Matthew 4
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
TEMPTATION OF CHRIST. ( = Mar 1:12-13; Luk 4:1-13). (Mat 4:1-11) Then--an indefinite note of sequence. But Mark's word (Mar 1:12) fixes what we should have presumed was meant, that it was "immediately" after His baptism; and with this agrees the statement of Luke (Luk 4:1). was Jesus led up--that is, from the low Jordan valley to some more elevated spot. of the Spirit--that blessed Spirit immediately before spoken of as descending upon Him at His baptism, and abiding upon Him. Luke, connecting these two scenes, as if the one were but the sequel of the other, says, "Jesus, being full of the Holy Ghost, returned from Jordan, and was led," &c. Mark's expression has a startling sharpness about it--"Immediately the Spirit driveth Him" (Mar 1:12), "putteth," or "hurrieth Him forth," or "impelleth Him." (See the same word in Mar 1:43; Mar 5:40; Mat 9:25; Mat 13:52; Joh 10:4). The thought thus strongly expressed is the mighty constraining impulse of the Spirit under which He went; while Matthew's more gentle expression, "was led up," intimates how purely voluntary on His own part this action was. into the wilderness--probably the wild Judean desert. The particular spot which tradition has fixed upon has hence got the name of Quarantana or Quarantaria, from the forty days--"an almost perpendicular wall of rock twelve or fifteen hundred feet above the plain" [ROBINSON, Palestine]. The supposition of those who incline to place the temptation amongst the mountains of Moab is, we think, very improbable. to be tempted--The Greek word (peirazein) means simply to try or make proof of; and when ascribed to God in His dealings with men, it means, and can mean no more than this. Thus, Gen 22:1, "It came to pass that God did tempt Abraham," or put his faith to a severe proof. (See Deu 8:2)…
Open source ↗Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit,.... The Evangelist having finished his account of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ; of his ministry and baptism; and particularly of the baptism of Christ; when the Holy Ghost came down upon him in a visible and eminent manner; whereby he was anointed for his public work, according to Isa 61:1 proceeds to give a narration of his temptations by Satan, which immediately followed his baptism; and of those conflicts he had with the enemy of mankind before he entered on his public ministry. The occasion, nature, and success of these temptations are here related. The occasion of them, or the opportunity given to the tempter, is spoken of in this and the following verse. In this may be observed the action of the Spirit in and upon Christ; he was led of the Spirit: by "the Spirit" is meant the same spirit of God, which had descended and lighted on him in a bodily shape, with the gifts and graces of which he was anointed, in an extraordinary manner, for public service; of which he was "full", Luk 4:1 not but that he was endowed with the Holy Ghost before which he received without measure from his Father; but now this more eminently and manifestly appeared and by this Spirit was he led; both the Syriac and the Persic versions read, "by the holy Spirit". Being "led" by him, denotes an internal impulse of the Spirit in him, stirring him up, and putting him upon going into the wilderness: and this impulse being very strong and vehement, another Evangelist thus expresses it; "the Spirit driveth him, thrusts him forth into the wilderness", Mar 1:12 though not against his will; to which was added an external impulse, or outward rapture, somewhat like that action of the Spirit on Philip. Act 8:39. When he is said to be led up, the meaning i…
Open source ↗We have here the story of a famous duel, fought hand to hand, between Michael and the dragon, the Seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent, nay, the serpent himself; in which the seed of the woman suffers, being tempted, and so has his heel bruised; but the serpent is quite baffled in his temptations, and so has his head broken; and our Lord Jesus comes off a Conqueror, and so secures not only comfort, but conquest at last, to all his faithful followers. Concerning Christ's temptation, observe, I. The time when it happened: Then; there is an emphasis laid upon that. Immediately after the heavens were opened to him, and the Spirit descended on him, and he was declared to be the Son of God, and the Saviour of the world, the next news we hear of him is, he is tempted; for then he is best able to grapple with the temptation. Note, 1. Great privileges, and special tokens of divine favour, will not secure us from being tempted. Nay, 2. After great honours put upon us, we must expect something that is humbling; as Paul has a messenger of Satan sent to buffer him, after he had been in the third heavens. 3. God usually prepares his people for temptation before he calls them to it; he gives strength according to the day, and, before a sharp trial, gives more than ordinary comfort. 4. The assurance of our sonship is the best preparative for temptation. If the good Spirit witness to our adoption, that will furnish us with an answer to all the suggestions of the evil spirit, designed either to debauch or disquiet us. Then, when he was newly come from a solemn ordinance, when he was baptized, then he was tempted. Note, After we have been admitted into the communion of God, we must expect to be set upon by Satan. The enriched soul must double its guard. When thou has eaten and ar…
