Luke 3:11
New International Version
John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”

New Living Translation
John replied, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.”

English Standard Version
And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.”

Berean Standard Bible
John replied, “Whoever has two tunics should share with him who has none, and whoever has food should do the same.”

Berean Literal Bible
And answering, he was saying to them, "The one having two tunics, let him impart to the one having none; and the one having food, let him do likewise."

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
He answered and said to them, “He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.”

New American Standard Bible
And he would answer and say to them, “The one who has two tunics is to share with the one who has none; and the one who has food is to do likewise.”

NASB 1995
And he would answer and say to them, “The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do likewise.”

NASB 1977
And he would answer and say to them, “Let the man who has two tunics share with him who has none; and let him who has food do likewise.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And he would answer and say to them, “The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do likewise.”

Amplified Bible
And John replied, “The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do the same.”

Christian Standard Bible
He replied to them, “The one who has two shirts must share with someone who has none, and the one who has food must do the same.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He replied to them, “The one who has two shirts must share with someone who has none, and the one who has food must do the same.”

American Standard Version
And he answered and said unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath food, let him do likewise.

Contemporary English Version
John told them, "If you have two coats, give one to someone who doesn't have any. If you have food, share it with someone else."

English Revised Version
And he answered and said unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath food, let him do likewise.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He answered them, "Whoever has two shirts should share with the person who doesn't have any. Whoever has food should share it too."

Good News Translation
He answered, "Whoever has two shirts must give one to the man who has none, and whoever has food must share it."

International Standard Version
He answered them, "The person who has two coats must share with the one who doesn't have any, and the person who has food must do the same."

Majority Standard Bible
John replied, “Whoever has two tunics should share with him who has none, and whoever has food should do the same.”

NET Bible
John answered them, "The person who has two tunics must share with the person who has none, and the person who has food must do likewise."

New Heart English Bible
He answered them, "He who has two coats, let him give to him who has none. He who has food, let him do likewise."

Webster's Bible Translation
He answereth and saith to them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath provisions, let him do likewise.

Weymouth New Testament
"Let the man who has two coats," he answered, "give one to the man who has none; and let the man who has food share it with others."

World English Bible
He answered them, “He who has two coats, let him give to him who has none. He who has food, let him do likewise.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And he answering says to them, “He having two coats, let him impart to him having none; and he having food, let him do in like manner.”

Berean Literal Bible
And answering, he was saying to them, "The one having two tunics, let him impart to the one having none; and the one having food, let him do likewise."

Young's Literal Translation
and he answering saith to them, 'He having two coats -- let him impart to him having none, and he having victuals -- in like manner let him do.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And he having answered, says to them, He having two coats, let him impart to him having none; and he having food, let him do likewise.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he answering, said to them: He that hath two coats, let him give to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do in like manner.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But in response, he said to them: “Whoever has two coats, let him give to those who do not have. And whoever has food, let him act similarly.”

New American Bible
He said to them in reply, “Whoever has two tunics should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.”

New Revised Standard Version
In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
He answered and said to them, He who has two shirts, let him give to him who has not; and he who has food, let him do likewise.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And he answered and he said to them, “Whoever has two coats, let him give to him who has not, and whoever has food should do likewise.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
He answered and said to them: He that has two coats, let him give to him that has none; and he that has food, let him do likewise.

Godbey New Testament
And responding he says to them, Let the one having two coats, give to him having none, and let the one having food do likewise.

Haweis New Testament
And he answering said to them, He that hath two coats, let him give to him that hath none; and he that hath provisions, let him do in like manner.

Mace New Testament
he answer'd them, let him that hath two coats give one to him that hath none; and let him that has plenty of provisions act in like manner.

Weymouth New Testament
"Let the man who has two coats," he answered, "give one to the man who has none; and let the man who has food share it with others."

Worrell New Testament
And he, answering, said to them, "Let him who has two coats share with him who has none; and let him who has food do likewise."

Worsley New Testament
And he saith unto them, Let him that hath two coats, give one to him that hath none, and let him that hath food do the like.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Mission of John the Baptist
10The crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” 11 John replied, “Whoever has two tunics should share with him who has none, and whoever has food should do the same.” 12Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?”…

Cross References
Matthew 25:35-40
For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ / Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? ...

James 2:15-16
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?

1 John 3:17-18
If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? / Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.

Acts 2:44-45
All the believers were together and had everything in common. / Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need.

Acts 4:32-35
The multitude of believers was one in heart and soul. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned. / With great power the apostles continued to give their testimony about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And abundant grace was upon them all. / There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, ...

2 Corinthians 8:13-15
It is not our intention that others may be relieved while you are burdened, but that there may be equality. / At the present time, your surplus will meet their need, so that in turn their surplus will meet your need. This way there will be equality. / As it is written: “He who gathered much had no excess, and he who gathered little had no shortfall.”

