Devine Scripture

Matthew 4:6

What does Matthew 4:6 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 4:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 4:6 means

The devil challenged Jesus to throw Himself down from the temple pinnacle, boldly misquoting Psalm 91:11-12 as justification. He twisted Scripture, suggesting that God's promised protection for His Son meant Jesus could test God's faithfulness by deliberately placing Himself in danger. This temptation aimed to provoke Jesus into a presumptuous act, forcing God's hand for a dramatic, self-serving rescue.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

If you are the Son of God, let yourself go down; for it is in the Writings, He will give his angels care over you; and, In their hands they will keep you up, so that your foot may not be crushed against a stone.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and saith to him, `If Son thou art of God--cast thyself down, for it hath been written, that, His messengers He shall charge concerning thee, and on hands they shall bear thee up, that thou mayest not dash on a stone thy foot.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And said to him: If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down, for it is written: That he hath given his angels charge over thee, and in their hands shall they bear thee up, lest perhaps thou dash thy foot against a stone.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and says to him, If thou be Son ofGod cast thyself down; for it is written, He shall give charge to his angels concerning thee, and on [their] hands shall they bear thee, lest in anywise thou strike thy foot against a stone.

Context

This verse presents the devil’s second temptation, directly building upon the new location in the temple. The devil's misapplication of Scripture here is a key element, directly challenging Jesus to use His divine power for a public spectacle. Jesus' response will therefore not only resist the temptation but also correct the devil's misuse of God's Word, emphasizing right relationship with God.

v.5Then the devil taketh him into the holy city; and he set him on the pinnacle of the temple,

v.6This passage

v.7Jesus said unto him, Again it is written, Thou shalt not make trial of the Lord thy God.

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 34:20

    He keepeth all his bones: Not one of them is broken.

  • Psalms 34:7

    The angel of Jehovah encampeth round about them that fear him, And delivereth them.

  • 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:

  • Job 5:23

    For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field; And the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee.

  • Job 1:10

    Hast not thou made a hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath, on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.

  • Hebrews 1:14

    Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to do service for the sake of them that shall inherit salvation?

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 4:6.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary