New Testament
Luke 4:8
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Jesus answered, "Get behind me, Satan! For it is written: 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve him only.'"
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And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
What Luke 4:8 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is responding to Satan during the temptation in the wilderness. He firmly tells Satan to get behind him, asserting his authority and rejecting the devil's influence. Jesus quotes scripture to emphasize that worship and service belong solely to God. This highlights the importance of loyalty to God and the rejection of any distractions or temptations that lead us away from Him. By invoking scripture, Jesus demonstrates the power of God's word in resisting temptation. This moment illustrates the spiritual battle between good and evil, where Jesus stands firm in his commitment to God, setting an example for believers to follow. It reminds us that true worship involves not just reverence but also active service to God, prioritizing Him above all else. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the need to resist temptations that may lead us astray from our devotion to God.
How to apply Luke 4:8 to your life
When faced with temptations or distractions, we can follow Jesus' example by turning to scripture for strength and guidance. Prioritizing our relationship with God helps us resist influences that lead us away from Him. Worship and service should be our focus.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Tempted in the Wilderness (Luke 4:1–13)
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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 4:8
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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 4:8 mean?
In Luke 4:8, Jesus responds to Satan's temptation by asserting that worship and service belong only to God. He emphasizes the importance of rejecting evil influences and remaining loyal to God.
What is the significance of 'Get behind me, Satan' in Luke 4:8?
The phrase 'Get behind me, Satan' signifies Jesus' rejection of temptation and his authority over evil. It shows his determination to prioritize God's will over any distractions.
What does Jesus mean by worship in Luke 4:8?
In Luke 4:8, worship refers to the reverence and devotion that believers owe to God. Jesus highlights that true worship involves both honoring God and serving Him alone.
How does Luke 4:8 relate to resisting temptation?
Luke 4:8 illustrates how Jesus used scripture to resist temptation, showing that turning to God's word can provide strength and guidance in moments of spiritual struggle.
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