New Testament
Matthew 4:3
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The tempter approached him and said, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to turn into bread."
Compare translations
And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
What Matthew 4:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the tempter, identified as Satan, approaches Jesus during a time of fasting and vulnerability. He challenges Jesus' identity as the Son of God by suggesting that He should use His divine power to turn stones into bread to satisfy His hunger. This temptation is significant because it tests Jesus' obedience to God and His reliance on spiritual sustenance rather than physical needs. The tempter's words imply doubt about Jesus' identity and mission, pushing Him to act outside of God's will. Jesus' response, which follows in the next verses, emphasizes the importance of spiritual nourishment over physical satisfaction. This moment highlights the struggle between spiritual integrity and physical desires, a theme that resonates throughout the Bible as believers are often faced with similar temptations to prioritize immediate needs over their faith and trust in God.
How to apply Matthew 4:3 to your life
This verse reminds us to rely on God during times of temptation and need. Just as Jesus resisted the urge to satisfy His physical hunger, we too should prioritize our spiritual well-being and trust in God's provision. When faced with challenges, we can seek strength through prayer and scripture.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Tempted in the Wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Matthew 4:3
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Matthew 4:3
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 4:3 teach about temptation?
Matthew 4:3 illustrates how temptation can challenge our identity and purpose. The tempter, representing Satan, questions Jesus' identity as the Son of God and suggests He use His divine power for personal gain. This moment teaches us that temptations often come when we are vulnerable and can lead us to doubt our faith. It emphasizes the importance of resisting such temptations by relying on God's word and purpose.
How can I apply Matthew 4:3 in my life?
You can apply Matthew 4:3 by recognizing moments of temptation in your own life, especially when you feel vulnerable or in need. Just as Jesus relied on spiritual strength rather than physical satisfaction, you can prioritize your spiritual well-being through prayer, scripture reading, and seeking God's guidance. This verse encourages you to trust in God's provision and resist the urge to act outside of His will for immediate gratification.
What does the phrase 'If you are the Son of God' imply in this verse?
The phrase 'If you are the Son of God' implies doubt and challenge to Jesus' identity and mission. The tempter is trying to provoke Jesus into proving Himself by performing a miracle to satisfy His hunger. This tactic highlights how temptations can often exploit our insecurities and lead us to act contrary to God's will. It serves as a reminder to remain steadfast in our identity as children of God, regardless of external challenges.
Why is spiritual nourishment emphasized in Matthew 4:3?
Spiritual nourishment is emphasized in Matthew 4:3 because it highlights the importance of relying on God's word and spiritual sustenance over physical needs. Jesus' response to the tempter, which follows this verse, underscores that true fulfillment comes from obedience to God rather than satisfying immediate physical desires. This teaches us that our spiritual health is crucial, especially during times of temptation and need.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.