). His message calls for genuine inner transformation, emphasized by his exhortation to "bear fruits in keeping with repentance" (Lk 3:8), implying practical and tangible changes in behavior. The people, convicted by his preaching, inquire, "What then must we do?" (Lk 3:10). John provides specific guidance based on their social and occupational roles: he tells the crowds to share with the needy (Lk 3:11), tax collectors not to collect more than authorized (Lk 3:13), and finally, the soldiers this instruction in Luke 3:14. This verse thus stands as a direct, practical application of John's repentance message to a profession often associated with power and potential for abuse.

Luke 3 14 Word analysis

• And the soldiers (καὶ στρατευόμενοι - kai strateuomenoi): Lit. "and those waging war" or "those on active service." These would likely be local auxiliaries, perhaps Herod Antipas's soldiers, who enforced laws, maintained order, and potentially engaged in some tax collection. They wielded significant power, making their conduct critical.
• also asked him (ἐπηρώτων αὐτὸν - epērōtōn auton): The imperfect tense implies a continuous or repeated asking, indicating earnestness.
• saying, And what shall we do? (λέγοντες, τί ποιήσωμεν;): The question "What shall we do?" reflects their awareness of their need for specific instruction, much like the tax collectors, understanding that repentance called for changes in their unique professional sphere.
• And he said unto them (εἶπεν δὲ αὐτοῖς - eipen de autois): John responds directly to their concern, not telling them to leave their profession but to reform their conduct within it.
• Do violence to no man (μηδὲν διασείσητε - mēden diaseisēte): Diaseiō (διασείω) literally means "to shake thoroughly," but here it carries the sense of extortion, intimidation, or plundering, especially through misuse of power. It signifies not exploiting others by force or threats.
• neither accuse any falsely (μηδὲ συκοφαντήσητε - mēde sykophantēsēte): Sykophanteō (συκοφαντέω) means "to accuse falsely" or "to extort money by false accusation, to defraud." This term arose from prosecuting informers against fig smugglers in ancient Athens, but came to mean accusing falsely for profit. It directly condemns leveraging authority (e.g., threat of arrest, legal trouble) to extract money or favors.
• and be content (καὶ ἀρκεῖσθε - kai arkeisthe): Arkeō (ἀρκέō) means "to suffice," "to be enough," or "to be satisfied/content." It indicates a call for inner contentment with one's just due, opposing greed.
• with your wages (τοῖς ὀψωνίοις ὑμῶν - tois opsōniois hymōn): Opsōnia (ὀψώνια) refers specifically to a soldier's pay or provision money. It emphasizes not seeking illegal bribes or supplemental income beyond their authorized earnings.
• Words-group Analysis:
  • "Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely": These two prohibitions directly address common abuses of military authority: physical intimidation or threats (implied by 'violence' leading to extortion) and the abuse of legal or arrest powers for financial gain through false charges. They emphasize respect for the individual's rights and property.
  • "and be content with your wages": This positive injunction highlights the ethical imperative of contentment and the rejection of greed. It stands as the underlying virtue preventing the aforementioned abuses. It is a call for integrity and a warning against corruption driven by dissatisfaction or avarice.

Luke 3 14 Bonus section

The specific counsel to soldiers demonstrates the universal applicability of repentance. John does not endorse a sectarian withdrawal but a transformed engagement with the world. The fact that he does not tell the soldiers to leave their profession implicitly affirms that certain societal structures and professions, including law enforcement and military service, can be legitimate and serve God's purposes when conducted righteously. This stands in contrast to some contemporary views that might deem such professions inherently incompatible with faith. John's message emphasizes transformation from within, fostering a kingdom ethic of justice and integrity in all vocational spheres. It challenges believers to be agents of righteousness precisely where they are placed in society.

Luke 3 14 Commentary

Luke 3:14 is a profound and practical instruction from John the Baptist. Rather than prescribing a flight from the world or a change of profession for spiritual purity, John emphasizes ethical conduct within existing societal roles. His counsel to the soldiers, a group often perceived with fear and resentment due to their power and potential for abuse, is not to abandon their military service. Instead, it's a direct command to wield their authority justly. They are forbidden from engaging in diaseiō (extortion through intimidation) and sykophanteō (defrauding through false accusations), practices sadly common among officials and powerful individuals in that era. The positive command to be arkeō (content) with their opsōnia (wages) underpins the specific prohibitions, striking at the root of such corrupt behavior: greed and a desire for unjust gain. This verse serves as a timeless principle that true repentance is not merely an emotional or religious act, but transforms one's daily life and professional ethics. It calls all individuals to righteousness, integrity, and contentment in their God-given spheres of influence.

Practical Usage:

• A Christian in a position of authority should never abuse that power for personal gain or to intimidate others.
• In one's workplace, integrity demands honesty, fair dealing, and refraining from slandering colleagues or falsely accusing others to climb the ladder.
• Christians should strive for contentment with their legitimate earnings, resisting the temptation of illicit gains, bribes, or shortcuts that compromise ethical standards.