Matthew 4:1-11 · Bible study
Matthew 4:1-11 Commentary: Wilderness Victory
Greek · 11 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Why the Spirit led Jesus into temptation. Close study of the three tests, Jesus' use of Scripture, and the meaning for faith.
Research Summary
- Meaning: Jesus, the faithful Son, relives Israel’s wilderness testing and succeeds where they failed, securing victory for all who trust in him.
- Key words: πειράζω (peirazō, “tempt/test”); γέγραπται (gegraptai, “it is written”); προσκυνέω (proskuneō, “worship”); διακονέω (diakoneō, “serve/minister”).
- Main debate: Whether the temptations were external (a literal devil appearing) or internal (a psychological struggle); the text affirms an objective encounter, but the mode remains unspecified.
- Theological theme: The obedience of the Son, the sufficiency of Scripture, and the defeat of Satan at the start of Jesus’ ministry.
- Best use: As a model for resisting temptation through trust in God’s word and as a demonstration that Jesus fully identifies with human weakness yet overcomes sin.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
1Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
2After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry.
3The tempter came to Him and said, “If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
4But Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
5Then the devil took Him to the holy city and set Him on the pinnacle of the temple.
6“If You are the Son of God,” he said, “throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He will command His angels concerning You, and they will lift You up in their hands, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.’”
7Jesus replied, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
8Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.
9“All this I will give You,” he said, “if You will fall down and worship me.”
10“Away from Me, Satan!” Jesus declared. “For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’”
11Then the devil left Him, and angels came and ministered to Him.
WEB World English Bible 2000
1Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
2When he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry afterward.
3The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”
4But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of God’s mouth.’”
5Then the devil took him into the holy city. He set him on the pinnacle of the temple,
6and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and, ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you don’t dash your foot against a stone.’”
7Jesus said to him, “Again, it is written, ‘You shall not test the Lord, your God.’”
8Again, the devil took him to an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.
9He said to him, “I will give you all of these things, if you will fall down and worship me.”
10Then Jesus said to him, “Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve him only.’”
11Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and served him.
KJV King James Version 1769
1Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
2And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
3And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
4But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
5Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,
6And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
7Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
8Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
9And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
10Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
11Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
1Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
2And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he afterward hungered.
3And the tempter came and said unto him, If thou art the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.
4But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
5Then the devil taketh him into the holy city; and he set him on the pinnacle of the temple,
6and saith unto him, If thou art the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and, On their hands they shall bear thee up, Lest haply thou dash thy foot against a stone.
7Jesus said unto him, Again it is written, Thou shalt not make trial of the Lord thy God.
8Again, the devil taketh him unto an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
9and he said unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
10Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
11Then the devil leaveth him; and behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
1Then Jesus was led up to the wilderness by the Spirit, to be tempted by the Devil,
2and having fasted forty days and forty nights, afterwards he did hunger.
3And the Tempter having come to him said, `If Son thou art of God--speak that these stones may become loaves.'
4But he answering said, `It hath been written, Not upon bread alone doth man live, but upon every word coming forth from the mouth of God.'
5Then doth the Devil take him to the holy city, and doth set him on the pinnacle of the temple,
6and saith to him, `If Son thou art of God--cast thyself down, for it hath been written, that, His messengers He shall charge concerning thee, and on hands they shall bear thee up, that thou mayest not dash on a stone thy foot.'
7Jesus said to him again, `It hath been written, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.'
8Again doth the Devil take him to a very high mount, and doth shew to him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them,
9and saith to him, `All these to thee I will give, if falling down thou mayest bow to me.'
10Then saith Jesus to him, `Go--Adversary, for it hath been written, The Lord thy God thou shalt bow to, and Him only thou shalt serve.'
11Then doth the Devil leave him, and lo, messengers came and were ministering to him.
Darby Darby Bible 1890
1Then Jesus was carried up into the wilderness by the Spirit to be tempted of the devil:
2and having fasted forty days and forty nights, afterwards he hungered.
3And the tempter coming up to him said, If thou be Son of God, speak, that these stones may become loaves of bread.
4But he answering said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word which goes out through God's mouth.
