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And do not begin to say to yourselves, &#8216We have Abraham as our father.&#8217 For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. <a href="/nlt/luke/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. <a href="/esv/luke/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. <a href="/bsb/luke/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. <a href="/blb/luke/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore produce fruits worthy of repentance. And do not begin to say in yourselves, 'We have Abraham as father.' For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. <a href="/kjv/luke/3.htm">King James Bible</a> Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. <a href="/nkjv/luke/3.htm">New King James Version</a> Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. <a href="/nasb_/luke/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Therefore produce fruits that are consistent with repentance, and do not start saying to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children for Abraham. <a href="/nasb/luke/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Therefore bear fruits in keeping with repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, &#8216We have Abraham for our father,&#8217 for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham. <a href="/nasb77/luke/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Therefore bring forth fruits in keeping with repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father,’ for I say to you that God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. <a href="/lsb/luke/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Therefore bear fruits in keeping with repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father,’ for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham. <a href="/amp/luke/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Therefore produce fruit that is worthy of [and consistent with your] repentance [that is, live changed lives, turn from sin and seek God and His righteousness]. And do not even begin to say to yourselves [as a defense], ‘We have Abraham for our father [and so our heritage assures us of salvation]’; for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children (descendants) for Abraham [for God can replace the unrepentant, regardless of their heritage, with those who are obedient]. <a href="/csb/luke/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Therefore produce fruit consistent with repentance. And don’t start saying to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you that God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones. <a href="/hcsb/luke/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Therefore produce fruit consistent with repentance. And don&#8217t start saying to yourselves, &#8216We have Abraham as our father,&#8217 for I tell you that God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones! <a href="/asv/luke/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. <a href="/cev/luke/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Do something to show that you really have given up your sins. Don't start saying you belong to Abraham's family. God can turn these stones into children for Abraham. <a href="/erv/luke/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. <a href="/gwt/luke/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Do those things that prove that you have turned to God and have changed the way you think and act. Don't say, 'Abraham is our ancestor.' I guarantee that God can raise up descendants for Abraham from these stones. <a href="/gnt/luke/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> Do those things that will show that you have turned from your sins. And don't start saying among yourselves that Abraham is your ancestor. I tell you that God can take these rocks and make descendants for Abraham! <a href="/isv/luke/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> Produce fruit that is consistent with repentance! Don't begin to say to yourselves, 'We have father Abraham!' because I tell you that God can raise up descendants for Abraham from these stones! <a href="/msb/luke/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ?We have Abraham as our father.? For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. <a href="/net/luke/3.htm">NET Bible</a> Therefore produce fruit that proves your repentance, and don't begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you that God can raise up children for Abraham from these stones! <a href="/nheb/luke/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say among yourselves, 'We have Abraham for our father;' for I tell you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. <a href="/wbt/luke/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham for our father: for I say to you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children to Abraham. <a href="/wey/luke/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Live lives which shall prove your change of heart; and do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our forefather,' for I tell you that God can raise up descendants for Abraham from these stones. <a href="/web/luke/3.htm">World English Bible</a> Therefore produce fruits worthy of repentance, and don’t begin to say among yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father;’ for I tell you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones! <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/luke/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Make, therefore, fruits worthy of conversion, and do not begin to say within yourselves, We have a father—Abraham; for I say to you that God is able to raise children to Abraham out of these stones; <a href="/blb/luke/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore produce fruits worthy of repentance. And do not begin to say in yourselves, 'We have Abraham as father.' For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. <a href="/ylt/luke/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> make, therefore, fruits worthy of the reformation, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have a father -- Abraham; for I say to you, that God is able out of these stones to raise children to Abraham; <a href="/slt/luke/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Do ye therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say in yourselves, We have a father Abraham: for I say to you, That God is able to raise children to Abraham of these stones.