King James Version

What Does Luke 3:14 Mean?

Luke 3:14 in the King James Version says “And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, n... — study this verse from Luke chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 3:14 · KJV


Context

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

16

John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
That 'soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do?' shows repentance's universality—even military men recognized their need. The word 'likewise' indicates they joined publicans and common people in seeking guidance. Roman or Herodian soldiers had unique temptations to violence, extortion, and false accusation. John's answer addresses their specific ethical challenges, showing that repentance requires profession-specific application. That soldiers sought baptism demonstrates the Spirit's convicting work transcends social class and occupation. Their question models humility—powerful men seeking moral guidance from a wilderness preacher shows the Holy Spirit's work overcoming human pride.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Soldiers in first-century Judea had opportunities for extortion (demanding money under threat of violence), false accusation (for bribes), and discontent with pay. John's addressing their specific temptations shows his wisdom in applying universal truth to particular circumstances.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does repentance require addressing profession-specific temptations and sins?
  2. What does the soldiers' question teach about humility and recognition of need?
  3. How can those in positions of power genuinely submit to moral accountability?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
ἐπηρώτων1 of 23

demanded

G1905

to ask for, i.e., inquire, seek

δὲ2 of 23

And

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτούς3 of 23

of him

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

καὶ4 of 23

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

στρατευόμενοι5 of 23

the soldiers

G4754

to serve in a military campaign; figuratively, to execute the apostolate (with its arduous duties and functions), to contend with carnal inclinations

λέγοντες6 of 23

saying

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

καὶ7 of 23

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἡμεῖς8 of 23

shall we

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

Τί9 of 23

what

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ποιήσομεν10 of 23

do

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

καὶ11 of 23

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶπεν12 of 23

he said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

πρὸς13 of 23

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,

αὐτούς14 of 23

of him

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

Μηδένα15 of 23

to no man

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

διασείσητε16 of 23

Do violence

G1286

to shake thoroughly, i.e., (figuratively) to intimidate

μηδὲ17 of 23

neither

G3366

but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor

συκοφαντήσητε18 of 23

accuse any falsely

G4811

to be a fig-informer (reporter of the law forbidding the exportation of figs from greece), "sycophant", i.e., (genitive and by extension) to defraud (

καὶ19 of 23

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀρκεῖσθε20 of 23

be content

G714

properly, to ward off, i.e., (by implication) to avail (figuratively, be satisfactory)

τοῖς21 of 23
G3588

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

ὀψωνίοις22 of 23

wages

G3800

rations for a soldier, i.e., (by extension) his stipend or pay

ὑμῶν23 of 23

with your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you


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 3:14 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 3:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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