Luke 4:13
What does Luke 4:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 4:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 4:13 means
Verse 13 reports that when the devil had completed every temptation, he departed from Jesus 'for a season.' This acknowledges Satan’s temporary retreat but implies future conflict remains. The phrase recognizes that temptation and spiritual opposition are ongoing realities even after a specific victory. Jesus’ survival of this testing is not final elimination of evil but a decisive early triumph establishing his character and mission. It reassures believers that victory is possible through Scripture and the Spirit, yet warns that trials may return in different forms.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And when the devil had completed every temptation, he departed from him for a season.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And when the devil had completed every temptation, he departed from him for a season.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And when all these tests were ended the Evil One went away from him for a time.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And having ended all temptation, the Devil departed from him till a convenient season.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And all the temptation being ended, the devil departed from him for a time.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the devil, having completed every temptation, departed from him for a time.
Context
This verse closes the wilderness episode and transitions the narrative into the start of public ministry. Having shown Jesus’ faithful resistance, Luke now turns to Galilee, where Jesus begins teaching and healing. The temporal pause in the devil’s activity underscores that Jesus’ authority is demonstrated early, setting the tone for his subsequent acts. Readers should see this victory as preparatory and representative of how Jesus will meet opposition throughout his ministry.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- James 4:7
Be subject therefore unto God; but resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
- Hebrews 4:15
For we have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but one that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
- John 14:30
I will no more speak much with you, for the prince of the world cometh: and he hath nothing in me;
- Matthew 4:11
Then the devil leaveth him; and behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
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