Matthew 4:10

What does Matthew 4:10 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 4:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 4:10 means

Jesus decisively rejected the devil, rebuking him with the strong command "Get thee hence, Satan!" He then quoted Deuteronomy 6:13, unequivocally affirming that worship and service are due to God alone. This powerful declaration not only banished the devil but also solidified Jesus' absolute commitment to the Father and His refusal to compromise with evil for any worldly gain. He upheld God's unique sovereignty.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then said Jesus to him, Away, Satan: for it is in the Writings, Give worship to the Lord your God and be his servant only.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Then saith Jesus to him, `Go--Adversary, for it hath been written, The Lord thy God thou shalt bow to, and Him only thou shalt serve.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then Jesus saith to him: Begone, Satan: for it is written: The Lord thy God shalt thou adore, and him only shalt thou serve.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Then says Jesus to him, Get thee away, Satan, for it is written, Thou shalt do homage to [the] Lord thyGod, and him alone shalt thou serve.

Context

Jesus' strong rebuke and scriptural declaration in this verse serve as the climatic victory over all three temptations. His command to "Get thee hence, Satan" and His affirmation of God's sole right to worship directly follow the devil's ultimate offer of worldly power. This definitive triumph concludes the temptation narrative, demonstrating Jesus' perfect obedience and authority over evil.

v.9and he said unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

v.10This passage

v.11Then the devil leaveth him; and behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Deuteronomy 10:20

    Thou shalt fear Jehovah thy God; him shalt thou serve; and to him shalt thou cleave, and by his name shalt thou swear.

  • 1 Chronicles 21:1

    And Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel.

  • Job 1:12

    And Jehovah said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thy hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of Jehovah.

  • Deuteronomy 6:13

    Thou shalt fear Jehovah thy God; and him shalt thou serve, and shalt swear by his name.

  • Matthew 16:23

    But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art a stumbling-block unto me: for thou mindest not the things of God, but the things of men.

  • Zechariah 3:1

    And he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of Jehovah, and Satan standing at his right hand to be his adversary.

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