Matthew 4:10

Authorized King James Version

Then 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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Τότε
Then
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
#2
λέγει
saith
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#3
αὐτῷ
him
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#4
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#6
Ὕπαγε
Get thee hence
to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively
#7
Σατανᾶ·
Satan
the accuser, i.e., the devil
#8
γέγραπται
it is written
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
#9
γάρ,
for
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#10
Κύριον
the Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#11
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
Θεόν
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#13
σου
thy
of thee, thy
#14
προσκυνήσεις
Thou shalt worship
to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)
#15
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#16
αὐτῷ
him
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#17
μόνῳ
only
remaining, i.e., sole or single; by implication, mere
#18
λατρεύσεις
shalt thou serve
to minister (to god), i.e., render religious homage

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The first-century Palestinian Jewish culture under Roman occupation would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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