CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Luke 3:14 Then some soldiers asked him, "And what should we do?" "Do not take money by force or false accusation," he said. "Be content with your wages."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/3-14.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/42_Luk_03_14.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 3:14 - The Mission of John the Baptist" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then some soldiers asked him, And what should we do? Do not take money by force or false accusation, he said. Be content with your wages." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/luke/3-14.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/luke/3-14.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/luke/">Luke</a> > <a href="/luke/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 14</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad14.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/luke/3-13.htm" title="Luke 3:13">◄</a> Luke 3:14 <a href="/luke/3-15.htm" title="Luke 3:15">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/luke/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/luke/3.htm">New International Version</a> Then some soldiers asked him, &#8220And what should we do?&#8221 He replied, &#8220Don&#8217t extort money and don&#8217t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/luke/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> “What should we do?” asked some soldiers. John replied, “Don’t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.” <a href="/esv/luke/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> 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.” <a href="/bsb/luke/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” “Do not take money by force or false accusation,” he said. “Be content with your wages.” <a href="/blb/luke/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And those being soldiers also were asking him, saying, "And what shall we do?" And he said to them, "Extort no one, nor accuse falsely, and be content with your wages." <a href="/kjv/luke/3.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/luke/3.htm">New King James Version</a> 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.” <a href="/nasb_/luke/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And soldiers also were questioning him, saying, “What are we to do, we as well?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone, nor harass anyone, and be content with your wages.” <a href="/nasb/luke/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> Some soldiers were questioning him, saying, &#8220And what about us, what shall we do?&#8221 And he said to them, &#8220Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/luke/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And some soldiers were questioning him, saying, “And what about us, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages.” <a href="/lsb/luke/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And soldiers were also questioning him, saying, “What should we also do?” And he said to them, “Do not take money from anyone by force, or extort anyone, and be content with your wages.” <a href="/amp/luke/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Some soldiers asked him, “And what about us, what are we to do?” And he replied to them, “Do not extort money from anyone or harass or blackmail anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.” <a href="/csb/luke/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Some soldiers also questioned him, “What should we do? ” He said to them, “Don’t take money from anyone by force or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.” <a href="/hcsb/luke/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Some soldiers also questioned him: &#8220What should we do?&#8221 He said to them, &#8220Don&#8217t take money from anyone by force or false accusation; be satisfied with your wages.&#8221 <a href="/asv/luke/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/luke/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Some soldiers asked him, "And what about us? What do we have to do?" John told them, "Don't force people to pay money to make you leave them alone. Be satisfied with your pay." <a href="/erv/luke/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> And soldiers also asked him, saying, And we, what must we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither exact anything wrongfully; and be content with your wages. <a href="/gwt/luke/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Some soldiers asked him, "And what should we do?" He told them, "Be satisfied with your pay, and never use threats or blackmail to get money from anyone." <a href="/gnt/luke/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> Some soldiers also asked him, "What about us? What are we to do?" He said to them, "Don't take money from anyone by force or accuse anyone falsely. Be content with your pay." <a href="/isv/luke/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> Even some soldiers were asking him, "And what should we do?" He told them, "Never extort money from anyone by threats or blackmail, and be satisfied with your pay." <a href="/msb/luke/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then some soldiers asked him, ?And what should we do?? ?Do not take money by force or false accusation,? he said. ?Be content with your wages.? <a href="/net/luke/3.htm">NET Bible</a> Then some soldiers also asked him, "And as for us--what should we do?" He told them, "Take money from no one by violence or by false accusation, and be content with your pay." <a href="/nheb/luke/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Soldiers also asked him, saying, "What about us? What must we do?" He said to them, "Extort from no one by violence, neither accuse anyone wrongfully. Be content with your wages." <a href="/wbt/luke/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the soldiers likewise asked him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said to them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely, and be content with your wages. <a href="/wey/luke/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> The soldiers also once and again inquired of him, "And we, what are we to do?" His answer was, "Neither intimidate any one nor lay false charges; and be content with your pay." <a href="/web/luke/3.htm">World English Bible</a> Soldiers also asked him, saying, “What about us? What must we do?” He said to them, “Extort from no one by violence, neither accuse anyone wrongfully. Be content with your wages.