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.

LUKE 3:8KJV
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Luke 3:8 (KJV)

What does Luke 3:8 mean?

Luke 3:8 urges people to show real change in their lives—actions that match true repentance—instead of relying on their ancestry or heritage for favor with God. John the Baptist warns that being descended from Abraham is not enough, because God can create new children for Abraham from stones if He chooses.

John the Baptist is speaking to crowds coming to be baptized, many of whom are Jews who take pride in their connection to Abraham. He challenges them not to assume that their family background guarantees God’s acceptance. Instead, John stresses that God looks for genuine repentance, which is shown by a changed way of living, not just by words or heritage.

The Greek behind Luke 3:8

  • καρποὺς (karpous, "fruits"): This word means "fruit" or "produce," but here it refers to visible actions or deeds. John is calling for evidence—real-life proof—of repentance, not just feelings or intentions.
  • ἀξίους (axious, "worthy"): This word means "worthy" or "fitting." John is saying that the actions should match or be appropriate to true repentance, not just any good deed.
  • μετανοίας (metanoias, "repentance"): This word means a change of mind or heart that leads to a change in behavior. John is not talking about feeling sorry but about a deep, practical turning away from past wrongs.
  • δύναται (dynatai, "able"): This word means "able" or "powerful enough." John emphasizes that God is not limited by human lineage; He has the power to raise up new descendants for Abraham from the very stones.

Why Luke 3:8 matters

  • Luke 3:8 corrects the idea that spiritual privilege or family background is enough to please God; it highlights the need for personal transformation.
  • The verse sets the tone for John’s entire message: repentance is not just a private feeling but must be seen in real, outward change.
  • This warning prepares the reader for the coming ministry of Jesus, who will also challenge traditional assumptions about what it means to belong to God’s people.

Where else these words appear

“repentance” Greek G3341 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
  • Luke 15:7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
  • Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

“worthy” Greek G514 · used in 39 verses

  • Matthew 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
  • Luke 23:15 No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

“stones” Greek G3037 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 3:9 And think 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.
  • Luke 4:3 And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.
  • Acts 4:11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

“fruits” Greek G2590 · used in 56 verses

  • Matthew 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
  • Mark 12:2 And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard.
  • Acts 2:30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;