What does Luke 3:14 mean?

"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." - Luke 3:14

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."

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."

Luke 3:14 from the King James Version of the Bible reads, "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."

This verse is part of the narrative of John the Baptist, who was preaching a message of repentance and preparing the way for the coming of Jesus Christ. In this particular verse, John is approached by soldiers, and they ask him what they should do in response to his message.

The soldiers in this context likely refer to Roman soldiers who were occupying the land of Israel during that time. These soldiers were often seen as oppressors and were despised by many Jews. John's response to them is significant as it provides insights into the nature of repentance and ethical conduct, not just for soldiers, but for all believers.

The first part of John's response to the soldiers is, "Do violence to no man." This command emphasizes the importance of treating others with respect and fairness. It implies that the soldiers should not use their position of power to harm or mistreat others. This command speaks to the broader theme of non-violence and peace, which is central to Christian ethics. It echoes the teachings of Jesus, who preached love for enemies and turning the other cheek.

The next part of John's guidance to the soldiers is, "Neither accuse any falsely." This admonition touches on the issue of integrity and honesty. It urges the soldiers to refrain from bearing false witness against others. This command is relevant not only to soldiers but to all believers as it underscores the value of truthfulness and righteousness in all dealings with others. It also upholds the principle of justice and fairness, a theme that runs through the Bible.

Lastly, John instructs the soldiers, "Be content with your wages." This advice challenges the soldiers to be satisfied with what they have and not to engage in corrupt practices such as extortion or bribery. It encourages contentment and gratitude, and it speaks against the temptation of greed and dishonest gain. This concept is also found in other parts of the Bible, such as in the writings of the apostle Paul, who stated that godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6).

Overall, this verse communicates a message of ethical conduct, repentance, and justice. It addresses the universal human struggle with power, greed, and honesty. It is a reminder that all individuals, regardless of their occupation or social standing, are called to live according to moral and ethical principles. It also highlights the transformative nature of repentance, as the soldiers, who were once associated with violence and oppression, are now being called to a higher standard of behavior.

In a broader context, this verse is reflective of the larger themes of the Bible, such as the call to love one's neighbor, seek justice, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8). It also aligns with Jesus' teachings on the Kingdom of God, which emphasize righteousness, mercy, and peace. It underscores the Christian belief that true repentance leads to a changed life and a commitment to living in a way that honors God and benefits others.

Symbolically, the soldiers in this verse can represent anyone who has power or influence over others. Thus, the message of John the Baptist is relevant to all individuals in positions of authority, including political leaders, employers, and those in the church. The principles of non-violence, honesty, and contentment are timeless and remain relevant to contemporary ethical considerations.

In conclusion, Luke 3:14 from the King James Version of the Bible presents a powerful message of ethical conduct, repentance, and justice. It provides guidance for all believers, regardless of their circumstances, and calls for a commitment to living in a way that reflects God's values. This verse is a reminder of the transformative power of repentance and the call to uphold righteousness and compassion in all aspects of life.

Luke 3:14 Artwork

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."

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."

Luke 14:3 - "And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?"

Luke 14:3 - "And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?"

luke 3:1-6

luke 3:1-6

Luke 3:1-6

Luke 3:1-6

Luke 3:1-6

Luke 3:1-6

Exodus 3:14

Exodus 3:14

Exodus 3:14

Exodus 3:14

Exodus 3:14

Exodus 3:14

Exodus 3:14

Exodus 3:14

Philippians 3:14

Philippians 3:14

Revelation 14:3

Revelation 14:3

Luke 14:6 - "And they could not answer him again to these things."

Luke 14:6 - "And they could not answer him again to these things."

Luke 14:14 - "And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just."

Luke 14:14 - "And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just."

‭Luke 2:3 NIV‬
[3] And everyone went to their own town to register.

‭Luke 2:3 NIV‬ [3] And everyone went to their own town to register.

Zephaniah 3:14-20

Zephaniah 3:14-20

Zephaniah 3:14-20

Zephaniah 3:14-20

Colossians 4:14 - "Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you."

Colossians 4:14 - "Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you."

Luke 14:30 - "Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish."

Luke 14:30 - "Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish."

Luke 24:14 - "And they talked together of all these things which had happened."

Luke 24:14 - "And they talked together of all these things which had happened."

Luke 14:2 - "And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy."

Luke 14:2 - "And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy."

Luke 10:14 - "But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you."

Luke 10:14 - "But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you."

Luke 24:3 - "And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus."

Luke 24:3 - "And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus."


Luke 2:14 - "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

Luke 2:14 - "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

Luke 3:3 - "And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;"

Luke 3:3 - "And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;"

Luke 2:14 - "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

Luke 2:14 - "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."


Luke 2:14 - "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

Luke 2:14 - "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

Luke 14:22 - "And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room."

Luke 14:22 - "And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room."

Luke 15:3 - "¶ And he spake this parable unto them, saying,"

Luke 15:3 - "¶ And he spake this parable unto them, saying,"

Luke 3:6 - "And all flesh shall see the salvation of God."

Luke 3:6 - "And all flesh shall see the salvation of God."

Luke 14:13 - "But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:"

Luke 14:13 - "But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:"