New Testament

Matthew 4:10

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ClearClear Bible Translation

Jesus said to him, "Get away, Satan! For it is written: You shall worship the LORD your God, and serve him only."

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KJVKing James Version

Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

What Matthew 4:10 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Jesus is responding to Satan during the temptation in the wilderness. He firmly commands Satan to leave, emphasizing that worship and service belong solely to God. This statement highlights the importance of loyalty to God above all else. Jesus quotes scripture to reinforce His point, showing that God's word is a powerful tool against temptation. By declaring that worship should be directed only to God, Jesus sets a clear boundary against idolatry and the worship of false gods. This moment illustrates the spiritual battle between good and evil, where Jesus stands firm in His faith and commitment to God. It serves as a reminder for believers to prioritize their relationship with God and resist any distractions or temptations that may lead them away from true worship. Jesus' response also models how to confront temptation with scripture, demonstrating the strength and authority of God's word in our lives.

How to apply Matthew 4:10 to your life

This verse encourages us to prioritize our worship and service to God above all else. When faced with temptations or distractions, we can follow Jesus' example by using scripture to resist and reaffirm our commitment to God. Regularly engaging with the Bible strengthens our faith.

Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary

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A painting of Jesus sitting in the desert wilderness while the devil, in a dark hooded cloak, points to stones on the ground, tempting him to turn them into bread

Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Tempted in the Wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11)

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Jesus

An old color photograph of Bethlehem on a ridge above terraces of olive trees.

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.

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Bethlehem

David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.

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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew

Author
Matthew the apostle
Written
Around AD 60-70
Genre
Gospel
Original Audience
Jewish Christians

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Matthew 4:10 mean?

Matthew 4:10 shows Jesus commanding Satan to leave, emphasizing that worship and service should be directed only to God. This highlights the importance of loyalty to God and the power of scripture in resisting temptation.

What is the significance of worship in Matthew 4:10?

In Matthew 4:10, worship is portrayed as an exclusive act directed solely towards God. Jesus reinforces that true worship cannot be shared with anyone or anything else, underscoring the need for undivided loyalty.

How does Matthew 4:10 relate to temptation?

Matthew 4:10 illustrates Jesus' response to temptation by asserting that only God deserves worship. This moment serves as a model for believers on how to confront and resist temptations using scripture.

What does Jesus mean by 'Get away, Satan' in Matthew 4:10?

When Jesus says 'Get away, Satan' in Matthew 4:10, He is firmly rejecting Satan's temptations and asserting His commitment to God. This phrase emphasizes the authority Jesus has over evil and the importance of resisting temptation.

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