Luke 3:7

7 Therefore, Yochanan said to the crowds who came out to be immersed by him, "You snakes! Who warned you to escape the coming punishment?

Luke 3:7 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 3:7

Then said he to the multitude
That is, John, as the Ethiopic version reads; and the multitude to whom he spake the following words, were many of the Pharisees and Sadducees, as appears from ( Matthew 3:7 )

That came forth to be baptized of him;
who came out of their houses, towns, and cities, round about, to the place where John was; and hearing and seeing what he was about, desired to be admitted to his baptism: not that they "were baptised of him"; as the Arabic version renders it; but they came with a view of being baptized, were it thought fit and proper they should: but John refused them, saying to them,

O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to
come?
(See Gill on Matthew 3:7).

Luke 3:7 In-Context

5 Every valley must be filled in, every mountain and hill leveled off; the winding roads must be straightened and the rough ways made smooth.

6 Then all humanity will see God's deliverance.'"

7 Therefore, Yochanan said to the crowds who came out to be immersed by him, "You snakes! Who warned you to escape the coming punishment?

8 If you have really turned from your sins, produce fruit that will prove it! And don't start saying to yourselves, `Avraham is our father'! For I tell you that God can raise up for Avraham sons from these stones!

9 Already the axe is at the root of the trees, ready to strike; every tree that doesn't produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown in the fire!"