5Then the devil takes him to the holy city, and sets him upon the edge of the temple,
6and says to him, If thou be Son of God cast thyself down; for it is written, He shall give charge to his angels concerning thee, and on [their] hands shall they bear thee, lest in anywise thou strike thy foot against a stone.
7Jesus said to him, It is again written, Thou shalt not tempt [the] Lord thy God.
8Again the devil takes him to a very high mountain, and shews him all the kingdoms of the world, and their glory,
9and says to him, All these things will I give thee if, falling down, thou wilt do me homage.
10Then says Jesus to him, Get thee away, Satan, for it is written, Thou shalt do homage to [the] Lord thy God, and him alone shalt thou serve.
11Then the devil leaves him, and behold, angels came and ministered to him.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
1Then Jesus was led by the spirit into the desert, to be tempted by the devil.
2And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterwards he was hungry.
3And the tempter coming said to him: If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
4Who answered and said: It is written, Not in bread alone doth man live, but in every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God.
5Then the devil took him up into the holy city, and set him upon the pinnacle of the temple,
6And said to him: If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down, for it is written: That he hath given his angels charge over thee, and in their hands shall they bear thee up, lest perhaps thou dash thy foot against a stone.
7Jesus said to him: It is written again: Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
8Again the devil took him up into a very high mountain, and shewed him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them,
9And said to him: All these will I give thee, if falling down thou wilt adore me.
10Then Jesus saith to him: Begone, Satan: for it is written: The Lord thy God shalt thou adore, and him only shalt thou serve.
11Then the devil left him; and behold angels came and ministered to him.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Koine Greek)
New Testament · Koine Greek · Matthew 4:1
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators across traditions agree that this passage is not an accident or a failure. The Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness on purpose (Matthew 4:1). Calvin calls it a voluntary dispensation: Christ withdraws to be tried, so he might come forth as a new man to his office. Barnes notes that Jesus was “full of the Holy Spirit” (Luke 4:1) and went by that Spirit’s impulse. The forty-day fast echoes Moses and Elijah (Clarke, Gill), and the three tests recapitulate Israel’s wilderness failures, where Israel grumbled and tested God, Jesus trusts and obeys (Cambridge Bible). The temptations correspond to “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16), as the Cambridge editors observe. Jesus defeats each test by quoting Deuteronomy, showing that true life comes from God’s word, not from bread or spectacle or power. The devil leaves, and angels minister, a sign that the victory is real and complete.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Low
What is clear: Jesus was genuinely tempted, he perfectly resisted through trust in God’s word, and he emerged victorious for our salvation.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| The role of the Holy Spirit in the temptation | All traditions affirm that the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness; it was not a random encounter. | Some emphasize the Spirit's active leading as part of Jesus' preparation for ministry; others focus on the Spirit's permission for the testing to occur. |
| Nature of the temptations: external or internal? | The evangelists describe an objective encounter with the devil, not a mere parable or vision. | Some argue for a literal, physical appearance of Satan; others (e.g., Schleiermacher, Strauss) see an inward experience later narrated as external. Lange catalogs five views, but most modern readers accept an objective event. |
| Order of the second and third temptations | Both Matthew and Luke record the same three tests, but their order differs. | Matthew places the pinnacle test second and the mountain test third; Luke reverses them. Commentators (Calvin, Cambridge) suggest Matthew may be chronological, while Luke arranges them thematically. |
| Jesus' ability to sin | Jesus was tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). | Orthodox tradition holds that Jesus, being divine, could not sin (impeccability); some Protestant traditions emphasize that the temptation was real because he was fully human, though he never yielded. |
Historical & Cultural Context
Wilderness in Jewish Scripture was the place of testing and meeting God. Israel spent forty years there, learning dependence on manna and the law. Moses and Elijah each fasted forty days on Sinai and Horeb, representing the law and the prophets. Jesus, now the new Moses and the new Elijah, enters that same space. The Judean wilderness near Jericho is rocky, desolate, and hot. It was also a place where bandits lurked and where Jewish zealots sometimes fled. By going there, Jesus places himself in the same environment where Israel failed.
