Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
John doesn't just tell the soldiers to be honest; he specifically warns them against using their authority to "shake violently" others to extort money or making false accusations. This highlights that true repentance for them means actively resisting the abuse of power inherent in their profession, rather than just avoiding general wrongdoing.
Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
After John the Baptist preaches a message of repentance to the crowds, tax collectors, and even soldiers, the soldiers ask what specific actions they should take. John instructs them to cease their common abuses of power, such as extortion and false accusations, and to be satisfied with their allotted pay.
John the Baptist doesn't tell soldiers to lay down their arms. Instead, he calls them to a radical honesty within their profession.
When soldiers approach John asking, 'What shall we do?', his response isn't to condemn their profession, but to purify it. He commands them:
John's message shows that genuine repentance impacts every area of life, even those that seem difficult to reconcile with faith.
John the Baptist wasn't interested in mere words. He demanded tangible proof of a changed heart.
For the soldiers, and indeed for everyone coming to John, repentance wasn't just an internal feeling; it had to produce observable actions.
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Understand the original words
diaseisēte · Greek Verb
To use one's position or power to take money or property from others through violence, threats, or intimidation; it is condemned in Scripture as an abuse of authority and a violation of justice.
arkeisthe · Greek Verb
To be satisfied with one's current state, income, or material possessions; it denotes a godly character that trusts in God's provision rather than being driven by greed or worldly discontent.
c. 6 BC - 4 BC
Herod the Great's Reign and Death
Herod the Great, the Roman-appointed ruler of Judea, dies after a long and often brutal reign. His kingdom is divided among his sons, leading to political instability.
c. AD 6
Judea becomes a Roman Province
Following the deposition of Herod Archelaus, Judea is placed under direct Roman rule, with a prefect or procurator governing. This increases Roman military presence and taxation.
c. AD 27-28
John the Baptist begins Ministry
John the Baptist emerges in the wilderness of Judea, preaching a message of repentance and baptizing people in the Jordan River. His ministry challenges religious and political authorities.
c. AD 28-29— this verse
John the Baptist's Encounters
John the Baptist confronts various groups, including the multitudes, tax collectors, and soldiers, calling them to demonstrate repentance through their actions. He instructs them on specific ethical behaviors relevant to their professions.
John the Baptist's stern address to the Pharisees and Sadducees, calling them 'offspring of vipers,' sets the tone for his message of repentance to all, including the soldiers, emphasizing the need for genuine change.
Luke 3:10-12This passage shows the crowds and tax collectors asking similar questions about repentance, and John's responses highlight practical, ethical changes that demonstrate a turning from sin, mirroring the advice given to soldiers.
Acts 10:1-4Cornelius, a Roman centurion, is presented as a devout man who feared God and prayed regularly, showing that it was possible for soldiers to live righteously and fear God, even within their profession.
Romans 13:1-7Paul discusses the role of governing authorities, including soldiers, as servants of God for good, which provides a theological framework for understanding the lawful, God-ordained role of soldiers, while still emphasizing their accountability.
barnesLuke 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."
The soldiers likewise - It seems that "they," also came to his baptism. Whether these were Jews or Romans cannot be ascertained. It is not improbable that, as Judea was a Roman province, they were Jews or Jewish proselytes in the service of Herod Antipas or Philip, and so were really in the Roman service.…
calvinLuke 3:7-14: "Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?"
- And when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, Offspring of vipers, who warned you that ye might flee from the wrath to come? 8. Yield then fruits worthy of repentance. 9. And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham for our fathers: for I say to you, that God is able to raise, f…
John doesn't just tell the soldiers to be honest; he specifically warns them against using their authority to "shake violently" others to extort money or making false accusations. This highlights that true repentance for them means actively resisting the abuse of power inherent in their profession, rather than just avoiding general wrongdoing.
After John the Baptist preaches a message of repentance to the crowds, tax collectors, and even soldiers, the soldiers ask what specific actions they should take. John instructs them to cease their common abuses of power, such as extortion and false accusations, and to be satisfied with their allotted pay.
After John the Baptist preaches a message of repentance to the crowds, tax collectors, and even soldiers, the soldiers ask what specific actions they should take. John instructs them to cease their common abuses of power, such as extortion and false accusations, and to be satisfied with their allotted pay.
"Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”" — John doesn't just tell the soldiers to be honest; he specifically warns them against using their authority to "shake violently" others to extort money or making false accusations. This highlights tha…
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Last reviewed October 2026