2 Corinthians 9:9-11
As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” / Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your store of seed and will increase the harvest of your righteousness. / You will be enriched in every way to be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will produce thanksgiving to God.

Hebrews 13:16
And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Galatians 6:9-10
Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. / Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.

Romans 12:13
Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Isaiah 58:7
Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Proverbs 19:17
Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.

Deuteronomy 15:7-11
If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, then you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. / Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs. / Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought in your heart: “The seventh year, the year of release, is near,” so that you look upon your poor brother begrudgingly and give him nothing. He will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin. ...

Ezekiel 18:7
He does not oppress another, but restores the pledge to the debtor. He does not commit robbery, but gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing.

Job 31:16-20
If I have denied the desires of the poor or allowed the widow’s eyes to fail, / if I have eaten my morsel alone, not sharing it with the fatherless— / though from my youth I reared him as would a father, and from my mother’s womb I guided the widow— ...


Treasury of Scripture

He answers and said to them, He that has two coats, let him impart to him that has none; and he that has meat, let him do likewise.

He that hath two.

Luke 11:41
But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.

Luke 18:22
Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

Luke 19:8
And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.

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Luke 3
1. The preaching and baptism of John;
15. his testimony of Jesus;
19. Herod imprisons John;
21. Jesus, baptized, receives testimony from heaven.
23. The age and genealogy of Jesus from Joseph upwards.














John replied
The name "John" refers to John the Baptist, a pivotal figure in the New Testament known for his role in preparing the way for Jesus Christ. His reply here is part of his broader message of repentance and ethical living. Historically, John the Baptist was a prophet who lived in the wilderness, calling people to repentance and baptizing them in the Jordan River. His message was radical for its time, emphasizing personal responsibility and social justice.

Whoever has two tunics
The word "tunics" refers to a basic garment worn in ancient times, similar to a long shirt or robe. In the Greek, the word used is "χιτών" (chitōn), which was a common piece of clothing. The mention of "two tunics" implies having more than one needs, highlighting the theme of abundance versus necessity. In the historical context, clothing was a valuable commodity, and owning more than one tunic would indicate a level of wealth or comfort.

should share with him who has none
The concept of sharing is deeply rooted in the teachings of both the Old and New Testaments. The Greek word for "share" is "μεταδίδωμι" (metadidōmi), which means to impart or give a portion of what one has. This directive reflects the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor and caring for the less fortunate. In the historical context of first-century Judea, poverty was widespread, and this call to share would have been a radical challenge to the social norms of the time.

and whoever has food
Food, a basic necessity for survival, is used here to further illustrate the principle of sharing. The Greek word for "food" is "βρῶμα" (brōma), which encompasses all kinds of nourishment. In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, food security was a constant concern, and sharing food was a tangible way to demonstrate compassion and community support.

should do the same
This phrase reinforces the earlier command to share, emphasizing that the principle applies universally, not just to clothing but to all resources. The Greek phrase "ὁμοίως ποιεῖν" (homoiōs poiein) translates to "do likewise," suggesting that this behavior should be a consistent practice among believers. This call to action is a reflection of the Christian ethic of generosity and selflessness, encouraging believers to live out their faith through acts of kindness and charity.

(11) He that hath two coats.--The remedy, in this case, was simple and practical. Selfishness was the root of evil. It was to be conquered not by religious emotions only, but by acts of unselfishness.

He that hath meat.--The Greek noun is plural, and includes all forms of food.

Verse 11. - He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. This advice is simple and practical. No difficult counsels of perfection are recommended, no useless penance. The great confessor simply presses home to his penitents the duty of unselfishness, the beauty of quiet generosity in the sight of God. The whole teaching of this eminent man of God was thoroughly practical. His predecessor, Micah, centuries before had given the luxurious and selfish Israel of his time the same Divine lesson: "He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" (Micah 6:8).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[John] replied,
Ἀποκριθεὶς (Apokritheis)
Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 611: From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.

“Whoever
(Ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

has
ἔχων (echōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

two
δύο (dyo)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1417: Two. A primary numeral; 'two'.

tunics
χιτῶνας (chitōnas)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5509: A tunic, garment, undergarment. Of foreign origin; a tunic or shirt.

should share with
μεταδότω (metadotō)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3330: From meta and didomi; to give over, i.e. Share.

him
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

who has
ἔχοντι (echonti)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

none,
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

whoever
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

has
ἔχων (echōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

food
βρώματα (brōmata)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1033: Food of any kind. From the base of bibrosko; food, especially articles allowed or forbidden by the Jewish law.

should do
ποιείτω (poieitō)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

the same.”
ὁμοίως (homoiōs)
Adverb
Strong's 3668: In like manner, similarly, in the same way, equally. Adverb from homoios; similarly.


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NT Gospels: Luke 3:11 He answered them He who has two (Luke Lu Lk)
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