Luke 4:11

KJV

And in [their] hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532}{G3754} in {G1909} their hands {G5495} they shall bear {G142} thee {G4571} up {G142}, lest at any time {G3379} thou dash {G4350} thy {G4675} foot {G4228} against {G4314} a stone {G3037}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They will support you with their hands, so that you will not hurt your feet on the stones.'"

Berean Standard Bible

and they will lift You up in their hands, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.’”

American Standard Version

and, On their hands they shall bear thee up, Lest haply thou dash thy foot against a stone.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Luke 4:11, the devil quotes a portion of Psalm 91:12 to Jesus during the second wilderness temptation. This verse, "And in [their] hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone," is presented as a promise of divine protection, intended to provoke Jesus into a presumptuous act of testing God by throwing Himself from the Temple pinnacle. The devil's strategic misapplication of scripture highlights the critical importance of understanding biblical context and the true nature of faith versus presumption.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the pivotal narrative of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness, immediately following His baptism and the descent of the Holy Spirit, as recorded in [Luke 4:1-13](/luke/4-1-13 "Luke 4:1-13 - Jesus' Temptation in the Wilderness"). After forty days of fasting, Jesus is confronted by the devil with three distinct temptations. The first involved turning stones into bread, challenging Jesus' physical needs and identity. The second, which includes [Luke 4:11](/luke/4-11 "Luke 4:11 - The Devil's Temptation"), escalates the challenge to a spiritual and public display, moving Jesus to the pinnacle of the Temple in Jerusalem. The devil strategically quotes [Psalm 91:11-12](/psalm/91-11-12 "Psalm 91:11-12 - God's Promise of Angelic Protection") to manipulate Jesus into testing God, promising miraculous intervention. This temptation is closely paralleled in [Matthew 4:5-7](/matthew/4-5-7 "Matthew 4:5-7 - The Temptation on the Temple Pinnacle"), underscoring its significance in the Synoptic Gospels' portrayal of Jesus' early ministry. Jesus' steadfast resistance, rooted in His knowledge and correct application of scripture, sets the stage for His public ministry.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this temptation, the pinnacle of the Temple in Jerusalem, held immense religious and cultural significance. Herod's Temple, a magnificent structure, was the center of Jewish worship and national identity. The "pinnacle" (likely the southeastern corner, towering over the Kidron Valley) would have been an incredibly high and visible point, making any miraculous descent a public spectacle. In a culture that often sought signs and wonders as validation of divine authority (cf. [Matthew 12:38](/matthew/12-38 "Matthew 12:38 - The Demand for a Sign")), the devil's challenge played into the messianic expectations of the time. Many Jews anticipated a Messiah who would perform dramatic acts to prove His divine commission. By quoting [Psalm 91](/psalm/91 "Psalm 91 - The Security of One Who Trusts in the Lord"), a psalm deeply cherished for its promises of divine protection, the devil sought to leverage familiar scripture in a way that would resonate with contemporary Jewish understanding, albeit in a twisted manner.