Open source ↗4:1-11 Parallels between Adam and Jesus are obvious in this account of Jesus’ temptation. Jesus is the second Adam (see Rom 5:12-19) and the second Israel (Matt 2:15). In contrast to the ancient Israelites, he fulfilled Israel’s history by successfully wandering through the desert without sinning. He proved himself the obedient Son of God by defeating Satan in spiritual combat. And because he underwent temptation himself as a human, Jesus is able to sympathize with the temptations we face (see Heb 2:14-18; 4:15) and help us overcome them as he did (1 Cor 10:13). 4:1 Jesus was led by the Spirit: The temptation was providentially arranged by God as a test of the Messiah’s character (see Deut 8:2). • to be tempted there by the devil: This test of character, initiated by God (who tempts no one; see Jas 1:13-14), was accomplished through the devil’s own desire to lure Jesus into sin.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
τότε (tóte, G5119) — the when, i.e. at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution) Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites ἀνάγω (anágō, G321) — to lead up; by extension to bring out; specially, to sail away ὑπό (hypó, G5259) — under, i.e. (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or… πνεῦμα (pneûma, G4151) — a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit,… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ἔρημος (érēmos, G2048) πειράζω (peirázō, G3985) — to test (objectively), i.e. endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline διάβολος (diábolos, G1228) — a traducer; specially, Satan (compare H07854)
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… νηστεύω (nēsteúō, G3522) — to abstain from food (religiously) τεσσαράκοντα (tessarákonta, G5062) — forty ἡμέρα (hēméra, G2250) — day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but… νύξ (nýx, G3571) — "night" (literally or figuratively) ὕστερον (hýsteron, G5305) — more lately, i.e. eventually πεινάω (peináō, G3983) — "pine"); to famish (absolutely or comparatively); figuratively, to crave
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… πειράζω (peirázō, G3985) — to test (objectively), i.e. endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline προσέρχομαι (prosérchomai, G4334) — to approach, i.e. (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἔπω (épō, G2036) — to speak or say (by word or writing) εἰ (ei, G1487) — if, whether, that, etc. εἶ (eî, G1488) — thou art υἱός (huiós, G5207) — a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively,… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) οὗτος (hoûtos, G3778) — the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated) λίθος (líthos, G3037) — a stone (literally or figuratively) γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… ἄρτος (ártos, G740) — bread (as raised) or a loaf
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἀποκρίνομαι (apokrínomai, G611) — to conclude for oneself, i.e. (by implication) to respond; by Hebraism (compare H06030)… ἔπω (épō, G2036) — to speak or say (by word or writing) γράφω (gráphō, G1125) — to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe ἄνθρωπος (ánthrōpos, G444) — from G3700 (ὀπτάνομαι)); man-faced, i.e. a human being ζάω (záō, G2198) — to live (literally or figuratively) οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… ἄρτος (ártos, G740) — bread (as raised) or a loaf μόνος (mónos, G3441) — remaining, i.e. sole or single; by implication, mere ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole ῥῆμα (rhēma, G4487) — an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or… ἐκπορεύομαι (ekporeúomai, G1607) — to depart, be discharged, proceed, project
Open source ↗τότε (tóte, G5119) — the when, i.e. at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution) διάβολος (diábolos, G1228) — a traducer; specially, Satan (compare H07854) παραλαμβάνω (paralambánō, G3880) — to receive near, i.e. associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ἅγιος (hágios, G40) — sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated) πόλις (pólis, G4172) — a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἵστημι (hístēmi, G2476) — to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or… ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… πτερύγιον (pterýgion, G4419) — a winglet, i.e. (figuratively) extremity (top corner) ἱερόν (hierón, G2411) — a sacred place, i.e. the entire precincts (whereas G3485 (ναός) denotes the central…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… εἰ (ei, G1487) — if, whether, that, etc. εἶ (eî, G1488) — thou art υἱός (huiós, G5207) — a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively,… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very βάλλω (bállō, G906) — to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense) σεαυτοῦ (seautoû, G4572) — of (with, to) thyself κάτω (kátō, G2736) — downwards γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… γράφω (gráphō, G1125) — to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ἐντέλλομαι (entéllomai, G1781) — to enjoin
Open source ↗Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites φημί (phēmí, G5346) — to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e. speak or say αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… γράφω (gráphō, G1125) — to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe πάλιν (pálin, G3825) — (adverbially) anew, i.e. (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally)… ἐκπειράζω (ekpeirázō, G1598) — to test thoroughly οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… σοῦ (soû, G4675) — of thee, thy θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very
Open source ↗πάλιν (pálin, G3825) — (adverbially) anew, i.e. (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally)… διάβολος (diábolos, G1228) — a traducer; specially, Satan (compare H07854) παραλαμβάνω (paralambánō, G3880) — to receive near, i.e. associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… λίαν (lían, G3029) — much (adverbially) ὑψηλός (hypsēlós, G5308) — lofty (in place or character) ὄρος (óros, G3735) — perhaps akin to G142 (αἴρω); compare G3733 (ὄρνις)); a mountain (as lifting itself above… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… δεικνύω (deiknýō, G1166) — to show (literally or figuratively) πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole βασιλεία (basileía, G932) — properly, royalty, i.e. (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or… κόσμος (kósmos, G2889) — orderly arrangement, i.e. decoration; by implication, the world (in a wide or narrow… δόξα (dóxa, G1391) — glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole ταῦτα (taûta, G5023) — these things δίδωμι (dídōmi, G1325) — to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or… σοί (soí, G4671) — to thee ἐάν (eán, G1437) — a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other… πίπτω (píptō, G4098) — to fall (literally or figuratively) προσκυνέω (proskynéō, G4352) — to fawn or crouch to, i.e. (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do… μοί (moí, G3427) — to me
Open source ↗τότε (tóte, G5119) — the when, i.e. at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution) λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ὑπάγω (hypágō, G5217) — to lead (oneself) under, i.e. withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally… Σατανᾶς (Satanâs, G4567) — the accuser, i.e. the devil γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… γράφω (gráphō, G1125) — to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe προσκυνέω (proskynéō, G4352) — to fawn or crouch to, i.e. (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do… κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… σοῦ (soû, G4675) — of thee, thy θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… μόνος (mónos, G3441) — remaining, i.e. sole or single; by implication, mere
Open source ↗τότε (tóte, G5119) — the when, i.e. at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution) διάβολος (diábolos, G1228) — a traducer; specially, Satan (compare H07854) ἀφίημι (aphíēmi, G863) — an intensive form of , to go); to send forth, in various applications (as follow) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἰδού (idoú, G2400) — used as imperative lo!; ἄγγελος (ángelos, G32) — compare G34 (ἀγέλη)) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by… προσέρχομαι (prosérchomai, G4334) — to approach, i.e. (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to διακονέω (diakonéō, G1247) — to be an attendant, i.e. wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively)…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites ἀκούω (akoúō, G191) — to hear (in various senses) ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because Ἰωάννης (Iōánnēs, G2491) — Joannes (i.e. Jochanan), the name of four Israelites παραδίδωμι (paradídōmi, G3860) — to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit ἀναχωρέω (anachōréō, G402) — to retire εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… Γαλιλαία (Galilaía, G1056) — Galilæa (i.e. the heathen circle), a region of Palestine
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… καταλείπω (kataleípō, G2641) — to leave down, i.e. behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining Ναζαρέθ (Nazaréth, G3478) — Nazareth or Nazaret, a place in Palestine ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) κατοικέω (katoikéō, G2730) — to house permanently, i.e. reside (literally or figuratively) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… Καπερναούμ (Kapernaoúm, G2584) — Capernaum (i.e. Caphanachum), a place in Palestine ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) παραθαλάσσιος (parathalássios, G3864) — along the sea, i.e. maritime (lacustrine) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ὅριον (hórion, G3725) — a boundary-line, i.e. (by implication) a frontier (region) Ζαβουλών (Zaboulṓn, G2194) — Zabulon (i.e. Zebulon), a region of Palestine Νεφθαλείμ (Nephthaleím, G3508) — Nephthaleim (i.e. Naphthali), a tribe in Palestine
Open source ↗ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) πληρόω (plēróō, G4137) — to make replete, i.e. (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively)… ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) ῥέω (rhéō, G4483) — to utter, i.e. speak or say διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) Ἡσαΐας (Hēsaḯas, G2268) — Hesaias (i.e. Jeshajah), an Israelite προφήτης (prophḗtēs, G4396) — a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or…
Open source ↗Cross-references
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Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming, and he has no claim on Me.
Then the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple.
So the Spirit lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness and in the anger of my spirit, with the strong hand of the LORD upon me.
Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard a great rumbling sound behind me: ‘Blessed be the glory of the LORD in His dwelling place!’
When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, but went on his way rejoicing.
In visions of God He took me to the land of Israel and set me on a very high mountain, on whose southern slope was a structure that resembled a city.
I do not know where the Spirit of the LORD may carry you off when I leave you. Then when I go and tell Ahab and he does not find you, he will kill me. But I, your servant, have feared the LORD from my youth.
“Look now,” they said to Elisha, “we your servants have fifty valiant men. Please let them go and search for your master. Perhaps the Spirit of the LORD has taken him up and put him on one of the mountains or in one of the valleys.” “Do not send them,” Elisha replied.