The phrase “led up by the Spirit” (ἀνήχθη ὑπὸ τοῦ πνεύματος) uses a verb that can mean “to lead up” as into a higher place (G0321). It is the same verb used of the Spirit transporting prophets (Ezekiel 3:12, 11:1). This is not a casual stroll but a divine compulsion. The tempter (ὁ πειράζων) is a title that characterizes Satan (Vincent), and “devil” (διάβολος) means slanderer. The pinnacle of the temple (πτερύγιον, literally “little wing”) was likely a high point overlooking the Kidron Valley, perhaps the royal portico (Clarke). The “exceedingly high mountain” (v.8) cannot be literal, no mountain shows all the world’s kingdoms, so commentators (Wesley, Calvin) see a visionary or symbolic representation.
The core of the passage is a duel: the Seed of the woman (Genesis 3:15) versus the serpent. Where the first Adam gave in, the second Adam stands firm.
Textual Notes
The supplied sources note no major textual variants in this passage. At Matthew 4:10, some manuscripts (including א, B, and early versions) include “ὀπίσω μου” (“behind me”) after “Get thee hence,” giving “Get thee behind me, Satan.” This reading is represented in the KJV and some early editions (Clarke mentions it). The variant does not change the meaning; it reinforces the command to depart. The rest of the passage is textually stable.
Reception History
From the early church, this passage was read as a model for believers facing temptation. The forty-day fast became the pattern for Lent, observed by the fourth century (Athanasius mentions a forty-day preparation before Easter). The vivid dialogue between Jesus and Satan shaped Christian art and drama, appearing in medieval mystery plays. Reformers like Luther and Calvin saw here a defense of Scripture’s sufficiency against the devil’s misuse of it. In modern times, the temptation narrative is often preached as a paradigm for resisting systemic evil and spiritual attack. The connection to Israel’s wilderness journey has been a staple of covenant theology, showing Christ as the true Israel.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- The Spirit-Led Test (vv. 1-2). God does not abandon us to temptation; he leads us through it for our good. Jesus goes willingly, empowered by the Spirit, not driven by fear.
- The Weapon of the Word (vv. 3-10). Each temptation is met with “It is written.” The devil can twist Scripture (Psalm 91), but Jesus answers with the plain meaning and context of Deuteronomy, showing that submission to God’s will, not proving ourselves, is the way of obedience.
- The Victory and the Aftermath (v. 11). The devil leaves, and angels serve Jesus. Temptation has an end. Those who resist find God’s provision waiting, often in unexpected ways.
Five-point outline
- Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness (v. 1). The same Spirit who descended at his baptism now leads him into conflict.
- He fasts forty days and is hungry (v. 2). Physical weakness becomes the point of attack, but also the space for spiritual strength.
- The first temptation: turn stones to bread (vv. 3-4). The issue is trust, will Jesus use his power selfishly, or wait on the Father’s timing?
- The second temptation: throw yourself down (vv. 5-7). The issue is presumption, forcing God to act when he has already given sufficient evidence.
- The third temptation: worship me for the world (vv. 8-10). The issue is allegiance, who will be the ultimate object of worship and service?
Illustration hooks
- A job offer that requires you to cut corners or compromise your ethics. The devil often promises the kingdom but demands worship.
- A season of chronic illness or financial strain where “just pray harder” feels hollow. Jesus shows that physical deprivation is not separation from God; every word of God sustains.
- The temptation to post a dramatic faith challenge on social media, daring God to prove himself publicly. The pinnacle test is alive in every age.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Did Jesus actually see all the kingdoms of the world from a mountain? And why would the devil think he could give them away?
- If Jesus is God, could he really be tempted? Was the temptation real or just a show?
- How do I know when I am “testing” God vs. trusting him in a difficult situation?
Leading a Discussion
The story of Jesus’ temptation is not just about him, it is a pattern for every believer. He faces the same three categories of temptation that we face: physical need, personal safety, and the lure of power. But he defeats them by trusting the Father’s word rather than demanding immediate solutions.
Discussion questions
- Read Matthew 4:1-2. Why does the Spirit lead Jesus into the wilderness? How does this change the way you think about difficult seasons in your own life?
- The devil begins with “If you are the Son of God.” What is he really questioning? Why is identity such a common point of attack?
