New Testament
Luke 4:5
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Then the devil led him up to a high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a single instant.
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And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.
What Luke 4:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the devil takes Jesus to a high mountain, where he shows him all the kingdoms of the world in an instant. This moment is significant as it highlights the temptation of power and authority. The devil is attempting to persuade Jesus to abandon his mission and take a shortcut to glory by worshiping him. The imagery of a high mountain suggests a place of perspective and grandeur, emphasizing the vastness of worldly kingdoms. This encounter illustrates the spiritual battle between good and evil, where Jesus is faced with the allure of earthly power versus his divine purpose. The phrase 'in a moment of time' indicates the fleeting nature of worldly success and the temptation to seek immediate gratification rather than enduring faithfulness to God’s plan. This moment sets the stage for Jesus' response to temptation and his commitment to his mission, reinforcing the idea that true authority comes from obedience to God rather than succumbing to worldly desires.
How to apply Luke 4:5 to your life
This verse reminds us to be vigilant against temptations that promise quick success or power. We should focus on our spiritual journey and resist shortcuts that compromise our values. Trusting in God's plan is essential for true fulfillment and purpose in life.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Tempted in the Wilderness (Luke 4:1–13)
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Jesus
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Luke 4:5
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 4:5 mean?
Luke 4:5 describes the moment when the devil takes Jesus to a high mountain and shows him all the kingdoms of the world. This scene illustrates the temptation of power and authority, as the devil tries to persuade Jesus to worship him in exchange for worldly dominion.
What is the significance of the high mountain in Luke 4:5?
The high mountain in Luke 4:5 symbolizes a place of perspective and grandeur, allowing the devil to show Jesus the vastness of worldly kingdoms. It emphasizes the allure of earthly power and the temptation to take shortcuts to glory.
What does 'in a moment of time' mean in Luke 4:5?
The phrase 'in a moment of time' in Luke 4:5 indicates the fleeting nature of worldly success and the temptation to seek immediate gratification. It underscores the contrast between temporary power and the enduring commitment to God's purpose.
How can we apply Luke 4:5 to our lives?
Luke 4:5 teaches us to be cautious of temptations that promise quick success or power. It encourages us to focus on our spiritual journey and trust in God's plan rather than seeking shortcuts that compromise our values.
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