Matthew 4:10
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.
Original Language Analysis
Τότε
Then
G5119
Τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
1 of 18
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 18
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
5 of 18
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Ὕπαγε
Get thee hence
G5217
Ὕπαγε
Get thee hence
Strong's:
G5217
Word #:
6 of 18
to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively
γέγραπται
it is written
G1125
γέγραπται
it is written
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
8 of 18
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
γάρ,
for
G1063
γάρ,
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
9 of 18
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
Κύριον
the Lord
G2962
Κύριον
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
10 of 18
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Θεόν
God
G2316
Θεόν
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
12 of 18
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
προσκυνήσεις
Thou shalt worship
G4352
προσκυνήσεις
Thou shalt worship
Strong's:
G4352
Word #:
14 of 18
to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
16 of 18
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
Cross References
Deuteronomy 10:20Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.Joshua 24:14Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.Luke 4:8And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.1 Samuel 7:3And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.James 4:7Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.1 Peter 5:9Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.Matthew 16:23But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.Job 2:1Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD.1 Chronicles 21:1And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.Job 1:12And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.
Historical Context
This third temptation offered a shortcut to Jesus' Messianic kingdom without the cross. Satan, as 'god of this world' (2 Corinthians 4:4), could legitimately offer earthly dominion. Jesus' refusal shows His commitment to the Father's redemptive plan despite its suffering.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'kingdoms' does Satan offer you in exchange for compromising worship of God?
- How does Jesus' example strengthen you to resist shortcuts to God's promises?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' command 'Get thee hence, Satan' demonstrates His authority over the devil. The rebuke 'for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve' (Deuteronomy 6:13) exposes the temptation's essence—idolatry. Satan offered earthly kingdoms in exchange for worship, but Jesus came to gain those kingdoms through the cross, not compromise. Worship and service are inseparable.