Luke 3:11

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

He answereth {G611} and {G1161} saith {G3004} unto them {G846}, He that hath {G2192} two {G1417} coats {G5509}, let him impart {G3330} to him that hath {G2192} none {G3361}; and {G2532} he that hath {G2192} meat {G1033}, let him do {G4160} likewise {G3668}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He answered, "Whoever has two coats should share with somebody who has none, and whoever has food should do the same."

Berean Standard Bible

John replied, “Whoever has two tunics should share with him who has none, and whoever has food should do the same.”

American Standard Version

And he answered and said unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath food, let him do likewise.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 3:11 captures John the Baptist's direct response to the crowds inquiring about the practical outworking of repentance, emphasizing that genuine transformation is evidenced by tangible acts of generosity and compassion. This verse serves as a foundational ethical instruction, calling those with surplus resources to share with those in need, specifically regarding clothing and food, thereby demonstrating a heart aligned with God's justice and love for neighbor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within John the Baptist's ministry as recorded in [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - John the Baptist's Ministry"). Following his powerful call to repentance and warning against relying on ancestral heritage in [Luke 3:7-9](/luke/3-7-9 "Luke 3:7-9 - John's Call to Repentance"), the crowds, deeply convicted, ask, "What then shall we do?" ([Luke 3:10](/luke/3-10 "Luke 3:10 - The Crowd's Question")). John's answer in verse 11 provides a general principle of practical righteousness—generosity—before he addresses specific vocational groups like tax collectors ([Luke 3:12-13](/luke/3-12-13 "Luke 3:12-13 - John's Instructions to Tax Collectors")) and soldiers ([Luke 3:14](/luke/3-14 "Luke 3:14 - John's Instructions to Soldiers")). This structured response highlights that true repentance is not merely an internal sentiment but demands outward, ethical conduct that impacts one's community.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judea, economic disparity was significant. While some enjoyed relative prosperity, many lived in poverty, often struggling to secure basic necessities like food and clothing. The "coat" (χιτών, _chitōn_) was an essential inner garment, and possessing "two coats" implied having more than one needed for personal use, signifying a surplus. "Meat" (βρῶμα, _brōma_) referred to food in general, a constant concern for the poor. John's instruction to share was radical in a society where self-preservation was paramount, challenging the prevailing norms of accumulation and highlighting a communal responsibility that echoed Old Testament laws concerning care for the poor, the sojourner, and the vulnerable ([Deuteronomy 15:7-8](/deuteronomy/15-7-8 "Deuteronomy 15:7-8 - Lending to the Poor")). His message resonated with the prophetic tradition that condemned injustice and exploitation ([Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down")).

* **Key Themes:** John's teaching in [Luke 3:11](/luke/3-11 "Luke 3:11 - John's Call to Generosity") contributes significantly to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **the fruit of repentance**, emphasizing that a genuine change of heart must manifest in tangible actions of righteousness and compassion, as John explicitly states in [Luke 3:8](/luke/3-8 "Luke 3:8 - Bearing Fruit Worthy of Repentance"). Secondly, it highlights **practical generosity and social justice**, presenting the sharing of resources as a fundamental aspect of living righteously. This theme is central to Luke's Gospel, which frequently portrays Jesus's concern for the poor and marginalized ([Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus's Mission Statement") and [Luke 6:20](/luke/6-20 "Luke 6:20 - The Beatitudes for the Poor")). Thirdly, it introduces the idea of **discipleship as a transformed lifestyle**, where adherence to God's will is demonstrated through ethical conduct rather than mere ritualistic observance, setting a precedent for Jesus's later teachings on the kingdom of God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Coats (Greek, _chitṓn'_):** This term refers to a tunic or shirt, an essential inner garment worn close to the body. The implication of having "two coats" suggests possessing more than one is strictly necessary for personal use, thus indicating a surplus. This highlights the call to share from one's abundance, not merely from one's lack.
* **Impart (Greek, _metadídōmi'_):** Derived from _meta_ (with, among) and _didōmi_ (to give), this verb means "to give over," "to share," or "to communicate." It emphasizes the act of distributing or giving a share of one's own possessions, indicating a proactive and intentional act of sharing with another.
* **Meat (Greek, _brōma'_):** In the KJV, "meat" here translates to general "food" or "victuals," not specifically animal flesh. This word encompasses any sustenance. The instruction to share "meat" underscores the fundamental need for food and the responsibility to ensure that those who lack basic nourishment are provided for.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He answereth and saith unto them":** This phrase establishes John the Baptist's direct and authoritative response to the crowd's question, "What then shall we do?" It signifies that his subsequent words are not mere suggestions but divine instructions for living out repentance.
* **"He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none":** This is a specific, tangible command for generosity. "Two coats" implies a surplus beyond what is immediately necessary for personal use. The instruction is to "impart" (share) with someone who has "none," highlighting the responsibility of the affluent or those with excess to meet the basic needs of the destitute.
* **"and he that hath meat, let him do likewise":** This clause broadens the principle of sharing from clothing to food, another fundamental necessity. "Meat" (food) reinforces the call to provide sustenance. "Let him do likewise" extends the same principle of generous sharing from surplus to those who lack, making it a universal ethical directive for all who claim to repent.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Direct Address** is evident as John directly answers the crowd's question, making the instruction personal and immediate. The use of **Parallelism** in the two clauses ("He that hath two coats... and he that hath meat...") creates a rhythmic and memorable structure, reinforcing the universal applicability of the command across different types of essential resources. There is also a strong element of **Synecdoche**, where "two coats" and "meat" stand in for all forms of surplus resources, emphasizing the principle of sharing from one's abundance. The instruction itself functions as a **Metonymy** for the practical outworking of repentance, where the outward act of sharing represents the inward transformation of the heart.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John the Baptist's instruction in Luke 3:11 is deeply rooted in the Old Testament's emphasis on justice, generosity, and care for the poor, serving as a prophetic bridge to the teachings of Jesus. It highlights that true righteousness is not merely adherence to ritual or law, but a radical transformation of the heart that manifests in tangible acts of love for one's neighbor, particularly those in need. This call to share one's surplus with the destitute directly reflects God's character as a provider and advocate for the vulnerable, challenging the self-centeredness that often accompanies wealth or comfort. It underscores the biblical principle that our possessions are not solely for our own consumption but are entrusted to us by God to be stewarded for the good of the community and the glory of God. This ethical demand serves as a foundational principle for kingdom living, demonstrating that genuine faith produces visible fruit of compassion and social responsibility.

