⁹ And even now the axe also lieth at the root of the trees: every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. ¹⁰ And the multitudes asked him, saying, What then must we do? ¹¹ 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. ¹² And there came also ^[a]publicans to be baptized, and they said unto him, Teacher, what must we do? ¹³ And he said unto them, Extort no more than that which is appointed you. ¹⁴ And ^[b]soldiers also asked him, saying, And we, what must we do? And he said unto them, Extort from no man by violence, neither accuse any one wrongfully; and be content with your wages.

¹⁵ And as the people were in expectation, and all men reasoned in their hearts concerning John, whether haply he were the Christ; ¹⁶ John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but there cometh he that is mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not ^[c]worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you ^[d]in the Holy Spirit and in fire: ¹⁷ whose fan is in his hand, thoroughly to cleanse his threshing-floor, and to gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn up with unquenchable fire.