Luke 3:13

KJV

And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he said {G2036} unto {G4314} them {G846}, Exact {G4238} no {G3367} more {G4119} than {G3844} that which is appointed {G1299} you {G5213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Collect no more than the government assesses," he told them.

Berean Standard Bible

“Collect no more than you are authorized,” he answered.

American Standard Version

And he said unto them, Extort no more than that which is appointed you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In this pivotal instruction, John the Baptist directly addresses the tax collectors who came to him for baptism, commanding them to cease their prevalent practice of extortion. His directive, "Exact no more than that which is appointed you," serves as a foundational call to integrity, justice, and ethical conduct within their profession, demonstrating that true repentance necessitates a tangible and righteous transformation in one's daily dealings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 3 sets the stage for John the Baptist's ministry, highlighting his role as the prophetic voice preparing the way for the Lord, as foretold by Isaiah ([Luke 3:4-6](/luke/3-4-6 "Luke 3:4-6 - John's Ministry Foretold by Isaiah")). John's preaching is characterized by a stern call to repentance, warning against superficial adherence and emphasizing the need for genuine fruit of repentance ([Luke 3:7-9](/luke/3-7-9 "Luke 3:7-9 - John's Call for True Repentance")). Following this, the crowds, tax collectors, and soldiers individually ask, "What then shall we do?" ([Luke 3:10](/luke/3-10 "Luke 3:10 - The Crowd's Question")), prompting John to give specific, practical instructions tailored to their vocations. His advice to the tax collectors in [Luke 3:13](/luke/3-13 "Luke 3:13 - John's Instruction to Tax Collectors") immediately follows his general counsel to the crowds to share their possessions ([Luke 3:11](/luke/3-11 "Luke 3:11 - John's Advice on Sharing")). This sequence underscores that repentance is not merely an internal feeling but must manifest in concrete, ethical actions relevant to one's life circumstances.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tax collectors, or publicans, in first-century Judea operated under the Roman occupation. The Roman Empire often outsourced tax collection to private contractors, who would bid for the right to collect taxes in a given region. These contractors, in turn, employed local individuals, like the tax collectors John addresses, to collect the actual taxes. This system was ripe for corruption. Tax collectors were permitted to collect the official Roman tax, but they could also add a surcharge for their own profit. This often led to excessive demands and extortion, making them deeply unpopular and despised by their fellow Jews, who viewed them as traitors collaborating with the occupying power and exploiting their own people. They were frequently grouped with "sinners" ([Matthew 9:10-11](/matthew/9-10-11 "Matthew 9:10-11 - Jesus Eats with Tax Collectors and Sinners")). John's instruction directly confronts this systemic abuse and the moral compromises inherent in their profession.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within [Luke's Gospel](/luke/1 "The Gospel of Luke") and broader biblical theology. It highlights the theme of **practical repentance**, demonstrating that a change of heart must lead to a change in behavior, particularly in areas of ethical and social responsibility. It underscores the importance of **justice and integrity** in all dealings, especially for those in positions of power or influence over others. John's refusal to tell the tax collectors to abandon their profession, but rather to conduct it righteously, introduces the theme of **ethical conduct within one's vocation**, suggesting that one can serve God even in a challenging or morally compromised profession by adhering to divine principles. Finally, it speaks to the broader biblical call for **social righteousness**, where individuals are accountable not only for their personal piety but also for their impact on the community and the vulnerable.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Exact (Greek, _prássō'_):** From G4238, this verb means "to ' practise,' i.e., perform repeatedly or habitually; by implication, to execute, accomplish, etc.; specially, to collect (dues), fare (personally)." In this context, it refers to the habitual act of collecting taxes. John's use of this word, combined with the negative "no more," directly confronts the common practice of tax collectors to habitually demand more than was legally required, highlighting the systemic nature of their exploitation.
* **More (Greek, _pleíōn'_):** From G4119, this word is the comparative of `polýs`, meaning "more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion." When combined with `mēdeís` (G3367, "not even one"), the phrase "no more" emphatically prohibits any additional amount beyond what is lawful. This emphasizes the precise nature of John's command: not a little more, not a slightly higher amount, but absolutely no excess.
* **Appointed (Greek, _diatássō'_):** From G1299, this verb means "to arrange thoroughly, i.e. (specially) institute, prescribe, etc.:--appoint, command, give, (set in) order, ordain." This term refers to the officially sanctioned, legally prescribed amount of tax. John's instruction draws a clear line between the lawful, "appointed" tax and any additional, unauthorized demands, thereby defining the boundary of ethical conduct for the tax collectors.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto them,"**: This clause establishes John the Baptist as the speaker and the tax collectors as his direct audience. It highlights the specific and personal nature of his counsel, distinguishing it from his general address to the crowds. This direct address underscores the authority with which John speaks and the targeted relevance of his message.
* **"Exact no more"**: This is a direct, negative imperative. "Exact" (from `prássō`) refers to the act of collecting or demanding payment. The prohibition "no more" (using `mēdeís` and `pleíōn`) emphatically forbids any additional amount beyond what is legitimate. This directly confronts the widespread corruption among tax collectors, where they would inflate the tax burden for personal gain.
* **"than that which is appointed you."**: This phrase specifies the ethical boundary. "Appointed" (from `diatássō`) refers to the legally prescribed or officially mandated amount of tax. John's instruction is not to cease their profession, but to conduct it with integrity, adhering strictly to the established and lawful rates, without any supplementary charges or exploitative demands.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's concise presentation of John's command employs several effective literary devices. The most prominent is **Direct Address**, as John specifically targets the tax collectors, making the instruction highly personal and immediately applicable to their unique vocational context. The use of **Imperative Mood** ("Exact no more") conveys the authoritative and non-negotiable nature of John's ethical directive, emphasizing that this is a command, not merely a suggestion. There is also an implicit **Contrast** between the prevailing corrupt practices of tax collectors and the righteous standard John sets forth. This contrast highlights the radical nature of true repentance, which demands a departure from dishonest gain and an adherence to justice. Finally, the instruction functions as a form of **Ethical Instruction**, providing a concrete example of how the abstract principle of repentance translates into practical, everyday moral conduct within a specific profession.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John the Baptist's instruction to the tax collectors resonates deeply with the broader biblical emphasis on justice, righteousness, and integrity in all human dealings. It underscores that genuine faith and repentance are not confined to religious rituals or personal piety but must permeate every aspect of life, especially one's vocation and financial interactions. The command to collect only what is appointed reflects God's consistent call for fairness and honesty, particularly in economic matters, and condemns exploitation of the vulnerable. This principle is foundational to a just society and reflects the character of a righteous God who abhors dishonest gain and demands equitable treatment for all.

