Matthew 4:1
Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
Original Language Analysis
Τότε
Then
G5119
Τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
1 of 14
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
was Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
was Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
3 of 14
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ἀνήχθη
led up
G321
ἀνήχθη
led up
Strong's:
G321
Word #:
4 of 14
to lead up; by extension to bring out; specially, to sail away
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
5 of 14
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔρημον
the wilderness
G2048
ἔρημον
the wilderness
Strong's:
G2048
Word #:
7 of 14
lonesome, i.e., (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, g5561 being implied)
ὑπὸ
of
G5259
ὑπὸ
of
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
8 of 14
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεύματος
the Spirit
G4151
πνεύματος
the Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
10 of 14
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
πειρασθῆναι
to be tempted
G3985
πειρασθῆναι
to be tempted
Strong's:
G3985
Word #:
11 of 14
to test (objectively), i.e., endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline
ὑπὸ
of
G5259
ὑπὸ
of
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
12 of 14
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
Cross References
Hebrews 2:18For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.Romans 8:14For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.Ezekiel 43:5So the spirit took me up, and brought me into the inner court; and, behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house.John 14:30Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.Ezekiel 3:14So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me.Acts 8:39And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.Ezekiel 3:12Then the spirit took me up, and I heard behind me a voice of a great rushing, saying, Blessed be the glory of the LORD from his place.Ezekiel 40:2In the visions of God brought he me into the land of Israel, and set me upon a very high mountain, by which was as the frame of a city on the south.1 Kings 18:12And it shall come to pass, as soon as I am gone from thee, that the Spirit of the LORD shall carry thee whither I know not; and so when I come and tell Ahab, and he cannot find thee, he shall slay me: but I thy servant fear the LORD from my youth.
Historical Context
The Judean wilderness west of the Dead Sea is barren, rocky, and dangerous. The 40-day fast parallels Moses (Exodus 34:28) and Elijah (1 Kings 19:8), linking Jesus to Law and Prophets. Satan's name means 'adversary,' identifying him as the covenant enemy.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing the Spirit leads us into testing change your perspective on trials?
- What does Jesus' temptation teach about spiritual preparation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus being 'led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil' shows the Spirit's guidance into testing, not away from it. The Greek word 'tempted' (peirazō) can mean tested or enticed—here both apply. This wilderness testing immediately follows His baptismal anointing, demonstrating that spiritual high points often precede trials. Jesus must prove qualified as the Last Adam where the first Adam failed.