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/luke/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And also questioning him were those warring, saying, “And we, what will we do?” And he said to them, “Do violence to no one, nor accuse falsely, and be content with your wages.” <a href="/blb/luke/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And those being soldiers also were asking him, saying, "And what shall we do?" And he said to them, "Extort no one, nor accuse falsely, and be content with your wages." <a href="/ylt/luke/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 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.' <a href="/slt/luke/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And they making war asked him, saying, And what shall do? And he said to them, Shake none violently, neither make slanderous accusation; and be content with your pay.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/luke/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> 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. <a href="/cpdv/luke/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then the soldiers also questioned him, saying, “And what should we do?” And he said to them: “You should strike no one, and you should not make false accusations. And be content with your pay.” <a href="/nabre/luke/3.htm">New American Bible</a> Soldiers also asked him, “And what is it that we should do?” He told them, “Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.” <a href="/nrsvce/luke/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what should we do?” He said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/luke/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And the soldiers also asked him saying, What shall we do? And he said to them, Do not molest any man, and do not despise any man; your own wages should be enough for you. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And soldiers were asking him and they were saying, “What shall we do also?” He said to them, “Do harm to no man, do no injustice and let your wages be sufficient for you.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/luke/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And soldiers also asked him, saying: And what shall we do? And he said to them: Take nothing from any one by extortion, nor by false accusation, and be content with your pay.<CM> <a href="/godbey/luke/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And the soldiers were asking him saying; And what shall we do? And he said to them; Oppress no one, neither defraud; and be content with your wages. <a href="/haweis/luke/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And the military men also asked him, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Extort nothing by force; nor turn informers; and be content with your pay.<CM> <a href="/mace/luke/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> the soldiers too made the same demand, how are we to act? he answer'd them, injure no man either by violence or by fraud, and be content with your pay. <a href="/wey/luke/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> The soldiers also once and again inquired of him, "And we, what are we to do?" His answer was, "Neither intimidate any one nor lay false charges; and be content with your pay." <a href="/worrell/luke/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And soldiers also were questioning him, saying, "And what shall we do?" And he said to them, "Do violence to no one, neither accuse any one falsely, and be content with your wages." <a href="/worsley/luke/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And the soldiers also asked 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 pay. <a href="/parallel/luke/3-14.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=1128" 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> …13“Collect no more than you are authorized,” he answered. 14<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">Then</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/4754.htm" title="4754: strateuomenoi (V-PPM-NMP) -- To wage war, fight, serve as a soldier; fig: of the warring lusts against the soul. ">some soldiers</a> <a href="/greek/1905.htm" title="1905: Epērōtōn (V-IIA-3P) -- To interrogate, question, demand of. From epi and erotao; to ask for, i.e. Inquire, seek.">asked</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">him,</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. "></a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">“And</a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: Ti (IPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">what</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmeis (PPro-N1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I."></a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poiēsōmen (V-ASA-1P) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">should we do?”</a> <a href="/greek/1286.htm" title="1286: diaseisēte (V-ASA-2P) -- To blackmail, extort from, intimidate. From dia and seio; to shake thoroughly, i.e. to intimidate.">“Do not take money by force</a> <a href="/greek/3367.htm" title="3367: Mēdena (Adj-AMS) -- No one, none, nothing. "></a> <a href="/greek/3366.htm" title="3366: mēde (Conj) -- And not, not even, neither?nor. From me and de; but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor.">or</a> <a href="/greek/4811.htm" title="4811: sykophantēsēte (V-ASA-2P) -- From a compound of sukon and a derivative of phaino; to be a fig-informer, sycophant, i.e. to defraud.">false accusation,”</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">he said.