New Testament
Luke 4:6
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, the devil is speaking to Jesus during the temptation in the wilderness.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
The devil told him, "I will give you all this authority and all their glory, because it has been handed over to me, and I can give it to anyone I choose.
And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the devil is speaking to Jesus during the temptation in the wilderness. He claims that he has been given authority over the kingdoms of the world and their glory, suggesting that he can offer them to Jesus. This moment highlights the devil's deceptive nature and his attempt to lure Jesus into seeking power and glory outside of God's plan. The statement reflects the belief that worldly authority can be manipulated and is often at odds with divine purpose. The devil's offer is a temptation to gain power without the suffering that comes with fulfilling God's mission. Jesus, however, understands that true authority comes from obedience to God, not from succumbing to temptation. This interaction sets the stage for Jesus' mission and the nature of his kingdom, which is not based on earthly power but on spiritual truth and righteousness.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 4:6 to your life
This verse reminds us to be cautious of temptations that promise power or success outside of God's will. We should seek to align our ambitions with God's purpose rather than pursuing worldly glory. Trusting in God's plan is essential for true fulfillment.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 4:6 mean about the devil's authority?
In Luke 4:6, the devil claims to have authority over the kingdoms of the world, suggesting that he can grant power and glory to anyone he chooses. This reflects the belief that the devil has a temporary influence over worldly systems and can tempt individuals with the allure of power. However, this authority is deceptive and stands in contrast to God's ultimate sovereignty. Jesus' response to this temptation emphasizes that true authority comes from obedience to God rather than succumbing to worldly desires.
How does Luke 4:6 relate to temptation in our lives?
Luke 4:6 serves as a reminder of the temptations we face in seeking power and recognition outside of God's will. Just as the devil tempted Jesus with immediate glory, we may encounter situations where we are offered shortcuts to success or influence that compromise our values. This verse encourages us to remain vigilant against such temptations and to prioritize our relationship with God over worldly ambitions.
What can we learn from Jesus' response to the devil in Luke 4:6?
Jesus' response to the devil in Luke 4:6 teaches us the importance of discerning the source of authority and power. Instead of accepting the devil's offer, Jesus understands that true fulfillment and authority come from aligning with God's purpose. This interaction highlights the significance of spiritual integrity and the need to resist temptations that promise success at the cost of our faith and values.
Why is the concept of authority important in Luke 4:6?
The concept of authority in Luke 4:6 is crucial because it illustrates the struggle between divine authority and the deceptive claims of the devil. The devil's assertion that he can give power reflects the ongoing spiritual warfare between good and evil. Understanding this dynamic helps believers recognize the importance of seeking God's authority in their lives, rather than being swayed by worldly temptations that lead away from God's truth.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
Unlock the full Luke summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Luke — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 24 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Luke summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.