King James Version

What Does Luke 3:8 Mean?

Luke 3:8 in the King James Version says “Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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. worthy of: or, meet for”

Luke 3:8 · King James Version

Context

6

And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

7

Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

8

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. worthy of: or, meet for

9

And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

10

And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?

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Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
John challenges those claiming Abrahamic descent: 'Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father.' True repentance produces fruit—observable life change, not mere religious profession. John demolishes confidence in ethnic privilege ('we have Abraham to our father') by declaring 'God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.' Physical descent doesn't guarantee spiritual standing. God can create Abraham's children from stones if necessary—grace and faith, not genealogy, determine covenant membership.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Judaism emphasized corporate election—being born Jewish meant belonging to God's covenant people. Pharisees particularly stressed ancestral connection to Abraham as guaranteeing righteousness. John's preaching attacked this presumption, demanding individual repentance and fruit-bearing regardless of ancestry. This prepared for Paul's later theology that true Abraham's children are those who share his faith (Romans 4:16-17, Galatians 3:7-9), not merely his genes. John's raising children from stones may allude to God creating Adam from dust—God creates new life ex nihilo.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does John's demand for fruits worthy of repentance challenge the tendency to rely on religious heritage rather than genuine transformation?
  2. What does God's ability to raise up Abraham's children from stones teach about the nature of covenant membership and spiritual identity?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 31 words
ποιήσατε1 of 31

“Bring forth”

G4160

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

οὖν2 of 31

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

καρποὺς3 of 31

“fruits”

G2590

fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively

ἀξίους4 of 31

“worthy”

G514

deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)

τῆς5 of 31
G3588

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

μετανοίας6 of 31

“of repentance”

G3341

(subjectively) compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by implication, reversal (of (another's) decision)

καὶ7 of 31

“and”

G2532

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

μὴ8 of 31

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἄρξησθε9 of 31

“begin”

G756

to commence (in order of time)

λέγω10 of 31

“I say”

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

ἐν11 of 31

“within”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἑαυτοῖς12 of 31

“yourselves”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

Πατέρα13 of 31

“to our father”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ἔχομεν14 of 31

“We have”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

τὸν15 of 31
G3588

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

Ἀβραάμ16 of 31

“Abraham”

G11

abraham, the hebrew patriarch

λέγω17 of 31

“I say”

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

γὰρ18 of 31

“for”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ὑμῖν19 of 31

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

ὅτι20 of 31

“That”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

δύναται21 of 31

“is able”

G1410

to be able or possible

ὁ22 of 31
G3588

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

θεὸς23 of 31

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἐκ24 of 31

“of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῶν25 of 31
G3588

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

λίθων26 of 31

“stones”

G3037

a stone (literally or figuratively)

τούτων27 of 31

“these”

G5130

of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)

ἐγεῖραι28 of 31

“to raise up”

G1453

to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from

τέκνα29 of 31

“children”

G5043

a child (as produced)

τῷ30 of 31
G3588

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

Ἀβραάμ31 of 31

“Abraham”

G11

abraham, the hebrew patriarch

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 3:8 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 3:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 18:27-31Acts 26:20Isaiah 1:16-18Matthew 21:43Galatians 5:22-24Hebrews 6:7-8

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