John replied, “Whoever has two tunics should share with him who has none, and whoever has food should do the same.”
Parallel translations
- WEB He answered them, “He who has two coats, let him give to him who has none. He who has food, let him do likewise.”
- KJV 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.
- NKJV He answered and said to them, “He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.”
- NASB And he would answer and say to them, “The one who has two tunics is to share with the one who has none; and the one who has food is to do likewise.”
- NLT John replied, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.”
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
John tells the crowds that repentance shows itself in generosity—sharing clothing and food with the needy. Faith expresses itself in practical love.
Overview
John applies repentance to ordinary life: the one with two coats or extra food should share with those who have none. This is not a way to earn salvation but the fruit that genuine repentance produces. It echoes the law's care for the poor and foreshadows the self-giving love that marks Christ's kingdom.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 18
- Isa 58:7–11Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
- 1 Jn 3:17If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?
- 1 Tim 6:18Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share,
- Luke 18:22On hearing this, Jesus told him, “You still lack one thing: Sell everything you own and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”
- 1 Jn 4:20If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.
- Jas 2:15–26Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.
- Jas 1:27Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
- Dan 4:27Therefore, may my advice be pleasing to you, O king. Break away from your sins by doing what is right, and from your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed. Perhaps there will be an extension of your prosperity.”
- Matt 25:40And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’
- Luke 11:41But give as alms the things that are within you, and you will see that everything is clean for you.
- Acts 10:31and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been remembered before God.
- Luke 19:8But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold.”
- John 13:29Since Judas kept the money bag, some thought that Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the feast, or to give something to the poor.
- Acts 10:2He and all his household were devout and God-fearing. He gave generously to the people and prayed to God regularly.
- Mark 14:5–8It could have been sold for over three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor.” And they scolded her.
- Heb 6:10For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so.
- Acts 10:4Cornelius stared at him in fear and asked, “What is it, Lord?” The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have ascended as a memorial offering before God.
- 2 Cor 8:3–14For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it. Of their own accord,
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Christ at the center
Luke shows Jesus the Savior for all — outsiders, the poor, the nations — the one who, on the Emmaus road, opened all the Scriptures to show they were about himself.
How Luke 3:11 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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