</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autois (PPro-DM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">“</a> <a href="/greek/714.htm" title="714: arkeisthe (V-PMM/P-2P) -- To keep off, assist; I suffice; pass: To be satisfied. Apparently a primary verb; properly, to ward off, i.e. to avail.">Be content with</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3800.htm" title="3800: opsōniois (N-DNP) -- Neuter of a presumed derivative of the same as opsarion; rations for a soldier, i.e. his stipend or pay.">wages.”</a> 15The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John could be the Christ.…<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/8-5.htm">Matthew 8:5-13</a> When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came and pleaded with Him, / “Lord, my servant lies at home, paralyzed and in terrible agony.” / “I will go and heal him,” Jesus replied. ... <a href="/acts/10-1.htm">Acts 10:1-2</a> At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was called the Italian Regiment. / He and all his household were devout and God-fearing. He gave generously to the people and prayed to God regularly. <a href="/1_corinthians/7-20.htm">1 Corinthians 7:20-24</a> Each one should remain in the situation he was in when he was called. / Were you a slave when you were called? Do not let it concern you—but if you can gain your freedom, take the opportunity. / For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman. Conversely, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave. ... <a href="/philippians/4-11.htm">Philippians 4:11-13</a> I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. / I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. In any and every situation I have learned the secret of being filled and being hungry, of having plenty and having need. / I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. <a href="/1_timothy/6-6.htm">1 Timothy 6:6-10</a> Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain. / For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot carry anything out of it. / But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. ... <a href="/hebrews/13-5.htm">Hebrews 13:5</a> Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” <a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1-7</a> Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. / For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. ... <a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5-9</a> Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. / And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. / Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, ... <a href="/colossians/3-22.htm">Colossians 3:22-25</a> Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. / Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. ... <a href="/1_peter/2-18.htm">1 Peter 2:18-20</a> Servants, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but even to those who are unreasonable. / For if anyone endures the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God, this is to be commended. / How is it to your credit if you are beaten for doing wrong and you endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-9.htm">2 Corinthians 11:9</a> And when I was with you and in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. I have refrained from being a burden to you in any way, and I will continue to do so. <a href="/matthew/5-9.htm">Matthew 5:9</a> Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. <a href="/john/18-36.htm">John 18:36</a> Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world; if it were, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is not of this realm.” <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:11-12</a> and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you. / Then you will behave properly toward outsiders, without being dependent on anyone. <a href="/proverbs/30-8.htm">Proverbs 30:8-9</a> Keep falsehood and deceitful words far from me. Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the bread that is my portion. / Otherwise, I may have too much and deny You, saying, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, profaning the name of my God.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said to them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.the soldiers.<a href="/matthew/8-5.htm">Matthew 8:5</a> And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,<a href="/acts/10-7.htm">Acts 10:7</a> And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;Do violence to no man.<a href="/romans/13-9.htm">Romans 13:9,10</a> For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself… <a href="/philippians/2-15.htm">Philippians 2:15</a> That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;accuse.<a href="/luke/19-8.htm">Luke 19:8</a> And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.<a href="/exodus/20-16.htm">Exodus 20:16</a> Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.<a href="/exodus/23-1.htm">Exodus 23:1</a> Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.and be.<a href="/philippians/4-11.htm">Philippians 4:11</a> Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.<a href="/1_timothy/6-8.htm">1 Timothy 6:8-10</a> And having food and raiment let us be therewith content… <a href="/hebrews/13-5.htm">Hebrews 13:5,6</a> Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee… wages.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/mark/15-26.htm">Accusation</a> <a href="/mark/15-4.htm">Accuse</a> <a href="/luke/1-72.htm">Acts</a> <a href="/luke/3-13.htm">Amount</a> <a href="/luke/2-13.htm">Army</a> <a href="/mark/15-15.htm">Content</a> <a href="/mark/12-28.htm">Demanded</a> <a href="/luke/2-50.htm">Engaged</a> <a href="/mark/14-41.htm">Enough</a> <a href="/luke/3-13.htm">Exact</a> <a href="/luke/3-13.htm">Extort</a> <a href="/mark/14-44.htm">False.</a> <a href="/mark/14-57.htm">Falsely</a> <a href="/luke/3-11.htm">Likewise</a> <a href="/mark/12-17.