New Testament
Luke 4:8
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, Jesus is responding to Satan 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)
Jesus answered, "Get behind me, Satan! For it is written: 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve him only.'"
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.
Verse Analysis
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.
Related Bible verses
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.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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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