What does Luke 3:14 mean?

As a herald of the Messiah, John the Baptist preaches a message of repentance (Luke 3:1–6). This includes a call for people to declare their repentance through baptism, then live a life corresponding to that change (Luke 3:7–9). Several groups approach to ask what this means, in practice. Common people are told to use their abundance to help those in need (Luke 3:10–11). Tax collectors, a group prone to overcharging, were commanded to collect only what was due (Luke 3:12–13).

The reference to "soldiers" here is interesting. As a conquered people, Israel would not have been allowed an independent standing army. It's uncertain if the men approaching John are Roman soldiers, foreign mercenaries, or something else entirely. In any case, they seek the same advice given to other groups: how to "bear fruit in keeping with repentance" (Luke 3:8). John's answer once again strikes to a temptation common to this group. In the case of ancient soldiers, this is extortion. Beyond the intimidation of weapons and armor, soldiers could threaten locals with arrest or harassment. This created the temptation to take advantage of conquered people, even among troops who were well paid.