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/mark/14-11.htm">Payment</a> <a href="/mark/15-7.htm">Persons</a> <a href="/luke/3-10.htm">Questioning</a> <a href="/luke/3-13.htm">Right</a> <a href="/mark/15-16.htm">Soldiers</a> <a href="/matthew/11-12.htm">Violence</a> <a href="/mark/9-20.htm">Violent</a> <a href="/mark/14-5.htm">Wages</a> <a href="/ezekiel/46-18.htm">Wrongfully</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/6-7.htm">Accusation</a> <a href="/luke/11-54.htm">Accuse</a> <a href="/luke/6-47.htm">Acts</a> <a href="/luke/12-19.htm">Amount</a> <a href="/luke/23-11.htm">Army</a> <a href="/luke/3-15.htm">Content</a> <a href="/luke/12-20.htm">Demanded</a> <a href="/luke/11-18.htm">Engaged</a> <a href="/luke/5-39.htm">Enough</a> <a href="/john/4-53.htm">Exact</a> <a href="/luke/3-13.htm">Extort</a> <a href="/luke/6-26.htm">False.</a> <a href="/luke/6-28.htm">Falsely</a> <a href="/luke/5-33.htm">Likewise</a> <a href="/luke/6-41.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/luke/7-42.htm">Payment</a> <a href="/luke/4-40.htm">Persons</a> <a href="/luke/3-15.htm">Questioning</a> <a href="/luke/4-30.htm">Right</a> <a href="/luke/3-15.htm">Soldiers</a> <a href="/acts/5-26.htm">Violence</a> <a href="/luke/4-38.htm">Violent</a> <a href="/luke/10-7.htm">Wages</a> <a href="/luke/19-8.htm">Wrongfully</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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/luke/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” In the context of John the Baptist's ministry, soldiers approached him seeking guidance on how to live righteously. These soldiers were likely part of the Roman military or local forces under Herod's command. Their inquiry reflects a genuine desire for ethical living, even within a profession often associated with violence and corruption. This moment highlights the universal call to repentance and ethical conduct, transcending social and occupational boundaries. The soldiers' question parallels the inquiries of other groups in the chapter, emphasizing the inclusive nature of John's message.“Do not take money by force or false accusation,” he said. John's response addresses common abuses of power among soldiers, such as extortion and false accusations to extract money. This directive aligns with the broader biblical theme of justice and integrity, as seen in passages like <a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a>, which calls for justice, mercy, and humility. The instruction also echoes the ethical teachings found in the Law of Moses, which condemned theft and false witness (<a href="/exodus/20-15.htm">Exodus 20:15-16</a>). By advising soldiers to refrain from these practices, John emphasizes the importance of moral conduct over societal norms that might condone such behavior.“Be content with your wages.” Contentment with one's wages is a call to trust in God's provision and reject greed. This teaching resonates with the broader biblical narrative that warns against the love of money and encourages reliance on God (<a href="/1_timothy/6-6.htm">1 Timothy 6:6-10</a>). The exhortation to contentment also reflects the teachings of Jesus, who later emphasized the futility of wealth accumulation and the importance of seeking God's kingdom (<a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-34</a>). For soldiers, who might have been tempted to supplement their income through dishonest means, this command underscores the virtue of living within one's means and maintaining integrity.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/john_the_baptist.htm">John the Baptist</a> A prophet and forerunner of Jesus Christ, known for his call to repentance and baptism for the forgiveness of sins. He is addressing the soldiers in this passage. 2. <a href="/topical/s/soldiers.htm">Soldiers</a> Likely Roman soldiers or Jewish soldiers serving under Herod, who are seeking guidance on how to live righteously in their profession. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_jordan_river.htm">The Jordan River</a> While not mentioned directly in this verse, it is the location where John the Baptist was preaching and baptizing. 4. <a href="/topical/r/repentance.htm">Repentance</a> The central theme of John’s message, calling people to turn away from sin and live according to God’s standards. 5. <a href="/topical/c/contentment.htm">Contentment</a> A key virtue highlighted by John, emphasizing satisfaction with one's earnings and circumstances.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_profession.htm">Integrity in Profession</a> John’s advice to the soldiers highlights the importance of maintaining integrity and honesty in one’s professional life. Christians are called to uphold ethical standards in all areas of work. <a href="/topical/c/contentment_as_a_christian_virtue.htm">Contentment as a Christian Virtue</a> Contentment is a recurring biblical theme. Believers are encouraged to find satisfaction in God’s provision rather than seeking fulfillment in material wealth or possessions. <a href="/topical/a/avoiding_exploitation_and_falsehood.htm">Avoiding Exploitation and Falsehood</a> The warning against extortion and false accusations serves as a reminder to treat others fairly and truthfully, reflecting God’s justice and righteousness. <a href="/topical/p/practical_repentance.htm">Practical Repentance</a> True repentance involves a change in behavior. John’s specific instructions to the soldiers demonstrate that repentance should lead to tangible changes in how we live and interact with others.<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/can_christians_be_police_officers.htm">Should Christians serve as police officers?</a> <a href="/q/did_jesus_consume_meat.htm">What led to Jesus's crucifixion?</a> <a href="/q/can_christians_serve_in_the_military.htm">Is military service permissible for Christians?</a> <a href="/q/why_allow_war_killing_but_forbid_murder.htm">Why does the Bible allow killing in war but forbid murder in the Ten Commandments?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/luke/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(14) And the soldiers likewise . . .