Matthew 4:1

Translations

Modern

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

Traditional

Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

Literal

Then Jesus was led up into the wilderness by the Spirit to be tempted by the devil.

Latin

Tunc Jesus ductus est in desertum a Spiritu, ut tentaretur a diabolo.

Original

Greek

English

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

Notes

Matthew 4:1

Jesus was led by the Spirit: God arranged this test to examine the Messiah’s character (see Deuteronomy 8:2).

to be tempted by the devil: God started this test of character, using the devil's wish to lead Jesus into sin. God tempts no one (James 1:13–14).

Matthew 4:1–11

This story of the temptation of Jesus shows clear parallels between Adam and Jesus. Jesus is the second Adam (see Romans 5:12–19) and the second Israel (Matthew 2:15). Unlike the ancient Israelites, Jesus completed Israel’s history by wandering through the desert without sinning. He showed he was the obedient Son of God by defeating Satan in spiritual battle.

Since Jesus faced temptation as a human, he can understand the temptations we encounter (see Hebrews 2:14–18; 4:15). He helps us overcome them as he did (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Theme notes and profiles

Satan Charismatic Leadership Famine God or Satan? Jesus and Satan Temple Legislation as Theology

Events

Temptations of Jesusc. AD 26

Related verses

Hebrews 2:18
Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.
Luke 4:1–13
Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,
Mark 1:12–15
At once the Spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness,
Hebrews 4:15–16
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin.
Romans 8:14
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
Ezekiel 43:5
Then the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple.
John 14:30
I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming, and he has no claim on Me.
Ezekiel 3:14
So the Spirit lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness and in the anger of my spirit, with the strong hand of the LORD upon me.
Ezekiel 3:12
Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard a great rumbling sound behind me: “Blessed be the glory of the LORD in His dwelling place!”
Acts 8:39
When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, but went on his way rejoicing.
Ezekiel 40:2
In visions of God He took me to the land of Israel and set me on a very high mountain, on whose southern slope was a structure that resembled a city.
1 Kings 18:12
I do not know where the Spirit of the LORD may carry you off when I leave you. Then when I go and tell Ahab and he does not find you, he will kill me. But I, your servant, have feared the LORD from my youth.

Parallels

Mark 1:12–13 Luke 4:1–13

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world Satan: The adversary, the devil, the tempter of humanity

Glossary

Christ Gospel of Matthew Jesus Christ Spirit of God

Topics

Character of Christ: Resisting Temptation Fasting: During Forty Days: Jesus Holy Spirit: General Scriptures Concerning Jesus, the Christ: Temptation of Modern Judea: Our Lord: Tempted in the Wilderness of Satan: The Devil Satan: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Temptation: General Scriptures Concerning Temptation: Resistance To Temptation: The Devil is the Author of Titles and Names of the Holy Spirit: Spirit, The Wilderness: Jesus' Temptation In

Matthew 4:1

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Events?

Related verses?

Parallels?

People

Glossary?

Topics?

Translations

Original

Notes

Events

Related verses

Parallels

Glossary

Topics