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/luke/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of penance; and do not begin to say, We have Abraham for our father. For I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children to Abraham. <a href="/cpdv/luke/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> So then, produce fruits worthy of repentance. And do not begin to say, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that God has the power to raise up sons to Abraham from these stones. <a href="/nabre/luke/3.htm">New American Bible</a> Produce good fruits as evidence of your repentance; and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones. <a href="/nrsvce/luke/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/luke/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Therefore bring forth fruits which are worthy of repentance; and do not begin to say within yourselves, We have Abraham as our father; for I say to you that God can raise up children for Abraham from these stones. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “Produce therefore fruits worthy for repentance and do not start to say within yourselves, 'Abraham is our father', for I say to you that God can raise up from these stones children to Abraham.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/luke/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Bring forth, therefore, fruits worthy of repentance. And begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham for our father; for I say to you, that God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. <a href="/godbey/luke/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say among yourselves; We have Abraham our father. <a href="/haweis/luke/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Produce then fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say in yourselves, We have a father, even Abraham; for I say unto you, That God is able out of these stones to raise up children to Abraham. <a href="/mace/luke/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> let your actions therefore show your repentance, and don't pretend to say within yourselves, "we have Abraham for our father:" for I tell you that God is able of these stones to raise up children to Abraham. <a href="/wey/luke/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Live lives which shall prove your change of heart; and do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our forefather,' for I tell you that God can raise up descendants for Abraham from these stones. <a href="/worrell/luke/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Produce, therefore, fruits worthy of repentance; and begin not to say within yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father'; for I say to you, that God is able out of these stones to raise up children to Abraham. <a href="/worsley/luke/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Bring forth therefore fruits becoming penitents, and do not say within yourselves, "We have Abraham for our father," for I tell you that God can of these stones raise up children to Abraham. <a href="/parallel/luke/3-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=1078" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/luke/3.htm">The Mission of John the Baptist</a> …7Then John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8<a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poiēsate (V-AMA-2P) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">Produce</a> <a href="/greek/2590.htm" title="2590: karpous (N-AMP) -- Probably from the base of harpazo; fruit, literally or figuratively.">fruit,</a> <a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.">then,</a> <a href="/greek/514.htm" title="514: axious (Adj-AMP) -- Worthy, worthy of, deserving, comparable, suitable. Probably from ago; deserving, comparable or suitable.">in keeping with</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3341.htm" title="3341: metanoias (N-GFS) -- From metanoeo; compunction; by implication, reversal (another's) decision).">repentance.</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">And</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">do not</a> <a href="/greek/756.htm" title="756: arxēsthe (V-ASM-2P) -- To begin. Middle voice of archo; to commence.">begin</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legein (V-PNA) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">to say</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">to</a> <a href="/greek/1438.htm" title="1438: heautois (RefPro-DM3P) -- Himself, herself, itself. ">yourselves,</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echomen (V-PIA-1P) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">‘We have</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/11.htm" title="11: Abraam (N-AMS) -- Abraham, progenitor of the Hebrew race. Of Hebrew origin; Abraham, the Hebrew patriarch.">Abraham</a> <a href="/greek/3962.htm" title="3962: Patera (N-AMS) -- Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a father.">as our father.’</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legō (V-PIA-1S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">I tell</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">out of</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: toutōn (DPro-GMP) -- This; he, she, it. ">these</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3037.htm" title="3037: lithōn (N-GMP) -- A stone; met: of Jesus as the chief stone in a building. Apparently a primary word; a stone.">stones</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theos (N-NMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God</a> <a href="/greek/1410.htm" title="1410: dynatai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.">can</a> <a href="/greek/1453.htm" title="1453: egeirai (V-ANA) -- (a) I wake, arouse, (b) I raise up. Probably akin to the base of agora; to waken, i.e. Rouse.">raise up</a> <a href="/greek/5043.htm" title="5043: tekna (N-ANP) -- A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child.">children</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/11.htm" title="11: Abraam (N-DMS) -- Abraham, progenitor of the Hebrew race. Of Hebrew origin; Abraham, the Hebrew patriarch.">for Abraham.