* [Deuteronomy 15:7-8](/deuteronomy/15-7-8 "Deuteronomy 15:7-8 - Lending to the Poor")
* [Isaiah 58:7](/isaiah/58-7 "Isaiah 58:7 - True Fasting")
* [Matthew 25:35-40](/matthew/25-35-40 "Matthew 25:35-40 - The Sheep and the Goats")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John the Baptist's simple yet profound instruction in Luke 3:11 remains a timeless challenge for all who seek to live authentically before God. It calls us beyond mere intellectual assent to faith or perfunctory religious observance, urging us into a practical, compassionate engagement with the needs of others. This verse compels us to honestly examine our own lives: What "two coats" or "meat" do we possess in surplus—not just material goods, but also time, talents, knowledge, or influence? Are we holding onto resources out of fear, comfort, or greed, or are we actively seeking opportunities to "impart" them to those who "have none"? True repentance, as John teaches, is not just about turning from sin, but turning *to* righteousness, which inherently involves caring for our neighbor. This means cultivating a heart of generosity that is sensitive to the needs around us and proactive in meeting them, reflecting the very heart of God who provides for all. Our willingness to share what we have is a tangible sign of a transformed life, demonstrating that our faith is alive and active, bearing fruit worthy of the repentance we profess.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "surplus" do I possess (materially, time, skills, influence) that I could "impart" to someone in need?**
* **How does my current lifestyle reflect or contradict the call to generosity found in Luke 3:11?**
* **In what ways can I move beyond sympathy to practical action in caring for the vulnerable in my community?**
* **How does the act of sharing my resources deepen my understanding of repentance and my relationship with God?**

### FAQ
**Why does John the Baptist emphasize sharing coats and food specifically?**

Answer: John the Baptist emphasizes sharing coats and food because these were, and remain, fundamental human necessities. In first-century Judea, lacking adequate clothing or food was a sign of extreme poverty and vulnerability. By instructing those with "two coats" (a surplus garment) and "meat" (general food) to share with those who had none, John was providing a concrete, immediately actionable demonstration of genuine repentance. His teaching was practical, addressing the most basic needs of the community and challenging the self-centeredness of accumulation. This specific instruction underscores that true repentance leads to tangible acts of compassion and social responsibility, reflecting a heart that cares for the well-being of others, especially the poor and marginalized, a theme consistently found throughout the teachings of Jesus in [the Gospels](/matthew "The Gospel of Matthew").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While John the Baptist's call to generosity in [Luke 3:11](/luke/3-11 "Luke 3:11 - John's Call to Generosity") provides an essential ethical foundation for repentance, its ultimate fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied and radically expanded this principle of self-giving. John's instruction to "impart" from one's surplus foreshadows Christ's ultimate act of impartation: giving His very life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Jesus, though rich, became poor for our sakes, so that through His poverty we might become rich ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Generosity")). His ministry was characterized by feeding the hungry ([Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13-21 "Matthew 14:13-21 - Feeding the Five Thousand")), clothing the naked (symbolically, by covering their shame through salvation), and identifying with the least of these, stating that acts of compassion towards them are acts done to Him ([Matthew 25:35-40](/matthew/25-35-40 "Matthew 25:35-40 - The Sheep and the Goats")). Therefore, John's command to share is not merely a moralistic duty but a participation in the very nature of God, revealed fully in Christ, who poured Himself out completely. As believers, our generosity is a reflection of the Spirit of Christ within us, enabling us to live out the radical, self-sacrificial love demonstrated on the cross, ultimately fulfilling the call to bear fruit worthy of repentance by sharing the abundance of grace we have received.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 58:7

[Is it] not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?

Isaiah 58:11

And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

1 John 3:17

But 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?

Luke 18:22

Now 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 Timothy 6:18

That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

James 2:15

If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

James 2:26

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.