Luke 3:12 (KJV)

What does Luke 3:12 mean?

Luke 3:12 shows tax collectors coming to John the Baptist for baptism and asking what they should do. Their question places their work and conduct alongside their desire to receive baptism.

John is the “him” whom the tax collectors address as “Master.” They ask for direction as a particular group, much as the crowds had asked what they should do just before this verse.

The Greek behind Luke 3:12

• “publicans” — τελώνης (telōnēs): The Greek word means a tax collector. In the KJV, “publicans” refers to people who collected taxes, not to owners of pubs.
• “Master” — διδάσκαλος (didaskalos): The word means a teacher. The tax collectors address John as someone from whom they expect instruction.

Why Luke 3:12 matters

• The question leads to an answer about the tax collectors’ own work. In verse 13, John tells them to collect no more than the amount appointed to them.
• The tax collectors are one of several groups seeking direction. The crowds ask in verse 10, and soldiers ask in verse 14; each group receives an answer suited to its situation.