Matthew 4:6
And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 of 32
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτοῦ
unto him
G846
αὐτοῦ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 32
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
υἱὸς
the Son
G5207
υἱὸς
the Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
5 of 32
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Θεοῦ,
of God
G2316
Θεοῦ,
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
8 of 32
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
βάλε
cast
G906
βάλε
cast
Strong's:
G906
Word #:
9 of 32
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
γέγραπται
it is written
G1125
γέγραπται
it is written
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
12 of 32
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
13 of 32
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
Ὅτι
G3754
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγγέλοις
angels
G32
ἀγγέλοις
angels
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
16 of 32
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
αὐτοῦ
unto him
G846
αὐτοῦ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
17 of 32
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
περὶ
concerning
G4012
περὶ
concerning
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
19 of 32
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
21 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπὶ
in
G1909
ἐπὶ
in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
22 of 32
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
χειρῶν
their hands
G5495
χειρῶν
their hands
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
23 of 32
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
ἀροῦσίν
they shall bear
G142
ἀροῦσίν
they shall bear
Strong's:
G142
Word #:
24 of 32
to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh
μήποτε
lest at any time
G3379
μήποτε
lest at any time
Strong's:
G3379
Word #:
26 of 32
not ever; also if (or lest) ever (or perhaps)
προσκόψῃς
thou dash
G4350
προσκόψῃς
thou dash
Strong's:
G4350
Word #:
27 of 32
to strike at, i.e., surge against (as water); specially, to stub on, i.e., trip up (literally or figuratively)
πρὸς
against
G4314
πρὸς
against
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
28 of 32
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
Cross References
Hebrews 1:14Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?Psalms 34:7The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.2 Corinthians 11:14And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.Psalms 34:20He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.Matthew 4:4But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.Job 1:10Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.Job 5:23For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field: and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee.
Historical Context
Psalm 91 is a confidence psalm celebrating God's protection of the faithful. Satan's misuse of it shows that even the devil can quote Scripture, but he does so deceptively, twisting God's promises to encourage sin rather than faith.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Satan's misuse of Scripture warn against proof-texting and taking verses out of context?
- What is the difference between trusting God's promises and presumptuously testing God through reckless actions?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Satan correctly quotes Psalm 91:11-12 but distorts its application, demonstrating that Scripture can be misused when taken out of context or applied presumptuously. The psalm promises God's protection for those walking in His will, not for those testing Him through reckless acts. This shows that mere biblical knowledge or ability to quote Scripture doesn't guarantee sound doctrine—interpretation and application matter critically.