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.

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}.

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

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

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

Luke 3:11 captures a pivotal moment in the ministry of John the Baptist, offering practical instructions to the crowds who asked, "What shall we do then?" This verse directly follows John's powerful call to repentance, emphasizing that true change is demonstrated through tangible actions, not just words or rituals.

Context

After proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, John the Baptist faced an eager multitude, including tax collectors and soldiers, all asking for specific guidance on how to live out this repentance. Luke 3:10 sets the stage for these questions. John’s answer to the general crowd in verse 11 establishes a fundamental principle of righteousness: generosity and care for one's neighbor. This instruction serves as a foundational ethical teaching before he addresses specific vocational groups in subsequent verses (Luke 3:12-14).

Key Themes

  • Practical Generosity: The verse directly commands sharing excess resources. Having "two coats" (referring to essential garments, implying more than one needed) and "meat" (KJV for general food) highlights the obligation to give from what one possesses to those who lack. This isn't about giving from poverty, but from surplus.
  • Fruit of Repentance: John’s teaching underscores that genuine repentance produces visible fruit. It’s not merely an internal feeling but an outward demonstration of a changed heart, marked by compassion and a willingness to meet the basic needs of others.
  • Social Responsibility: The instruction points to a fundamental aspect of biblical justice – ensuring that basic needs like clothing and food are met within the community. It challenges indifference to poverty and encourages active participation in alleviating suffering.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV term "coats" translates the Greek word chiton (χιτών), which typically refers to an inner garment, often worn directly against the skin. The implication of having "two coats" is having an extra one beyond what is immediately necessary for personal use, making it available to share. "Meat" in this context is the Greek broma (βρῶμα), meaning "food" in general, not specifically flesh. The verb "impart" is metadidomi (μεταδίδωμι), which means "to give a share of" or "to communicate," emphasizing the act of distributing one's own possessions.

Practical Application

John the Baptist's instruction remains profoundly relevant for Christian living today. It calls believers beyond mere religious observance to a tangible expression of faith. This verse challenges us to:

  • Assess Our Surplus: To consider what we possess in excess—whether it's clothing, food, financial resources, or even time and skills—and how we can use it to bless others.
  • Actively Help the Needy: To move beyond sympathy to practical action, providing for those who lack basic necessities. This aligns with the broader biblical call to care for the poor and vulnerable (James 2:15-16).
  • Demonstrate True Repentance: To recognize that genuine faith is evidenced by a transformed life that prioritizes love for God and neighbor, expressed through acts of generosity and compassion. It is a foundational principle of discipleship and serving Christ in others.
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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 58:7 (11 votes)

    [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 (11 votes)

    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 (10 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

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

  • James 2:15 (5 votes)

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

  • James 2:26 (5 votes)

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