Luke 3:8

The Mission of John the Baptist · Luke 3:1–20
Read Luke 3

Translations

Modern
Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.
Traditional
Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
Literal
Therefore produce fruits worthy of repentance. And do not begin to say in yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as father.’ For I say to you that out of these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham.
Latin
Facite ergo fructus dignos pœnitentiæ, et ne cœperitis dicere: Patrem habemus Abraham. Dico enim vobis quia potens est Deus de lapidibus istis suscitare filios Abrahæ.

Original

Greek
English
Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.

Notes

  • We have Abraham as our father: Some Jews believed that being part of Abraham's family line guaranteed their salvation (see John 8:33–39; Acts 7:2; Romans 4:1).

  • And do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.': God chose the Israelites as his people, but he could reject them. If he wanted, he could create children of Abraham from these very stones (compare Hosea 1:3–9; Romans 9:6–8, 27–28; 11:17–21).

Events

Parallels

Isaiah 40:1–5 Matthew 3:1–12 Mark 1:1–8 John 1:19–28

People

Abraham: Patriarch, chosen by God to father His people

Glossary

Baptism Baptism of Jesus Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Conversion Exhortation Genealogy Gospel John the Baptist Luke, Gospel of Prophecy

Topics

Baptism: John's Christian Minister: Faithful: John the Baptist Reproof: Faithfulness in John the Baptist, of the Jews Sadducees: Rebuked by John the Baptist Salvation: Conditions of Wicked (People): Warned