</a> 9The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/3-8.htm">Matthew 3:8-9</a> Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance. / And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. <a href="/john/8-39.htm">John 8:39</a> “Abraham is our father,” they replied. “If you were children of Abraham,” said Jesus, “you would do the works of Abraham. <a href="/romans/2-28.htm">Romans 2:28-29</a> A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical. / No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise does not come from men, but from God. <a href="/galatians/3-7.htm">Galatians 3:7-9</a> Understand, then, that those who have faith are sons of Abraham. / The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and foretold the gospel to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” / So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. <a href="/james/2-14.htm">James 2:14-26</a> What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? / Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that? ... <a href="/matthew/7-16.htm">Matthew 7:16-20</a> By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? / Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. / A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. ... <a href="/john/15-1.htm">John 15:1-8</a> “I am the true vine, and My Father is the keeper of the vineyard. / He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes to make it even more fruitful. / You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. ... <a href="/romans/9-6.htm">Romans 9:6-8</a> It is not as though God’s word has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. / Nor because they are Abraham’s descendants are they all his children. On the contrary, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.” / So it is not the children of the flesh who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as offspring. <a href="/philippians/3-3.htm">Philippians 3:3</a> For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— <a href="/2_corinthians/5-17.htm">2 Corinthians 5:17</a> Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come! <a href="/genesis/17-4.htm">Genesis 17:4-8</a> “As for Me, this is My covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. / No longer will you be called Abram, but your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations. / I will make you exceedingly fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will descend from you. ... <a href="/isaiah/51-1.htm">Isaiah 51:1-2</a> “Listen to Me, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the LORD: Look to the rock from which you were cut, and to the quarry from which you were hewn. / Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah who gave you birth. When I called him, he was but one; then I blessed him and multiplied him. <a href="/jeremiah/7-3.htm">Jeremiah 7:3-7</a> Thus says the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel: Correct your ways and deeds, and I will let you live in this place. / Do not trust in deceptive words, saying: ‘This is the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD.’ / For if you really correct your ways and deeds, if you act justly toward one another, ... <a href="/ezekiel/18-30.htm">Ezekiel 18:30-32</a> Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall. / Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel? / For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live! <a href="/micah/6-6.htm">Micah 6:6-8</a> With what shall I come before the LORD when I bow before the God on high? Should I come to Him with burnt offerings, with year-old calves? / Would the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? / He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say to you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children to Abraham.fruits.<a href="/isaiah/1-16.htm">Isaiah 1:16-18</a> Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; … <a href="/ezekiel/18-27.htm">Ezekiel 18:27-31</a> Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive… <a href="/acts/26-20.htm">Acts 26:20</a> But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.worthy of.<a href="/luke/13-28.htm">Luke 13:28,29</a> There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out… <a href="/luke/16-23.htm">Luke 16:23-31</a> And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom… <a href="/isaiah/48-1.htm">Isaiah 48:1,2</a> Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the LORD, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness… of these.<a href="/luke/19-40.htm">Luke 19:40</a> And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.<a href="/joshua/4-3.htm">Joshua 4:3-8</a> And command ye them, saying, Take you hence out of the midst of Jordan, out of the place where the priests' feet stood firm, twelve stones, and ye shall carry them over with you, and leave them in the lodging place, where ye shall lodge this night… <a href="/matthew/8-11.htm">Matthew 8:11,12</a> And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/1-37.htm">Able</a> <a href="/luke/1-73.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/mark/6-32.htm">Accordingly</a> <a href="/luke/3-7.htm">Baptized</a> <a href="/titus/2-1.htm">Befit</a> <a href="/matthew/24-49.htm">Begin</a> <a href="/luke/3-7.htm">Brood</a> <a href="/luke/1-36.htm">Children</a> <a href="/luke/3-7.htm">Crowds</a> <a href="/luke/3-7.htm">Flee</a> <a href="/luke/3-7.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/mark/12-2.htm">Fruits</a> <a href="/luke/3-7.htm">John</a> <a href="/luke/1-69.htm">Raise</a> <a href="/luke/3-3.htm">Repentance</a> <a href="/mark/13-1.htm">Stones</a> <a href="/luke/2-42.htm">Used</a> <a href="/luke/3-7.htm">Vipers</a> <a href="/luke/3-7.htm">Warned</a> <a href="/luke/1-44.htm">Within</a> <a href="/mark/14-64.htm">Worthy</a> <a href="/mark/14-42.