Luke 3:11
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.
Original Language Analysis
ἀποκριθεὶς
He answereth
G611
ἀποκριθεὶς
He answereth
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 18
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
3 of 18
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 18
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
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔχων
He that hath
G2192
ἔχων
He that hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
6 of 18
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
none
G3361
μὴ
none
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
11 of 18
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἔχων
He that hath
G2192
ἔχων
He that hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
12 of 18
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔχων
He that hath
G2192
ἔχων
He that hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
15 of 18
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
Cross References
1 John 3:17But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?1 Timothy 6:18That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;Luke 18:22Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.1 John 4:20If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?Matthew 25:40And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.Luke 11:41But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.James 1:27Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.Daniel 4:27Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.
Historical Context
In an economy where many lacked basic necessities while others hoarded resources, John's call to share challenged both Jewish and Roman social structures. His emphasis on practical compassion over ritual observance anticipated Jesus's ministry to the poor and marginalized.
Questions for Reflection
- How does genuine repentance express itself in generosity toward those in need?
- What is the difference between voluntary charity and forced redistribution?
- Why does John emphasize social justice rather than ritual observance as evidence of repentance?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
John's answer—'He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise'—defines repentance in terms of generosity and compassion. The principle addresses excess meeting need: those with abundance sharing with those in want. This isn't socialism or forced redistribution but voluntary compassion flowing from transformed hearts. The specific mention of 'coats' (clothing) and 'meat' (food) addresses basic human necessities, not luxuries. John's requirement challenges materialism and selfishness, showing that genuine repentance produces tangible fruit in how we treat others. This anticipates Jesus's teaching about wealth, poverty, and generosity (Luke 6:20-26; 12:33; 18:22).