Luke 3:7

7 Then said he to the multitude who came forth to be baptized by him, "O generation of vipers! Who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

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 shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth;

6 and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'"

7 Then said he to the multitude who came forth to be baptized by him, "O generation of vipers! Who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say among yourselves, `We have Abraham as our father.' For I say unto you, that God is able from these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

9 And now also the ax is laid unto the root of the trees. Every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire."