Matthew 3:2

3:2 “Repent, ¹  for the kingdom of heaven is near.”

Matthew 3:8-9

3:8 Therefore produce fruit ²  that proves your ³  repentance, 3:9 and don’t think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that God can raise up children for Abraham from these stones!

¹ tn Grk “and saying, ‘Repent.’” The participle λέγων (legwn) at the beginning of v. 2 is redundant in English and has not been translated.

² sn Fruit worthy of repentance refers to the deeds that indicate a change of attitude (heart) on the part of John’s hearers.

³ tn Grk “fruit worthy of.”