- Jesus answers with “It is written.” What does this teach about the role of Scripture in resisting temptation? How can you prepare Scripture “in advance” for the tests you face?
- In the second temptation, the devil quotes Psalm 91. What is he doing with Scripture? How can we guard against twisting Bible verses to fit our desires?
- The third temptation offers all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worship. Why is this the most dangerous test of all? What forms does this temptation take in modern life?
- Verse 11 says the devil left him, and angels came and served him. What does this tell you about God’s timing and provision after a season of testing?
- How does Jesus’ victory here connect to his later statement, “In the world you will have trouble, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33)?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Genesis 3:15 | I will put hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will bruise your head, and you will bruise his heel.” |
| I Kings 18:12 | It will happen, as soon as I leave you, that Yahweh’s Spirit will carry you I don’t know where; and so when I come and tell Ahab, and he can’t find you, he will kill me. But I, your servant, have feared Yahweh from my youth. |
| II Kings 2:16 | They said to him, “See now, there are with your servants fifty strong men. Please let them go and seek your master. Perhaps Yahweh’s Spirit has taken him up, and put him on some mountain or into some valley.” He said, “Don’t send them.” |
| Ezekiel 3:12 | Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard behind me the voice of a great rushing, saying, “Blessed be Yahweh’s glory from his place.” |
| Ezekiel 3:14 | So the Spirit lifted me up, and took me away; and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; and Yahweh’s hand was strong on me. |
| Ezekiel 8:3 | He stretched out the form of a hand, and took me by a lock of my head; and the Spirit lifted me up between earth and the sky, and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the door of the gate of the inner court that looks toward the north, where there was the seat of the image of jealousy, which provokes to jealousy. |
| Ezekiel 11:1 | Moreover the Spirit lifted me up and brought me to the east gate of Yahweh’s house, which looks eastward. Behold, twenty-five men were at the door of the gate; and I saw among them Jaazaniah the son of Azzur, and Pelatiah the son of Benaiah, princes of the people. |
| Ezekiel 11:24 | The Spirit lifted me up, and brought me in the vision by the Spirit of God into Chaldea, to the captives. So the vision that I had seen went up from me. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
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What the Commentators Say
7 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke identifies four distinct temptations in this account: distrust, presumption, worldly ambition, and idolatry. He also observes that when Satan quoted Scripture, he deliberately left out the phrase about keeping God's servants in all their ways, twisting the promise to suit his own purpose.
Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564
Calvin sees the temptations as direct assaults on Christ's trust in God, not mere physical enticements. The wilderness withdrawal and fasting were to set Christ apart as a heavenly teacher. Satan aimed to make Christ distrust God and seek provision outside God's word, a battle every believer faces.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
This commentator reads the temptation as a fourfold typology. Jesus is tempted as the representative of humanity, the second Adam, the Son of Abraham reliving Israel’s wilderness test, and the true Messiah rejecting false glory. Every temptation teaches trust in God and submission to His will.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB distinguishes two stages in Christ's temptation: a forty-day inner struggle where Satan tried to make Him distrust His divine Sonship, followed by the three recorded temptations. He argues Matthew's sequence of these final temptations is correct, culminating in Satan's open demand for worship.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry reads the temptation as a hand-to-hand duel that fulfills the ancient promise of Genesis 3:15. Christ suffers, his heel bruised by the tempter, but he defeats Satan completely, crushing his head. His victory secures both comfort and final conquest for all faithful followers.
Vincent's Word Studies Evangelical 1887
Vincent draws a sharp lexical distinction between the devil (diabolos, the slanderer, always with the article and singular) and demons (daimonion, unclean spirits), a difference the King James and Revised versions unfortunately blur. He also notes that "it is written" stands in the perfect tense, showing Jesus quoting Scripture as settled and permanent authority even in direct confrontation with Satan.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley notes that Jesus received the clearest evidence of the Father's love at his baptism, which fully armed him for the temptations to follow. He warns that the sharpest temptations often come right after the strongest consolation and spiritual light. Jesus answered each temptation with Scripture, showing that we too can silence the devil's suggestions with God's written word.