Luke 3:14
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.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτούς
of him
G846
αὐτούς
of him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 23
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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
στρατευόμενοι
the soldiers
G4754
στρατευόμενοι
the soldiers
Strong's:
G4754
Word #:
5 of 23
to serve in a military campaign; figuratively, to execute the apostolate (with its arduous duties and functions), to contend with carnal inclinations
λέγοντες
saying
G3004
λέγοντες
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
6 of 23
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Τί
what
G5101
Τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
9 of 23
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ποιήσομεν
do
G4160
ποιήσομεν
do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
10 of 23
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
13 of 23
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,
αὐτούς
of him
G846
αὐτούς
of him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 23
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
διασείσητε
Do violence
G1286
διασείσητε
Do violence
Strong's:
G1286
Word #:
16 of 23
to shake thoroughly, i.e., (figuratively) to intimidate
συκοφαντήσητε
accuse any falsely
G4811
συκοφαντήσητε
accuse any falsely
Strong's:
G4811
Word #:
18 of 23
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 (
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀρκεῖσθε
be content
G714
ἀρκεῖσθε
be content
Strong's:
G714
Word #:
20 of 23
properly, to ward off, i.e., (by implication) to avail (figuratively, be satisfactory)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Exodus 20:16Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.Philippians 4:11Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.Exodus 23:1Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.Leviticus 19:11Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another.Luke 19:8And 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.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does repentance require addressing profession-specific temptations and sins?
- What does the soldiers' question teach about humility and recognition of need?
- How can those in positions of power genuinely submit to moral accountability?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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.