New Testament
Matthew 4:9
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He said to him, "I will give you all these things if you fall down and worship me."
Compare translations
And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
What Matthew 4:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the devil is tempting Jesus by offering Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory in exchange for worship. This moment highlights the nature of temptation, where one is often presented with attractive but morally compromising choices. The devil's offer is significant because it reveals his authority over worldly power and wealth, which he uses to entice Jesus. However, Jesus' response to this temptation is crucial; He refuses to worship anyone but God. This interaction emphasizes the importance of loyalty and devotion to God above all else, even in the face of great temptation. It serves as a reminder that true worship belongs to God alone and that material gains are not worth compromising one's faith and integrity. Jesus' rejection of the devil's offer sets a powerful example for believers about resisting temptation and prioritizing spiritual over material wealth.
How to apply Matthew 4:9 to your life
When faced with temptations that promise quick rewards or success, remember to prioritize your relationship with God. Reflect on what truly matters in life and resist the urge to compromise your values for temporary gains. Stay committed to worshiping God alone.
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 4:9
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 4:9
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 4:9 mean?
Matthew 4:9 describes the devil tempting Jesus by offering Him all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worship. This highlights the nature of temptation and the importance of remaining loyal to God.
What is the significance of worship in Matthew 4:9?
In Matthew 4:9, worship is presented as a central issue in the temptation of Jesus, emphasizing that true worship should be directed only to God, not to worldly powers or temptations.
What does the devil offer Jesus in Matthew 4:9?
In Matthew 4:9, the devil offers Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and their glory, attempting to entice Him into compromising His devotion to God.
How does Jesus respond to the temptation in Matthew 4:9?
Jesus responds to the temptation in Matthew 4:9 by refusing to worship anyone but God, demonstrating His commitment to spiritual integrity over material gain.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.