Matthew 4:9
And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 11
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 11
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
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 11
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
δώσω
will I give
G1325
δώσω
will I give
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
7 of 11
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
8 of 11
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
Cross References
2 Corinthians 4:4In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.Revelation 19:10And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.John 16:11Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.Psalms 72:11Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.1 Timothy 3:6Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern protocol involved prostration before kings. Satan demanded this ultimate act of submission and worship. The Greek 'proskuneo' means to prostrate in worship, the honor due to God alone (Exodus 20:3-5).
Questions for Reflection
- What does Satan's demand for worship reveal about his ultimate motivation and the nature of his rebellion?
- How does this temptation illuminate why Christ had to suffer and die rather than simply receive earthly dominion?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Satan's demand for worship reveals his ultimate goal—usurping God's glory. The audacity of this demand to the incarnate Son shows Satan's delusion and pride. The temptation was to gain the world without the cross, receiving dominion through compromise rather than righteousness. Christ's mission required suffering and death to redeem His people; this temptation offered kingship without atonement, glory without sacrifice.