New Testament

Matthew 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, the devil takes Jesus to a high mountain to show him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.

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

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.

KJVKing James Version

Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the devil takes Jesus to a high mountain to show him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. This moment is part of the temptation of Jesus, where the devil attempts to persuade Him to abandon His mission and seek power and glory instead. The high mountain symbolizes a place of perspective, allowing Jesus to see the vastness of worldly kingdoms and their allure. The devil's offer is a temptation to gain authority without the suffering that Jesus would face through His ministry and crucifixion. This encounter highlights the contrast between earthly power and the spiritual kingdom that Jesus came to establish. It serves as a reminder of the seductive nature of worldly success and the importance of remaining focused on God's purpose rather than being swayed by immediate gratification or power.

How to apply Matthew 4:8 to your life

This verse encourages us to be aware of the temptations we face in our lives, especially those that promise power or success without sacrifice. It reminds us to stay committed to our values and purpose, resisting the allure of shortcuts that lead us away from our true calling.

Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Matthew 4:8 mean?

Matthew 4:8 describes the devil taking Jesus to a high mountain to show Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. This moment is part of the temptation where the devil tries to persuade Jesus to seek power and glory instead of fulfilling His mission.

What is the significance of the high mountain in Matthew 4:8?

The high mountain in Matthew 4:8 symbolizes a place of perspective, allowing Jesus to see the vastness and allure of worldly kingdoms. It represents the temptation to gain authority without the suffering that comes with His mission.

How does Matthew 4:8 relate to temptation?

Matthew 4:8 illustrates the nature of temptation by showing how the devil offers Jesus a shortcut to power and glory. It serves as a reminder of the seductive nature of worldly success and the importance of staying true to one's purpose.

What themes are present in Matthew 4:8?

Key themes in Matthew 4:8 include temptation, spiritual warfare, the contrast between earthly power and divine purpose, and the importance of faithfulness in resisting sin.

The Book of Matthew
Book Summary

The Book of Matthew

Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ

The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

Premium

Unlock the full Matthew summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Matthew — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 28 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Matthew summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.