Luke 4:8
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 4:8
8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Chapter Context
Luke 4 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of grace, holiness, judgment. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-44: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 4:8
8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Analysis
Jesus responds to Satan's offer of earthly kingdoms: 'Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.' This quotes Deuteronomy 6:13, the first commandment's essence—exclusive worship and service belong to God alone. Satan offered kingdoms without the cross, tempting Jesus to gain His rightful rule through compromise rather than suffering. Jesus' rebuke shows absolute commitment to God's way, refusing shortcuts that bypass the Father's will. 'Him only shalt thou serve' (Greek 'monō latreuō,' μόνῳ λατρεύω) demands undivided allegiance.
Historical Context
The temptation offered Jesus what He already possessed—dominion over all kingdoms (Psalm 2:8, Daniel 7:13-14). Satan presented a false shortcut: gain the kingdoms immediately through worship (compromise) rather than through the cross (suffering). This echoed Peter's later temptation in Matthew 16:22-23 when he rejected Jesus' prediction of suffering. Jesus' absolute refusal demonstrated commitment to God's redemptive plan, even when it meant agony. His quotation from Deuteronomy 6:13 applied the Shema's central truth—God alone deserves worship and service, no compromise permitted.
Reflection
- How does Satan's offer of kingdoms without the cross represent a temptation to gain rightful blessings through wrong means?
- What does Jesus' absolute refusal to compromise worship teach about the non-negotiable nature of exclusive allegiance to God?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References God: Deuteronomy 6:13, 10:20, 1 Samuel 7:3, Matthew 16:23, James 4:7
- References Lord: Isaiah 2:11
- Worship: Matthew 4:10, Revelation 19:10, 22:9
- Parallel theme: Psalms 83:18