King James Bible
"And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?"
The crowds respond to John the Baptist's call for repentance with a practical question. This shows their conviction and desire for concrete action rather than mere emotional response, recognizing that true repentance requires changed behavior. Their question seeks specific guidance on how to live out repentance in daily life. This echoes the prophetic tradition where genuine faith manifests in ethical conduct, preparing them for the kingdom John proclaims is near.