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/5-13.htm">Able</a> <a href="/luke/3-9.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/luke/6-49.htm">Accordingly</a> <a href="/luke/3-12.htm">Baptized</a> <a href="/titus/2-1.htm">Befit</a> <a href="/luke/3-9.htm">Begin</a> <a href="/luke/13-34.htm">Brood</a> <a href="/luke/5-34.htm">Children</a> <a href="/luke/3-10.htm">Crowds</a> <a href="/luke/21-21.htm">Flee</a> <a href="/luke/3-9.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/luke/12-17.htm">Fruits</a> <a href="/luke/3-11.htm">John</a> <a href="/luke/3-9.htm">Raise</a> <a href="/luke/5-32.htm">Repentance</a> <a href="/luke/3-9.htm">Stones</a> <a href="/luke/6-23.htm">Used</a> <a href="/romans/3-13.htm">Vipers</a> <a href="/luke/9-21.htm">Warned</a> <a href="/luke/7-39.htm">Within</a> <a href="/luke/3-16.htm">Worthy</a> <a href="/luke/3-9.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 3</div>1. <a href="/luke/3-1.htm">The preaching and baptism of John;</a> 15. <a href="/luke/3-15.htm">his testimony of Jesus;</a> 19. <a href="/luke/3-19.htm">Herod imprisons John;</a> 21. <a href="/luke/3-21.htm">Jesus, baptized, receives testimony from heaven.</a> 23. <a href="/luke/3-23.htm">The age and genealogy of Jesus from Joseph upwards.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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This phrase emphasizes the necessity of genuine repentance, which is not merely a change of mind but a transformation that results in observable actions. In the biblical context, "fruit" often symbolizes the visible evidence of one's inner spiritual state (<a href="/matthew/7-16.htm">Matthew 7:16-20</a>). The call to produce fruit aligns with the teachings of the prophets, who urged Israel to demonstrate their faith through righteous living (<a href="/isaiah/1-16.htm">Isaiah 1:16-17</a>). The concept of repentance is central to the message of John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus by calling people to turn from their sins (<a href="/matthew/3.htm">Matthew 3:1-2</a>).And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ This warning addresses the complacency and false security that some Jews of the time felt due to their lineage. Many believed that being descendants of Abraham guaranteed them favor with God (<a href="/john/8-33.htm">John 8:33-39</a>). However, John the Baptist challenges this notion, emphasizing that true relationship with God is not based on heritage but on faith and obedience. This reflects the broader biblical theme that God values a contrite heart over mere ritual or ancestry (<a href="/psalms/51-17.htm">Psalm 51:17</a>).For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. This statement underscores God's sovereignty and ability to fulfill His promises in unexpected ways. The imagery of stones may allude to the barren wilderness where John preached, symbolizing lifelessness and the miraculous power of God to bring forth life (<a href="/ezekiel/36-26.htm">Ezekiel 36:26</a>). It also foreshadows the inclusion of the Gentiles into the family of God, as Paul later explains that true children of Abraham are those who share his faith (<a href="/galatians/3-7.htm">Galatians 3:7-9</a>). This phrase challenges the audience to understand that God's covenant is based on faith, not ethnicity.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/john_the_baptist.htm">John the Baptist</a> The speaker of this verse, John the Baptist, is a prophet and forerunner of Jesus Christ, calling people to repentance and baptism in preparation for the coming Messiah. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_pharisees_and_sadducees.htm">The Pharisees and Sadducees</a> Although not mentioned directly in this verse, these religious leaders are often the target of John's rebukes for their reliance on heritage rather than true repentance. 3. <a href="/topical/a/abraham.htm">Abraham</a> The patriarch of the Israelites, whose descendants are the Jewish people. John challenges the notion that mere physical descent from Abraham guarantees favor with God. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_jordan_river.htm">The Jordan River</a> The location where John the Baptist conducted his ministry of baptism and preaching repentance. 5. <a href="/topical/r/repentance.htm">Repentance</a> A central theme in John's message, emphasizing a genuine turning away from sin and a transformation of life.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/true_repentance_is_evidenced_by_action.htm">True Repentance is Evidenced by Action</a> Repentance is not merely a feeling of remorse but involves a tangible change in behavior. Believers are called to produce "fruit" that reflects a transformed life. <a href="/topical/h/heritage_and_tradition_are_insufficient.htm">Heritage and Tradition are Insufficient</a> Relying on religious heritage or tradition, like the Jews relying on their descent from Abraham, is inadequate for salvation. Each person must have a personal relationship with God. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_power.htm">God's Sovereignty and Power</a> God is not limited by human constraints. He can raise up His people from unexpected places, demonstrating His sovereignty and power. <a href="/topical/f/faith_and_works_are_inseparable.htm">Faith and Works are Inseparable</a> Genuine faith will naturally result in good works. Believers should examine their lives for evidence of their faith through their actions. <a href="/topical/h/humility_and_openness_to_god's_work.htm">Humility and Openness to God's Work</a> Believers should remain humble and open to God's transformative work in their lives, recognizing that God can work through anyone and anything.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_luke_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Luke 3</a> <a href="/q/is_your_heart_genuinely_repentant.htm">Is your heart truly repentant, beyond outward appearances?</a> <a href="/q/what_means_'god_cannot_deny_himself'.htm">What is producing fruit in line with repentance?</a> <a href="/q/why_are_you_a_brood_of_vipers.htm">Why are you a brood of vipers?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_fruit_of_repentance.htm">What is producing fruit in line with repentance?