Devine Scripture

Matthew 4:8

What does Matthew 4:8 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 4:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 4:8 means

For the third and final temptation, the devil took Jesus to an extraordinary high mountain, from which he supernaturally displayed all the kingdoms and glorious splendor of the world. This dramatic panoramic view was intended to overwhelm Jesus with a vision of earthly power, wealth, and dominion, painting a picture of immediate, worldly authority that bypassed suffering or the cross.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Again, the devil taketh him unto an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Again, the devil taketh him unto an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Again, the Evil One took him up to a very high mountain, and let him see all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Again doth the Devil take him to a very high mount, and doth shew to him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Again the devil took him up into a very high mountain, and shewed him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Again the devil takes him to a very high mountain, and shews him all the kingdoms of the world, and their glory,

Context

This verse introduces the third and ultimate temptation, following the devil's failed attempts to exploit Jesus' hunger and provoke presumption. The shift to a high mountain and the display of global kingdoms intensifies the scope of the devil's offer. This sets the stage for the direct proposition of worldly power in exchange for worship, preparing the reader for Jesus' definitive rejection of Satan's authority.

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

v.8This passage

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

Cross references

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

  • Hebrews 11:24

    By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;

  • Daniel 4:30

    The king spake and said, Is not this great Babylon, which I have built for the royal dwelling-place, by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?

  • Matthew 16:26

    For what shall a man be profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and forfeit his life? or what shall a man give in exchange for his life?

  • Revelation 11:15

    And the seventh angel sounded; and there followed great voices in heaven, and they said, The kingdom of the world is becomethe kingdomof our Lord, and of his Christ: and he shall reign for ever and ever.

  • Esther 1:4

    when he showed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honor of his excellent majesty many days, even a hundred and fourscore days.

  • Psalms 49:16

    Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, When the glory of his house is increased:

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