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⇱ Luke 3:13 "Collect no more than you are authorized," he answered.

Bible > Luke > Chapter 3 > Verse 13
◄ Luke 3:13 ►
New International Version
“Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them.

New Living Translation
He replied, “Collect no more taxes than the government requires.”

English Standard Version
And he said to them, “Collect no more than you are authorized to do.”

Berean Standard Bible
“Collect no more than you are authorized,” he answered.

Berean Literal Bible
And he said to them, "Collect nothing more beyond that having been appointed to you."

King James Bible
And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.

New King James Version
And he said to them, “Collect no more than what is appointed for you.”

New American Standard Bible
And he said to them, “Collect no more than what you have been ordered to.”

NASB 1995
And he said to them, “Collect no more than what you have been ordered to.”

NASB 1977
And he said to them, “Collect no more than what you have been ordered to.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And he said to them, “Collect no more than what you have been ordered to.”

Amplified Bible
And he told them, “Collect no more than the fixed amount you have been ordered to [collect].”

Christian Standard Bible
He told them, “Don’t collect any more than what you have been authorized.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He told them, “Don’t collect any more than what you have been authorized.”

American Standard Version
And he said unto them, Extort no more than that which is appointed you.

Contemporary English Version
John told them, "Don't make people pay more than they owe."

English Revised Version
And he said unto them, Extort no more than that which is appointed you.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He told them, "Don't collect more money than you are ordered to collect."

Good News Translation
"Don't collect more than is legal," he told them.

International Standard Version
He told them, "Stop collecting more money than the amount you are told to collect."

NET Bible
He told them, "Collect no more than you are required to."

New Heart English Bible
He said to them, "Collect no more than that which is appointed to you."

Webster's Bible Translation
And he said to them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.

Weymouth New Testament
"Do not exact more than the legal amount," he replied.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
“Collect no more than you are authorized,” he answered.

World English Bible
He said to them, “Collect no more than that which is appointed to you.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And he said to them, “Exact no more than that directed you.”

Berean Literal Bible
And he said to them, "Collect nothing more beyond that having been appointed to you."

Young's Literal Translation
and he said unto them, 'Exact no more than that directed you.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And he said to them, Do nothing more than that appointed you.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But he said to them: Do nothing more than that which is appointed you.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But he said to them, “You should do nothing more than what has been appointed to you.”

New American Bible
He answered them, “Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.”

New Revised Standard Version
He said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
He said to them, Do not exact anything more over what is commanded you to exact.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But he said to them, “Do not require anything on top of whatever is commanded you to require.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And he said to them: Exact no more than that which is appointed you.

Godbey New Testament
And he said to them, Exact no more than that which has been appointed unto you.

Haweis New Testament
He said unto them, Exact nothing more than is appointed for you.

Mace New Testament
exact, said he, no more than what the law requires.

Weymouth New Testament
"Do not exact more than the legal amount," he replied.

Worrell New Testament
And he said to them, "Exact no more than that which has been appointed you."

Worsley New Testament
And He said unto them, Exact no more than what is appointed you.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Mission of John the Baptist
…12Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” 13“Collect no more than you are authorized,” he answered. 14Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” “Do not take money by force or false accusation,” he said. “Be content with your wages.”…

Cross References
Matthew 5:46-48
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Do not even tax collectors do the same? / And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even Gentiles do the same? / Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Matthew 7:12
In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.

Matthew 22:21
“Caesar’s,” they answered. So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

Romans 13:7
Pay everyone what you owe him: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.

1 Corinthians 6:10
nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Thessalonians 4:6
and no one should ever violate or exploit his brother in this regard, because the Lord will avenge all such acts, as we have already told you and solemnly warned you.

James 5:4
Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts.

1 Peter 2:13-14
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, / or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right.

Proverbs 11:1
Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight.

Proverbs 20:23
Unequal weights are detestable to the LORD, and dishonest scales are no good.

Leviticus 19:35-36
You must not use dishonest measures of length, weight, or volume. / You shall maintain honest scales and weights, an honest ephah, and an honest hin. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt.

Deuteronomy 25:13-16
You shall not have two differing weights in your bag, one heavy and one light. / You shall not have two differing measures in your house, one large and one small. / You must maintain accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. ...

Micah 6:10-11
Can I forget any longer, O house of the wicked, the treasures of wickedness and the short ephah, which is accursed? / Can I excuse dishonest scales or bags of false weights?

Amos 8:5
asking, “When will the New Moon be over, that we may sell grain? When will the Sabbath end, that we may market wheat? Let us reduce the ephah and increase the shekel; let us cheat with dishonest scales.

Ezekiel 45:9-10
For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Enough, O princes of Israel! Cease your violence and oppression, and do what is just and right. Stop dispossessing My people, declares the Lord GOD.’ / You must use honest scales, a just ephah, and a just bath.


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.

Psalm 18:23
I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity.

Proverbs 28:13
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

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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.














Collect no more than you are authorized,
This phrase is directed towards tax collectors who came to John the Baptist seeking guidance. Tax collectors in Judea were often Jews employed by the Roman government, and they were notorious for collecting more than required to enrich themselves. This instruction emphasizes honesty and integrity, aligning with the broader biblical principle of justice and fairness (Leviticus 19:13, Proverbs 11:1). It reflects the call for repentance and ethical conduct, which is a central theme in John’s ministry. The command also echoes the teachings of Jesus, who later criticized the exploitation and greed of the Pharisees and others (Matthew 23:25).

he answered.
John the Baptist’s response is direct and authoritative, reflecting his role as a prophet preparing the way for Jesus. His answers to various groups, including tax collectors, soldiers, and the general populace, demonstrate his understanding of the specific moral and ethical challenges each group faced. This response is part of a larger dialogue where John calls for genuine repentance, which involves a change in behavior and attitude, not just ritualistic observance. This aligns with the prophetic tradition of calling Israel back to covenant faithfulness (Isaiah 1:16-17, Micah 6:8).

