What does Luke 3:14 mean?

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. Luke 3:14

Explanation

This verse, Luke 3:14, is part of the narrative describing John the Baptist’s ministry. John, a prophet who prepared the way for Jesus, was known for his call to repentance and for baptizing those who responded to his message. The soldiers referred to here are likely members of the local forces under Herod Antipas or possibly Roman troops stationed in the region. They come to John after he has spoken to the crowds about ethical behavior, seeking guidance for their own lives.

In response to their question, “And what shall we do?” John the Baptist gives three specific commands:

1. “Do violence to no man” – John instructs the soldiers not to use their power to harm others unnecessarily.
2. “Neither accuse any falsely” – He warns against the abuse of their authority to make false accusations, which could lead to wrongful punishment.
3. “Be content with your wages” – Finally, he advises the soldiers to be satisfied with their pay and not to extort money or goods from the people, a practice that could have been common among soldiers of the time.

The deeper meaning centers on the ethical transformation that should accompany true repentance. The soldiers are encouraged to live with integrity, avoid injustice, and foster contentment.

Historical Context

Luke 3:14 captures a moment during the time of Roman occupation in Judea. Soldiers in the region could have been Jewish men serving Herod Antipas or Roman troops. These men were often feared and resented by the local population because they represented the occupying force, and they sometimes took advantage of their positions to mistreat the locals.

Due to the nature of their profession, soldiers had the power to commit acts of violence, levy false charges, and use their authority to obtain extra income. John’s message to them reflects a call to resist these corrupt practices and adhere to a higher moral standard, even within a system that may have implicitly condoned or explicitly encouraged such behavior.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, the verse underscores themes of justice, integrity, and contentment. Different theological perspectives may emphasize varying facets:

• Evangelical Perspective: The call to ethical living is a natural outcome of a true conversion and repentance.
• Catholic Perspective: This teaching aligns with the Catholic emphasis on “works” as a component of faith, showing how actions must reflect beliefs.
• Reformed Perspective: The Reformed view might stress God’s sovereignty in sanctification, highlighting that ethical transformation is a result of divine work within individuals.
• Liberation Theology: Advocates of this perspective may see the verse as a call to social justice, particularly as it pertains to those in power.

Practical Applications

In contemporary society, the verse can be applied in various practical ways:

• For law enforcement and military personnel, it can serve as a reminder to uphold justice and serve with honor.
• For anyone in a position of power, the admonition to act with integrity and fairness is relevant.
• The challenge to be content with one’s earnings speaks to the broader societal issue of greed and can encourage individuals to resist the temptation to seek gain through unethical means.

Cross-References

• 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.”
• Hebrews 13:5: “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
• 1 Timothy 6:8: “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”
• Exodus 20:16: “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.”

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text add depth to our understanding:

• “Do violence” (διασείσητε – diaseisēte) suggests shaking or exacting resources through violence.
• “Accuse falsly” (συκοφαντήσητε – sykophantēsēte) means to slander or accuse someone wrongly for personal gain.
• “Be content” (ἀρκεῖσθε – arkeisthe) implies a sense of sufficiency or satisfaction with what one has.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing Luke 3:14 with other ancient cultures, we find:

• Roman Culture: Military ethics in Roman culture varied, and the expectation for general Roman soldiers to refrain from such acts would not typically align with traditional Roman military values.
• Judaism: The teachings align closely with the Jewish emphasis on justice found in the Torah.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern psychological perspective, the verse contends with human tendencies toward aggression, dishonesty, and dissatisfaction – behaviors that are studied in fields like behavioral economics and social psychology. These scientific fields explore the ways in which contentment and ethical behavior contribute to personal well-being and social harmony.

Commentaries

Commentators over the years have provided insights into this verse:

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary: Henry suggests the lifestyle changes indicated by John are proofs of a true conversion.
• John Calvin’s Commentary: Calvin emphasizes the duty of soldiers to use their authority rightfully, and to recognize the limits of their station.
• The Pulpit Commentary: It discusses the principles of justice and contentment as fundamental to the message of Christianity, showing the revolutionary character of John the Baptist’s teachings.
• The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges: Focuses on the radical nature of John’s demands, asking soldiers to be content with their pay in a time and context where extortion was common.