Luke 4:11
And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
In Jewish interpretation, Psalm 91 described the Messiah's divine protection during His mission. Satan exploits this legitimate messianic promise, suggesting Jesus prove His identity through a public spectacle. The reference to 'dash thy foot against a stone' takes on literal meaning in the context of jumping from the temple pinnacle—angels would need to intervene to prevent Jesus' death on the stones below. This temptation parallels demands Jesus faced throughout His ministry: 'Show us a sign' (Matthew 12:38, John 6:30). Jesus consistently refused to perform miracles as proof, instead offering the 'sign of Jonah' (His death and resurrection) as the ultimate vindication of His messianic claims.
Questions for Reflection
- How can genuine biblical promises be twisted into justifications for presumptuous or foolish behavior?
- What distinguishes trusting God's protection from testing God by deliberately placing yourself in danger?
- Why does God refuse to respond to demands for spectacular signs while still performing miracles for those who trust Him?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Satan continues quoting Psalm 91:12, emphasizing the promise of angelic intervention preventing even minor injury. The Greek arousin (ἀροῦσιν, they shall bear up) suggests lifting or carrying, while proskopsēs pros lithon ton poda sou (προσκόψῃς πρὸς λίθον τὸν πόδα σου, you dash your foot against a stone) envisions protection from the smallest harm.
Satan's use of this promise is particularly insidious: he takes a genuine divine promise and twists it into justification for presumption. The psalm promises God's providential care for those trusting Him, not protection for those testing Him. This illustrates the devil's strategy—he doesn't typically deny God's word but misapplies it, encouraging believers to claim promises outside their proper context. The temptation to force God to demonstrate His faithfulness on our terms represents spiritual manipulation disguised as faith. True faith trusts God's timing and methods; presumption demands immediate, visible proof.