Matthew 4:8
Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
Original Language Analysis
Πάλιν
Again
G3825
Πάλιν
Again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
1 of 21
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
παραλαμβάνει
taketh
G3880
παραλαμβάνει
taketh
Strong's:
G3880
Word #:
2 of 21
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
αὐτῶν
him
G846
αὐτῶν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 21
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 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῶν
him
G846
αὐτῶν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 21
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
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλείας
the kingdoms
G932
βασιλείας
the kingdoms
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
15 of 21
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμου
of the world
G2889
κόσμου
of the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
17 of 21
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 16:26For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?Revelation 11:15And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.1 Peter 1:24For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:Daniel 4:30The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?Esther 5:11And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king.Esther 1:4When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days.
Historical Context
The 'exceeding high mountain' may be literal or visionary. The kingdoms shown represent Satan's temporary dominion over fallen creation, which he received through Adam's fall and which Christ came to reclaim through the cross and resurrection.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this temptation offer Christ glory without suffering, and why must He reject this shortcut?
- What does Satan's temporary authority over earthly kingdoms teach about the present evil age and Christ's redemptive work?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This climactic temptation offers Christ all earthly kingdoms without the suffering of the cross, presenting a shortcut to dominion without substitutionary atonement. Satan's claim to give these kingdoms reveals his current role as 'god of this world' (2 Corinthians 4:4), though his authority is delegated and temporary. The temptation mirrors Satan's original rebellion—grasping equality with God through autonomous means rather than submissive obedience.