King James Version

What Does Luke 3:13 Mean?

Luke 3:13 in the King James Version says “And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.”

Luke 3:13 · KJV

Context

11

He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.

12

Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?

13

And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.

14

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. Do violence: or, Put no man in fear wages: or, allowance

15

And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not; in expectation: or, in suspense mused: or, reasoned, or, debated

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
John's instruction to publicans—'Exact no more than that which is appointed you'—addresses their specific temptation to extortion. He doesn't command them to abandon their profession but to practice it honestly. This demonstrates that repentance transforms how we conduct our calling, not necessarily what that calling is (unless inherently sinful). The command acknowledges legitimate taxation ('that which is appointed') while prohibiting corruption. John's practical ethics shows that Christian faith sanctifies secular vocations, requiring honesty and justice in worldly employment. This anticipates Paul's teaching about working honestly in whatever calling God has placed us (1 Cor 7:20-24; Eph 4:28).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman tax collectors typically collected official taxes plus additional amounts for personal profit, making the profession synonymous with extortion. John's requirement that they collect only legitimate taxes would have significantly reduced their income, testing the genuineness of their repentance through economic sacrifice.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does genuine repentance transform how we conduct our vocations?
  2. What does John's allowing publicans to continue their profession teach about secular work?
  3. How can believers practice honesty and integrity in ethically complicated professions?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
ὁ1 of 12
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ2 of 12

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

εἶπεν3 of 12

“he said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

πρὸς4 of 12

“unto”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αὐτούς5 of 12

“them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Μηδὲν6 of 12

“no”

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

πλέον7 of 12

“more”

G4119

more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion

παρὰ8 of 12

“than”

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

τὸ9 of 12
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

διατεταγμένον10 of 12

“that which is appointed”

G1299

to arrange thoroughly, i.e., (specially) institute, prescribe, etc

ὑμῖν11 of 12

“you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

πράσσετε12 of 12

“Exact”

G4238

to "practise", i.e., perform repeatedly or habitually (thus differing from g4160, which properly refers to a single act); by implication, to execute,

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 3:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 3:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 19:8Ephesians 4:28Isaiah 1:16-17Micah 6:81 Corinthians 6:10Titus 2:11-12

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