Devine Scripture

Matthew 4:2

What does Matthew 4:2 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 4:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 4:2 means

Jesus undertook an extended period of fasting, abstaining from food for forty days and nights, a period echoing significant times in Old Testament history, such as Moses on Mount Sinai and Israel in the wilderness. This prolonged fast brought Him to a state of extreme physical hunger, making Him particularly vulnerable to temptation. His physical weakness, however, would highlight the strength of His spiritual resolve and dependence on God.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he afterward hungered.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he afterward hungered.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And after going without food for forty days and forty nights, he was in need of it.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and having fasted forty days and forty nights, afterwards he did hunger.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterwards he was hungry.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and having fasted forty days and forty nights, afterwards he hungered.

Context

This verse details the physical condition of Jesus after His long fast, setting the stage for the devil's direct assault. His hunger is a key element that the tempter will exploit in the very next verse. Understanding Jesus' physical state helps us grasp the intensity of the trials He faced and His reliance on God for strength.

v.1Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

v.2This passage

v.3And the tempter came and said unto him, If thou art the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.

Cross references

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

  • Hebrews 2:14

    Since then the children are sharers in flesh and blood, he also himself in like manner partook of the same; that through death he might bring to nought him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

  • Deuteronomy 18:18

    I will raise them up a prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee; and I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.

  • Mark 11:12

    And on the morrow, when they were come out from Bethany, he hungered.

  • John 4:6

    and Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour.

  • 1 Kings 19:8

    And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.

  • Deuteronomy 9:9

    When I was gone up into the mount to receive the tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant which Jehovah made with you, then I abode in the mount forty days and forty nights; I did neither eat bread nor drink water.

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