--The Greek word has not the definite article, and is a participle. Better, and soldiers, as they were marching. The words probably point to the troops of Antipas on their way down the valley of the Jordan to attack Aretas (comp. Notes on <a href="/2_corinthians/11-32.htm" title="In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me:">2Corinthians 11:32</a>), the father of the Tetrarch's divorced wife, who had declared war on account of the wrong thus done to his daughter. Roman soldiers were not likely to have come to the Baptist's preaching.Do violence to no man.--The Greek word was the exact equivalent of the Latin concutere (whence our "concussion"), and was applied to the violence which was used by irregular troops to extort money or provisions.Neither accuse any falsely.--The word occurs again in the confession of Zacchaeus (<a href="/luke/19-8.htm" title="And Zacchaeus stood, and said to the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.">Luke 19:8</a>). It is supposed to have been primarily used of those who informed against the export of figs from Attica at a time when that trade was prohibited. They were known, it is said, as "sycophants," though no actual instance of this use of the word is extant. The word came, in course of time, to be applied to informers generally, and then, in its modern sense, to those who court the favour of princes by informing against others--the delatores, who at this time were so conspicuous in the imperial court, on which that of the Tetrarch's had been modelled.Be content with your wages.--Better, pay. The word meant primarily the "rations" of a soldier, and then the money received in lieu of rations. As used in the New Testament, the idea of pay for soldier's work as distinct from the wages of a labourer, is almost always connected with it. (Comp. <a href="/romans/6-23.htm" title="For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.">Romans 6:23</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/9-7.htm" title="Who goes a warfare any time at his own charges? who plants a vineyard, and eats not of the fruit thereof? or who feeds a flock, and eats not of the milk of the flock?">1Corinthians 9:7</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 14. - And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? Commentators generally discuss here who these soldiers were. The question is of little moment whether they were legionaries of Rome, or mercenaries in the pay of one of the tetrarchs or neighboring princes. The lesson is clear. As above to the publicans, so here to the soldiers, John says, "Remain in that profession of arms; you may. if you will, serve God in it, for it is never the work which ennobles, but the way in which the work is done." <a href="/commentaries/luke/3-14.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Then δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. [some] soldiers στρατευόμενοι (strateuomenoi) Verb - Present Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4754.htm">Strong's 4754: </a> To wage war, fight, serve as a soldier; fig: of the warring lusts against the soul. asked Ἐπηρώτων (Epērōtōn) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1905.htm">Strong's 1905: </a> To interrogate, question, demand of. From epi and erotao; to ask for, i.e. Inquire, seek. him, αὐτὸν (auton) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. “And καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. what Τί (Ti) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. should we do?” ποιήσωμεν (poiēsōmen) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st 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. “Do not take money by force διασείσητε (diaseisēte) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1286.htm">Strong's 1286: </a> To blackmail, extort from, intimidate. From dia and seio; to shake thoroughly, i.e. to intimidate. or μηδὲ (mēde) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3366.htm">Strong's 3366: </a> And not, not even, neither?nor. From me and de; but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor. false accusation,” συκοφαντήσητε (sykophantēsēte) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4811.htm">Strong's 4811: </a> From a compound of sukon and a derivative of phaino; to be a fig-informer, 'sycophant', i.e. to defraud. he said. εἶπεν (eipen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. “Be content with ἀρκεῖσθε (arkeisthe) Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_714.htm">Strong's 714: </a> To keep off, assist; I suffice; pass: To be satisfied. Apparently a primary verb; properly, to ward off, i.e. to avail. your ὑμῶν (hymōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. wages.” ὀψωνίοις (opsōniois) Noun - Dative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3800.htm">Strong's 3800: </a> Neuter of a presumed derivative of the same as opsarion; rations for a soldier, i.e. his stipend or pay. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/3-14.htm">Luke 3:14 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/luke/3-14.htm">Luke 3:14 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/luke/3-14.htm">Luke 3:14 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/luke/3-14.htm">Luke 3:14 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/luke/3-14.htm">Luke 3:14 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/3-14.htm">Luke 3:14 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/3-14.htm">Luke 3:14 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/3-14.htm">Luke 3:14 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/luke/3-14.htm">Luke 3:14 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/luke/3-14.htm">Luke 3:14 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/luke/3-14.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 3:14 Soldiers also asked him saying What about (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/3-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 3:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 3:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/3-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 3:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 3:15" /></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>