Persons / Places / Events
1. John the Baptist
A prophetic figure who preached repentance and baptized people in the Jordan River. He is the one giving the instruction in this verse.

2. Tax Collectors
Individuals who collected taxes for the Roman government. They were often despised by the Jewish people for their association with Rome and their reputation for extortion.

3. The Jordan River
The location where John the Baptist conducted his ministry of baptism and preaching repentance.
Teaching Points
Integrity in Vocation
As Christians, we are called to conduct our work with honesty and integrity, reflecting Christ in all our dealings.

Repentance and Transformation
True repentance involves a change in behavior. For the tax collectors, this meant no longer exploiting others.

Contentment and Trust
Trust in God's provision and be content with what is rightfully yours, avoiding the temptation to take more than is due.

Witness Through Actions
Our actions in everyday life serve as a testimony to our faith. Ethical behavior can be a powerful witness to others.

Social Justice and Fairness
Christians are called to advocate for fairness and justice, ensuring that systems and practices do not exploit the vulnerable.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Luke 3:13?

2. How can we apply "collect no more than you are authorized" in our lives today?

3. What does Luke 3:13 teach about honesty in financial dealings?

4. How does Luke 3:13 connect with biblical teachings on integrity and fairness?

5. Why is it important to follow the principle of fairness in Luke 3:13?

6. How can Luke 3:13 guide Christians in their professional responsibilities?

7. What does Luke 3:13 reveal about the ethical expectations for tax collectors?

8. How does Luke 3:13 challenge the concept of fairness in financial dealings?

9. Why is the instruction in Luke 3:13 significant for understanding repentance?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 3?

11. What are the signs of the end times?

12. How can Christians effectively evangelize to atheists?

13. What are the predictions for the biblical end times?

14. Why did Jesus perform healings on the Sabbath?
What Does Luke 3:13 Mean
Collect

“Collect no more than you are authorized,” he answered. (Luke 3:13)

• John the Baptist does not tell the tax collectors to abandon their profession; honest tax collection serves a lawful purpose (Romans 13:6-7; Matthew 22:21).

• By addressing them directly, John affirms that even those despised by society are welcomed when they repent (Luke 5:27-32; Luke 15:1).

• Obedience to rightful civil authority is compatible with wholehearted devotion to God (1 Peter 2:13-14).

No more

• Greed and exploitation were rampant among first-century tax collectors, who often inflated assessments for personal gain (Exodus 20:15; Proverbs 11:1).

• John’s phrase “no more” calls for contentment and integrity:

– Refuse the temptation to pad the bill (Hebrews 13:5).

– Choose godliness with contentment over dishonest profit (1 Timothy 6:6).

– Follow Zacchaeus’s example of restitution when past wrongs are exposed (Luke 19:8).

• The command is simple yet searching: stop where righteousness stops. Anything beyond is theft.

Than you are authorized

• “Authorized” points to lawful limits and the boundaries God establishes through governing structures (Romans 13:1-2).

• Practical safeguards for staying within those limits:

– Measure every demand by the written standard, not personal whim (Deuteronomy 16:19).

– Treat every coin as belonging first to God, then to the rightful owner (Leviticus 19:35-36).

– Remember that unjust gain cries out to the Lord for judgment (James 5:4; Micah 6:8).

• Integrity in work becomes visible worship, demonstrating love for neighbor by protecting their property and dignity.

He answered

• John’s response is swift and concrete; genuine repentance bears practical fruit (Luke 3:8,10-14).

• His counsel models pastoral clarity—no abstractions, just actionable obedience (James 2:17).

• The crowd’s question “What should we do?” (Acts 2:37 echoes the same cry) finds an answer that turns ordinary labor into a stage for righteousness.

summary

Luke 3:13 calls every believer to honest stewardship: do the work God has assigned, take nothing extra, and submit to the limits He has ordained. True repentance is proven not by dramatic gestures but by everyday faithfulness, guarding against greed and honoring both God and neighbor through uncompromising integrity.

(13) Exact no more.--Under the "farming" system of taxation adopted by the Roman empire, this was the besetting temptation of all collectors employed in it, and it led naturally to the evil repute which attached, not in Judaea only, to the name of publican. (See Note on Luke 19:2.)



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
“Collect
πράσσετε (prassete)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4238: To do, perform, accomplish; be in any condition, i.e. I fare; I exact, require.

no
Μηδὲν (Mēden)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3367: No one, none, nothing.

more than
πλέον (pleon)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular - Comparative
Strong's 4119: Or neuter pleion, or pleon comparative of polus; more in quantity, number, or quality; also the major portion.

you
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

are authorized,”
διατεταγμένον (diatetagmenon)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1299: To give orders to, prescribe, arrange. From dia and tasso; to arrange thoroughly, i.e. institute, prescribe, etc.

he answered.
εἶπεν (eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.


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NT Gospels: Luke 3:13 He said to them Collect no more (Luke Lu Lk)