Devine Scripture

Matthew 4:5

What does Matthew 4:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 4:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 4:5 means

Following the failure of the first temptation, the devil escalated his tactics by transporting Jesus to Jerusalem, specifically to the highest point of the temple, the "holy city." This relocation signifies a shift in the nature of the temptation, moving from physical needs to a more public and dramatic display. The setting itself, a place of worship, underscores the perversion of the devil's intentions.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Then the devil taketh him into the holy city; and he set him on the pinnacle of the temple,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Then the devil taketh him into the holy city; and he set him on the pinnacle of the temple,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then the Evil One took him to the holy town; and he put him on the highest point of the Temple and said to him,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Then doth the Devil take him to the <FI>holy<Fi> city, and doth set him on the pinnacle of the temple,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then the devil took him up into the holy city, and set him upon the pinnacle of the temple,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Then the devil takes him to the holy city, and sets him upon the edge of the temple,

Context

This verse marks a change in the location and nature of the devil's temptation. Having failed to entice Jesus with physical bread, the devil now moves to a public, religious setting. This transition is important because it shows the devil's strategic shifts and prepares the reader for a temptation that appeals to pride and the desire for miraculous display, rather than just bodily needs.

v.4But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

v.5This passage

v.6and saith unto him, If thou art the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and, On their hands they shall bear thee up, Lest haply thou dash thy foot against a stone.

Cross references

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

  • Daniel 9:24

    Seventy weeks are decreed upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy.

  • Nehemiah 11:18

    All the Levites in the holy city were two hundred fourscore and four.

  • Luke 4:9

    And he led him to Jerusalem, and set him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou art the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence:

  • Nehemiah 11:1

    And the princes of the people dwelt in Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts in theothercities.

  • Revelation 11:2

    And the court which is without the temple leave without, and measure it not; for it hath been given unto the nations: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.

  • John 19:11

    Jesus answered him, Thou wouldest have no power against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath greater sin.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 4

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 4.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Matthew 4:5.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary