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Luke 4

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Commentaries

Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.

Adam Clarke Bible Commentaryv. 1

Was led by the Spirit - Or, And was carried about, ηγετο. Matthew says, ανηχθη, he was brought up. Mark says, the Spirit driveth him εκβαλλει - putteth him forth. But each of the evangelists attributes this to the Holy Ghost, not to Satan. It may be useful to remark here, that, during the forty days and forty nights in which he is said to have been tempted by the devil, he is carried about, continually sustained and supported, by the Holy Ghost. Let those who are tempted by Satan look for, and, in virtue of the power and intercession of Christ, claim, the same support; and it matters little how many days they may be assaulted by the devil, while they are carried about by the Spirit of God.

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Jamieson-Fausset-Brownv. 1

JESUS ENTERING ON HIS PUBLIC MINISTRY, MAKES A CIRCUIT OF GALILEE--REJECTION AT NAZARETH. (Luke 4:14-32) as his custom was--Compare Act 17:2. stood up for to read--Others besides rabbins were allowed to address the congregation. (See Act 13:15.)

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John Gill Bible Commentaryv. 1

And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost,.... The Spirit of God having descended on him at his baptism, and afresh anointed, and filled his human nature with his gifts, whereby, as man, he was abundantly furnished for the great work of the public ministry, he was just about to enter upon; yet must first go through a series of temptations, and which, through the fulness of the Holy Spirit in him, he was sufficiently fortified against. Returned from Jordan; where he came, and had been with John, and was baptized by him; which, when over, he went back from the same side of Jordan, to which he came: and was led by the Spirit; the same Spirit, or Holy Ghost he was full of; See Gill on Mat 4:1. into the wilderness; of Judea, which lay near Jordan, and where John had been preaching and baptizing, namely, in the habitable: part of it: but this was that part, which was uninhabited by men, and was infested with wild beasts, and where Christ could neither have the comfort and benefit of human society, nor any thing for the sustenance of life, and where he was exposed to the utmost danger; and so in circumstances very opportune and favourable for Satan to ply him with his temptations, for which purpose he was led thither.

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Matthew Henry Bible Commentaryv. 1

The last words of the foregoing chapter, that Jesus was the Son of Adam, bespeak him to be the seed of the woman; being so, we have here, according to the promise, breaking the serpent's head, baffling and foiling the devil in all his temptations, who by one temptation had baffled and foiled our first parents. Thus, in the beginning of the war, he made reprisals upon him, and conquered the conqueror. In this story of Christ's temptation, observe, I. How he was prepared and fitted for it. He that designed him the trial furnished him accordingly; for though we know not what exercises may be before us, nor what encounters we may be reserved for, Christ did, and was provided accordingly; and God doth for us, and we hope will provide accordingly. 1. He was full of the Holy Ghost, who had descended on him like a dove. He had now greater measures of the gifts, graces, and comforts, of the Holy Ghost than ever before. Note, Those are well armed against the strongest temptations that are full of the Holy Ghost. 2. He was newly returned from Jordan, where he was baptized, and owned by a voice from heaven to be the beloved Son of God; and thus he was prepared for this combat. Note, When we have had the most comfortable communion with God, and the clearest discoveries of his favour to us, we may expect that Satan will set upon us (the richest ship is the pirate's prize), and that God will suffer him to do so, that the power of his grace may be manifested and magnified. 3. He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, by the good Spirit, who led him as a champion into the field, to fight the enemy that he was sure to conquer. His being led into the wilderness, (1.) Gave some advantage to the tempter; for there he had him alone, no friend with him, by whose prayers and advice he migh…

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Tyndale Open Study Notesv. 1

4:1-13 Satan tempted Jesus to bypass his Father’s plan of salvation by taking power and glory for himself. The forty-day temptation in the wilderness parallels Israel’s forty years of testing in the wilderness. Israel failed when tested, but Jesus was victorious.

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Original language

The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).

Strong's Concordancev. 1

δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites πλήρης (plḗrēs, G4134) — replete, or covered over; by analogy, complete ἅγιος (hágios, G40) — sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated) πνεῦμα (pneûma, G4151) — a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit,… ὑποστρέφω (hypostréphō, G5290) — to turn under (behind), i.e. to return (literally or figuratively) ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;… Ἰορδάνης (Iordánēs, G2446) — the Jordanes (i.e. Jarden), a river of Palestine καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἄγω (ágō, G71) — properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ἔρημος (érēmos, G2048)

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Strong's Concordancev. 2

πειράζω (peirázō, G3985) — to test (objectively), i.e. endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline τεσσαράκοντα (tessarákonta, G5062) — forty ἡμέρα (hēméra, G2250) — day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but… ὑπό (hypó, G5259) — under, i.e. (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or… διάβολος (diábolos, G1228) — a traducer; specially, Satan (compare H07854) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἐκεῖνος (ekeînos, G1565) — that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed φάγω (phágō, G5315) — to eat (literally or figuratively) οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not οὐδείς (oudeís, G3762) — not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e. none, nobody, nothing αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… συντελέω (synteléō, G4931) — to complete entirely; generally, to execute (literally or figuratively) ὕστερον (hýsteron, G5305) — more lately, i.e. eventually

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Strong's Concordancev. 3

καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… διάβολος (diábolos, G1228) — a traducer; specially, Satan (compare H07854) ἔπω (épō, G2036) — to speak or say (by word or writing) 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 τούτῳ (toútōi, G5129) — to (in, with or by) this (person or thing) λίθος (líthos, G3037) — a stone (literally or figuratively) ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) 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

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Strong's Concordancev. 4

καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites ἀποκρίνομαι (apokrínomai, G611) — to conclude for oneself, i.e. (by implication) to respond; by Hebraism (compare H06030)… πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… γράφω (gráphō, G1125) — to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because 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

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Strong's Concordancev. 5

καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… διάβολος (diábolos, G1228) — a traducer; specially, Satan (compare H07854) ἀνάγω (anágō, G321) — to lead up; by extension to bring out; specially, to sail away 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)… 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… 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… οἰκουμένη (oikouménē, G3625) — land, i.e. the (terrene part of the) globe; specially, the Roman empire ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. στιγμή (stigmḗ, G4743) — a point of time, i.e. an instant χρόνος (chrónos, G5550) — a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from G2540 (καιρός), which…

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Strong's Concordancev. 6

καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… διάβολος (diábolos, G1228) — a traducer; specially, Satan (compare H07854) ἔπω (épō, G2036) — to speak or say (by word or writing) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἅπας (hápas, G537) — absolutely all or (singular) every one ταύτῃ (taútēi, G5026) — (towards or of) this ἐξουσία (exousía, G1849) — privilege, i.e. (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively)… δίδωμι (dídōmi, G1325) — to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or… σοί (soí, G4671) — to thee δόξα (dóxa, G1391) — glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because παραδίδωμι (paradídōmi, G3860) — to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit ἐμοί (emoí, G1698) — to me ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

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Strong's Concordancev. 7

ἐάν (eán, G1437) — a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other… σύ (sý, G4771) — thou οὖν (oûn, G3767) — (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly προσκυνέω (proskynéō, G4352) — to fawn or crouch to, i.e. (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do… ἐνώπιον (enṓpion, G1799) — in the face of (literally or figuratively) μοῦ (moû, G3450) — of me πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole ἔσομαι (ésomai, G2071) — will be σοῦ (soû, G4675) — of thee, thy

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Strong's Concordancev. 8

καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites 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) 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… ὀπίσω (opísō, G3694) — to the back, i.e. aback (as adverb or preposition of time or place; or as noun) μοῦ (moû, G3450) — of me 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

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Strong's Concordancev. 9

καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἄγω (ágō, G71) — properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass… 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)… Ἱερουσαλήμ (Hierousalḗm, G2419) — Hierusalem (i.e. Jerushalem), the capitol of Palestine 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… 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

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Strong's Concordancev. 10

γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because γράφω (gráphō, G1125) — to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe ἐντέλλομαι (entéllomai, G1781) — to enjoin αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἄγγελος (ángelos, G32) — compare G34 (ἀγέλη)) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by… περί (perí, G4012) — properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various… σοῦ (soû, G4675) — of thee, thy διαφυλάσσω (diaphylássō, G1314) — to guard thoroughly, i.e. protect σέ (sé, G4571) — thee

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Strong's Concordancev. 11

καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… χείρ (cheír, G5495) — the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by Hebraism) a means or… αἴρω (aírō, G142) — to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep… σέ (sé, G4571) — thee μήποτε (mḗpote, G3379) — not ever; also if (or lest) ever (or perhaps) προσκόπτω (proskóptō, G4350) — to strike at, i.e. surge against (as water); specially, to stub on, i.e. trip up… σοῦ (soû, G4675) — of thee, thy πούς (poús, G4228) — a "foot" (figuratively or literally) πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… λίθος (líthos, G3037) — a stone (literally or figuratively)

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Strong's Concordancev. 12

καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites 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) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ἐρέω (eréō, G2046) — an alternate for G2036 (ἔπω) in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. speak or say 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

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Strong's Concordancev. 13

καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… διάβολος (diábolos, G1228) — a traducer; specially, Satan (compare H07854) συντελέω (synteléō, G4931) — to complete entirely; generally, to execute (literally or figuratively) πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole πειρασμός (peirasmós, G3986) — a putting to proof (by experiment (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation,… ἀφίστημι (aphístēmi, G868) — to remove, i.e. (actively) instigate to revolt; usually (reflexively) to desist, desert,… ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἄχρι (áchri, G891) — (of time) until or (of place) up to καιρός (kairós, G2540) — an occasion, i.e. set or proper time

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Strong's Concordancev. 14

καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites ὑποστρέφω (hypostréphō, G5290) — to turn under (behind), i.e. to return (literally or figuratively) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. δύναμις (dýnamis, G1411) — force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a… 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)… Γαλιλαία (Galilaía, G1056) — Galilæa (i.e. the heathen circle), a region of Palestine ἐξέρχομαι (exérchomai, G1831) — to issue (literally or figuratively) φήμη (phḗmē, G5345) — a saying, i.e. rumor ("fame") περί (perí, G4012) — properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case… ὅλος (hólos, G3650) — "whole" or "all", i.e. complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter)…

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Cross-references

Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.

Acts 10:38rank 19

how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him.

Luke 4:18rank 17

“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed,

Isaiah 61:1rank 14

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners,

John 3:34rank 13

For the One whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.

Matthew 3:16rank 12

As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him.

John 1:32rank 11

Then John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove and resting on Him.

Ezekiel 3:14rank 10

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.

Luke 4:14rank 10

Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and the news about Him spread throughout the surrounding region.

Acts 8:39rank 8

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.

Luke 2:27rank 6

Led by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. And when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for Him what was customary under the Law,

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