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 8. - Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance. In other words, "Since you profess to have taken flight from the wrath to come, show at once, by your change of life, that your repentance is worth something, has some meaning in it." Begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father. These words show that John had the splendid courage to strike boldly at the very root of Jewish pride. Gradually Jewish belief in the especial favor of God, which they were to enjoy through all eternity, had grown up till it resulted in such extravagant expressions as these: "Abraham would sit at the gates of hell, and would not permit any circumcised Israelite of decent moral character to enter it;" "A single Israelite is worth more in God's sight than all the nations of the world;" "The world was made for their (Israel's) sake." This incredible arrogancy grew as their earthly fortunes became darker and darker. Only an eternity of bliss, of which they alone were to be partakers, could make up for the woes they were made to suffer here, while an eternity of anguish for the Gentile world outside Israel was a necessary vengeance for the indignities this Gentile world had inflicted upon the chosen people. Long ago the great Hebrew prophets had warned the deluded race that their election would profit them nothing if they failed in their duties to their God and their neighbor. For I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham; pointing, no doubt, to the rough shingle lying on the river Jordan's banks. John's thought was the same which Paul afterwards expressed to the Galatians in his own nervous language, "Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham;" "And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise" (<a href="/galatians/3-7.htm">Galatians 3:7, 29</a>). <a href="/commentaries/luke/3-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Therefore οὖν (oun) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3767.htm">Strong's 3767: </a> Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly. produce ποιήσατε (poiēsate) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do. fruit καρποὺς (karpous) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2590.htm">Strong's 2590: </a> Probably from the base of harpazo; fruit, literally or figuratively. worthy ἀξίους (axious) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_514.htm">Strong's 514: </a> Worthy, worthy of, deserving, comparable, suitable. Probably from ago; deserving, comparable or suitable. of repentance. μετανοίας (metanoias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3341.htm">Strong's 3341: </a> From metanoeo; compunction; by implication, reversal (another's) decision). And καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. {do} not μὴ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. begin ἄρξησθε (arxēsthe) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_756.htm">Strong's 756: </a> To begin. Middle voice of archo; to commence. to say λέγειν (legein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. to ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. yourselves, ἑαυτοῖς (heautois) Reflexive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1438.htm">Strong's 1438: </a> Himself, herself, itself. ‘We have ἔχομεν (echomen) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. Abraham Ἀβραάμ (Abraam) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_11.htm">Strong's 11: </a> Abraham, progenitor of the Hebrew race. Of Hebrew origin; Abraham, the Hebrew patriarch. [as our] father.’ Πατέρα (Patera) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3962.htm">Strong's 3962: </a> Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'. For γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. I tell λέγω (legō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. you ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. out of ἐκ (ek) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. these τούτων (toutōn) Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. stones λίθων (lithōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3037.htm">Strong's 3037: </a> A stone; met: of Jesus as the chief stone in a building. Apparently a primary word; a stone. God Θεὸς (Theos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. can δύναται (dynatai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1410.htm">Strong's 1410: </a> (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible. raise up ἐγεῖραι (egeirai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_1453.htm">Strong's 1453: </a> (a) I wake, arouse, (b) I raise up. Probably akin to the base of agora; to waken, i.e. Rouse. children τέκνα (tekna) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5043.htm">Strong's 5043: </a> A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child. for Abraham. Ἀβραάμ (Abraam) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_11.htm">Strong's 11: </a> Abraham, progenitor of the Hebrew race. Of Hebrew origin; Abraham, the Hebrew patriarch. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/3-8.htm">Luke 3:8 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/luke/3-8.htm">Luke 3:8 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/luke/3-8.htm">Luke 3:8 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/luke/3-8.htm">Luke 3:8 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/luke/3-8.htm">Luke 3:8 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/3-8.htm">Luke 3:8 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/3-8.htm">Luke 3:8 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/3-8.htm">Luke 3:8 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/luke/3-8.htm">Luke 3:8 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/luke/3-8.htm">Luke 3:8 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/luke/3-8.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/3-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 3:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 3:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/3-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 3:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 3:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>