* [Deuteronomy 25:15](/deuteronomy/25-15 "Deuteronomy 25:15 - Honest Weights and Measures")
* [Proverbs 11:1](/proverbs/11-1 "Proverbs 11:1 - Dishonest Scales are an Abomination to the Lord")
* [Romans 13:7](/romans/13-7 "Romans 13:7 - Render to All Their Dues")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John the Baptist's direct and practical counsel to the tax collectors serves as a timeless paradigm for all who seek to live out their faith authentically in the world. It challenges us to examine our own vocations and daily interactions, asking where we might be tempted to "exact more" – whether it's through dishonest practices, leveraging our position for undue advantage, or failing to uphold fairness and integrity. True repentance, as demonstrated here, is not merely an emotional or spiritual experience but a transformative commitment that compels us to align our actions with God's standards of justice and righteousness, even when it goes against cultural norms or personal gain. This means striving for honesty in business, accountability in leadership, and ethical conduct in every sphere of influence. Our witness to the world is profoundly impacted by how we conduct ourselves professionally and financially, reflecting whether our faith is merely professed or truly lived out.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or profession might I be tempted to "exact more" than what is justly appointed, either financially or otherwise?**
* **How does my daily work or vocational conduct reflect the principles of integrity and justice taught by John the Baptist?**
* **What tangible steps can I take to ensure that my actions consistently align with God's call for ethical behavior, even when it is challenging?**

### FAQ

**Did John the Baptist tell the tax collectors to quit their jobs?**

Answer: No, John the Baptist did not tell the tax collectors to quit their jobs. His instruction was specific: "Exact no more than that which is appointed you." This implies that their profession itself was not inherently sinful, but the *practice* of exploiting their position for unjust gain was. John's counsel demonstrates that repentance leads to ethical conduct within one's existing vocation, rather than necessarily abandoning it. This is a crucial point, showing that God's call to righteousness can transform any profession into a sphere of faithful service, provided it is conducted with integrity.

**What does "appointed" mean in this context?**

Answer: In this context, "appointed" (Greek, `diatássō`) refers to the legally prescribed or officially mandated amount of tax. It signifies the fixed, lawful sum that the Roman authorities or their agents had legitimately set for collection. John's command is to adhere strictly to this established amount, prohibiting any additional charges or surcharges that the tax collectors might add for personal profit. It distinguishes between a legitimate collection and an exploitative one, emphasizing the importance of operating within established and just boundaries.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John the Baptist's radical call for ethical conduct among tax collectors points forward to the transformative power of the Kingdom of God, which Jesus would soon inaugurate. While John's message demanded a return to righteous living according to the Law, Jesus's ministry brought the ultimate fulfillment of this righteousness through grace and a new covenant. Jesus did not merely command ethical behavior; He embodied it and empowered His followers to live it out through the indwelling Spirit. His willingness to associate with and call tax collectors like Matthew ([Matthew 9:9-13](/matthew/9-9-13 "Matthew 9:9-13 - Jesus Calls Matthew")) and Zacchaeus ([Luke 19:1-10](/luke/19-1-10 "Luke 19:1-10 - Jesus and Zacchaeus")) demonstrated that no one was beyond the reach of God's transforming love. Zacchaeus, in particular, exemplifies the fruit of true repentance, not just by ceasing extortion but by proactively restoring fourfold what he had defrauded and giving half his possessions to the poor ([Luke 19:8](/luke/19-8 "Luke 19:8 - Zacchaeus' Repentance")). This goes beyond John's command, illustrating the super-abundant generosity and justice that characterize a life transformed by Christ. Jesus's teaching on righteousness, which must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees ([Matthew 5:20](/matthew/5-20 "Matthew 5:20 - Righteousness Exceeding the Scribes and Pharisees")), finds its practical outworking in the kind of integrity John preached, but now empowered by the new heart offered in Christ. Thus, John's instruction serves as a prophetic foreshadowing of the ethical demands of the Kingdom, fully realized and empowered by the presence of the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

1 Corinthians 6:10

Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

Luke 19:8

And 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.

Ephesians 4:28

Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with [his] hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

Micah 6:8

He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Isaiah 1:16

¶ Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;

Isaiah 1:17

Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.

Titus 2:11

¶ For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,