New Testament
Matthew 4:6
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He said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written: 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you do not strike your foot against a stone.'"
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And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
What Matthew 4:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the devil challenges Jesus by quoting scripture, suggesting that if He is truly the Son of God, He should jump off a high place. The devil misuses Psalm 91, which speaks of God's protection through angels. The implication is that God will save Jesus from harm, but the temptation is to test God's faithfulness. This moment highlights the importance of understanding scripture correctly and not using it to justify reckless behavior. Jesus responds later by emphasizing that one should not put God to the test, showing that faith involves trust without demanding signs. This interaction reveals the nature of temptation and the need for discernment in spiritual matters.
How to apply Matthew 4:6 to your life
When faced with challenges, remember that faith is not about testing God or demanding proof of His promises. Instead, trust in His protection and guidance. Study scripture carefully to understand its true meaning and avoid misinterpretation that could lead to harmful decisions.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Tempted in the Wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11)
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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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Keep studying Matthew 4:6
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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 4:6 mean?
Matthew 4:6 describes the devil tempting Jesus by quoting scripture to challenge His identity as the Son of God. The verse highlights the misuse of scripture to manipulate and test God's faithfulness.
What is the significance of angels in Matthew 4:6?
In Matthew 4:6, the mention of angels emphasizes God's promise of protection. The devil misuses this promise to suggest that Jesus should test God's care by jumping from a height.
How does Matthew 4:6 relate to temptation?
Matthew 4:6 illustrates how temptation can involve twisting scripture to justify reckless actions. It shows the importance of discernment in understanding God's word and resisting misleading challenges.
What lesson can we learn from Matthew 4:6?
From Matthew 4:6, we learn that faith involves trusting God without putting Him to the test. It encourages careful study of scripture to avoid misinterpretation and to strengthen our understanding of God's promises.
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