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.

LUKE 3:11KJV
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Luke 3:11 (KJV)

What does Luke 3:11 mean?

Luke 3:11 describes John the Baptist telling people that if someone has two coats, they should share with someone who has none, and if someone has food, they should do the same. The verse calls for practical generosity, urging people to meet the basic needs of others with what they have.

John the Baptist is speaking to crowds who have come to hear him and are asking what they should do to live rightly. He answers by giving a clear, everyday example: sharing clothing and food. This teaching sets a simple, concrete standard for how people can show genuine care for others in their community.

The Greek behind Luke 3:11

  • "Impart" (μεταδιδότω, metadidotō) is the Greek word used for "let him impart." It means to share or give a part of what one has. The word suggests not just giving away leftovers, but actively dividing what you own to help someone else.
  • "Meat" (βρῶμα, brōma) in this context refers broadly to food, not just meat as in animal flesh. This clarifies that John is talking about all kinds of food, not just one type.
  • "Do likewise" (ὁμοίως ποιεῖν, homoiōs poiein) means to act in the same way. John is making it clear that the principle of sharing applies to both clothing and food—whatever basic need is in question.

Why Luke 3:11 matters

  • Luke 3:11 clears up the idea that repentance is just about feelings or rituals; John ties it directly to concrete actions that help others.
  • The verse shows that John’s message is practical and accessible—he does not ask for heroic deeds, but for simple generosity anyone can practice.
  • This teaching connects to the wider theme in Luke of caring for the poor and vulnerable, which is a major focus throughout the Gospel.

Where else these words appear

“impart” Greek G3330 · used in 5 verses

  • Romans 1:11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;
  • Romans 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
  • 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.

“coats” Greek G5509 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 5:40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.
  • Mark 14:63 Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses?
  • John 19:23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.

“meat” Greek G1033 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 14:15 And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.
  • Romans 14:15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
  • 1 Corinthians 8:13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

“likewise” Greek G3668 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 22:26 Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh.
  • Luke 10:37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.