New Testament
Luke 3:10
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, the crowd is responding to John the Baptist's call for repentance.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
The people in the crowd asked him, "Then what should we do?"
And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the crowd is responding to John the Baptist's call for repentance. They are eager to know how they can change their lives and align with God's will. This question reflects a deep desire for guidance and transformation. The people recognize their need for action after hearing John's message about repentance and the coming judgment. Their inquiry shows a willingness to take responsibility for their actions and seek a path toward righteousness. This moment highlights the importance of not just hearing the message of repentance but also acting upon it. It sets the stage for John to provide practical advice on how to live a life that reflects true repentance and faithfulness to God. The question, "What should we do?" is a universal one, inviting all believers to consider how they can respond to God's call in their own lives.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 3:10 to your life
When faced with spiritual challenges, we should ask ourselves, "What should I do?" This encourages us to seek practical steps to align our lives with God's will. Engaging in self-reflection and seeking guidance can lead to meaningful change and growth in our faith journey.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 3:10 teach about repentance?
Luke 3:10 highlights the importance of repentance by showing the crowd's eagerness to change after hearing John the Baptist's message. Their question, 'What should we do?' signifies a readiness to take action and align their lives with God's will. This verse teaches that true repentance involves not just acknowledgment of sin but also a commitment to change one's behavior and seek a righteous path.
How can I apply Luke 3:10 in my life?
To apply Luke 3:10 in your life, start by reflecting on areas where you feel called to change. Ask yourself, 'What should I do?' and seek practical steps to align your actions with God's teachings. This could involve seeking forgiveness, serving others, or making ethical choices in daily life. Engaging in prayer and studying scripture can also provide guidance on how to live out your faith authentically.
What does the crowd's question reveal about their mindset?
The crowd's question in Luke 3:10 reveals a mindset of humility and a desire for transformation. They recognize their shortcomings and are actively seeking guidance on how to improve their lives. This openness to change is crucial for spiritual growth, as it demonstrates a willingness to take responsibility for their actions and seek a deeper relationship with God.
Why is asking 'What should we do?' important in faith?
Asking 'What should we do?' is important in faith because it reflects a proactive approach to spiritual growth. It encourages believers to not only listen to teachings but also to take actionable steps toward living out their faith. This question fosters self-examination and accountability, prompting individuals to seek ways to embody their beliefs in everyday life.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
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