Matthew 4:5

Authorized King James Version

Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Τότε
G5119
Then
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
#2
παραλαμβάνει
G3880
taketh
to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn
#3
αὐτὸν
G846
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
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
διάβολος
G1228
the devil
a traducer; specially, satan (compare h7854)
#6
εἰς
G1519
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#7
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
ἁγίαν
G40
the holy
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
#9
πόλιν
G4172
city
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
#10
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
ἵστησιν
G2476
setteth
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
#12
αὐτὸν
G846
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
#13
ἐπὶ
G1909
on
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#14
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
πτερύγιον
G4419
a pinnacle
a winglet, i.e., (figuratively) extremity (top corner)
#16
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
ἱεροῦ
G2411
of the temple
a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Matthew, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Matthew.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within Roman imperial rule over Jewish Palestine with messianic expectations. The author writes to address Jewish Christians seeking to understand Jesus as Messiah, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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