Matthew 4:3
And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
προσελθὼν
came
G4334
προσελθὼν
came
Strong's:
G4334
Word #:
2 of 18
to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to
αὐτῷ
to him
G846
αὐτῷ
to 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)
πειράζων
when the tempter
G3985
πειράζων
when the tempter
Strong's:
G3985
Word #:
5 of 18
to test (objectively), i.e., endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline
υἱὸς
the Son
G5207
υἱὸς
the Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
8 of 18
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Θεοῦ,
of God
G2316
Θεοῦ,
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
11 of 18
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 3:5For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.Revelation 2:10Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.Matthew 3:17And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Historical Context
After 40 days fasting, Jesus experienced extreme physical hunger—a legitimate need. Satan's temptation wasn't to do evil per se but to meet legitimate needs through illegitimate means (self-will rather than God's provision). This parallels Eve's temptation with 'good' fruit.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you face the temptation to meet legitimate needs through illegitimate means?
- What does Jesus' refusal teach about trusting God's provision?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The tempter's approach 'If thou be the Son of God' questions the Father's declaration at baptism (3:17), introducing doubt. The command 'make these stones bread' tempts Jesus to use divine power for self-serving purposes rather than trusting the Father's provision. This tests whether Jesus will act independently or in submission to God's will and timing.