* **Key Themes:** [Luke 4:11](/luke/4-11 "Luke 4:11 - The Devil's Temptation") contributes to several crucial themes within the broader narrative of Jesus' life and the Christian faith. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **misuse and twisting of Scripture**. The devil's quotation of [Psalm 91:12](/psalm/91-12 "Psalm 91:12 - Angelic Protection") is a classic example of taking a verse out of its intended context. He deliberately omits the preceding phrase from [Psalm 91:11](/psalm/91-11 "Psalm 91:11 - Angels Guarding in All Your Ways"), "to keep thee in all thy ways," which implies protection within God's appointed path and obedience, not for reckless or self-initiated acts designed to test God. Secondly, the passage highlights the critical distinction between **divine protection and human presumption**. While God indeed promises to care for His faithful, true faith does not demand a miracle or put God to the test. It trusts His sovereignty and wisdom, rather than seeking to force His hand. Finally, and most importantly, Jesus' response in [Luke 4:12](/luke/4-12 "Luke 4:12 - Jesus' Rejection of Temptation")—"Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God" (a direct quote from [Deuteronomy 6:16](/deuteronomy/6-16 "Deuteronomy 6:16 - Do Not Test the Lord"))—demonstrates His perfect **obedience and unwavering trust** in the true and full counsel of God's Word. He refuses to be manipulated into a position where God must rescue Him from a self-inflicted danger, thereby modeling righteous faith and submission to the Father's will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **bear (Greek, _aírō'_):** This word signifies "to lift up" or "to take up or away." In this context, it refers to the act of angels physically lifting or supporting Jesus, preventing Him from falling. The devil uses this word to emphasize the complete and effortless divine intervention he claims is promised, suggesting a supernatural suspension of natural laws.
* **dash (Greek, _proskóptō'_):** Meaning "to strike at" or "to stub on," this verb vividly describes the action of striking one's foot against an obstacle. It implies a stumble, a fall, or an injury. The phrase "dash thy foot against a stone" is a common idiom for encountering harm or failure. The devil uses it to highlight the danger Jesus would ostensibly be protected from, making the promised angelic intervention seem even more impressive.
* **stone (Greek, _líthos'_):** A fundamental word for a "stone," used literally or figuratively. Here, it refers to the ground or an obstacle upon which one might stumble. In the broader biblical narrative, "stone" can symbolize many things, from foundation stones (Christ as the cornerstone) to stumbling blocks (Christ as an offense to some). In this specific context, it represents the immediate danger of injury or death from a fall, which the devil claims God's angels would prevent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And in [their] hands they shall bear thee up":** This clause directly quotes [Psalm 91:12a](/psalm/91-12 "Psalm 91:12 - Angelic Support"). The "they" refers to God's angels, as explicitly stated in the preceding verse of the Psalm ([Psalm 91:11](/psalm/91-11 "Psalm 91:11 - Angels Given Charge Over You")). The imagery of being "borne up" in their hands conveys complete and effortless support, implying that no harm could possibly come to the one being protected. The devil presents this as an absolute, unconditional promise from God, detached from any context of obedience or God's will.
* **"lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone":** This second clause from [Psalm 91:12b](/psalm/91-12 "Psalm 91:12 - Protection from Stumbling") describes the specific danger from which the angels are said to provide protection. To "dash one's foot against a stone" is an idiomatic expression for suffering harm, stumbling, or encountering an obstacle that leads to injury or failure. The devil's implication is that if Jesus were to throw Himself down, God's angels would infallibly intervene to prevent even the slightest injury, thereby proving His divine status and God's commitment to Him. This challenge seeks to compel Jesus to act presumptuously, demanding a miracle as proof, rather than trusting God's timing and method.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [Luke 4:11](/luke/4-11 "Luke 4:11 - The Devil's Temptation") is **Allusion** and **Quotation**, specifically the direct quotation of [Psalm 91:12](/psalm/91-12 "Psalm 91:12 - Angelic Protection"). The devil's use of scripture is a sophisticated form of temptation, demonstrating his cunning. This direct quote, however, is a classic example of **Misquotation by Omission**, as the devil deliberately leaves out the crucial preceding phrase from [Psalm 91:11](/psalm/91-11 "Psalm 91:11 - Angels Guarding in All Your Ways"), "to keep thee in all thy ways." This omission fundamentally alters the meaning, transforming a promise of protection within the path of obedience into an invitation for reckless self-testing. There is also an element of **Irony**, as the very words of God are used by the adversary to tempt God's Son to disobey Him. The "pinnacle of the temple" itself serves as **Symbolism**, representing a place of public display and ultimate testing, where a fall would be catastrophic, and a miraculous rescue would be undeniably spectacular.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Luke 4:11](/luke/4-11 "Luke 4:11 - The Devil's Temptation") is a profound theological lesson on the nature of faith, divine protection, and the correct handling of God's Word. It reveals that true faith is not a demand for God to prove Himself through spectacular acts, nor is it a license for reckless behavior. Instead, it is a humble trust in God's sovereignty and His revealed will, understanding that His promises of protection are given within the context of His "ways" – His appointed path of righteousness and obedience. To "test the Lord thy God" is to question His faithfulness or power by forcing Him into a situation He has not ordained, thereby stepping outside the bounds of true trust. This passage underscores the danger of divorcing scripture from its context, a practice that can lead to spiritual deception and presumption, rather than genuine reliance on God. It calls believers to a discerning and obedient faith, one that respects God's character and timing.

* [Deuteronomy 6:16](/deuteronomy/6-16 "Do Not Test the Lord Your God"): Jesus' direct counter-quote, establishing the principle that God is not to be tested.
* [Matthew 4:7](/matthew/4-7 "Jesus' Response to Temptation"): The parallel account in Matthew's Gospel, reinforcing Jesus' unwavering adherence to this principle.
* [1 Corinthians 10:9](/1_corinthians/10-9 "Warning Against Testing Christ"): A New Testament warning against testing Christ, drawing a parallel to Israel's disobedience in the wilderness.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The temptation of Jesus on the Temple pinnacle, and specifically the devil's use of [Luke 4:11](/luke/4-11 "Luke 4:11 - The Devil's Temptation"), offers invaluable lessons for every believer navigating the complexities of faith in a fallen world. We are constantly assailed by temptations that, like the devil's, often come disguised as spiritual opportunities or promises of immediate gratification, sometimes even cloaked in biblical language. This passage calls us to a profound **discernment of truth**, urging us to diligently study God's Word in its full context, rather than accepting isolated verses that might be twisted to justify our own desires or presumptuous actions. It teaches us to **resist temptation** not by our own strength, but by standing firm on the correctly understood and applied truth of God's Word, just as Jesus did. Furthermore, it challenges us to cultivate a mature faith that **trusts God wisely**. While we can confidently rely on God's divine protection and provision, this does not grant us license for foolish or reckless behavior. True faith involves wisdom, obedience, and a humble refusal to put God to the test unnecessarily. Our trust should be in God's character and His revealed will, not in our ability to manipulate circumstances or force His hand. This passage reminds us that God's promises are for those who walk "in all His ways," not for those who stray from them in presumption.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I ensure I am interpreting scripture in its proper context, and not misapplying it to justify my own desires or actions?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to "test God" by demanding a sign or a miraculous intervention, rather than trusting His sovereign timing and wisdom?**
* **What practical steps can I take to deepen my understanding of God's Word so that I can better discern truth from deception?**
* **How does Jesus' response to this temptation model true faith and obedience for my own life?**

### FAQ

**Why did the devil quote scripture to Jesus?**

Answer: The devil quoted scripture to Jesus in [Luke 4:11](/luke/4-11 "Luke 4:11 - The Devil's Temptation") for several strategic reasons. Firstly, it was an attempt to lend authority and credibility to his temptation, making it appear as if God Himself was endorsing the action. Secondly, by twisting the meaning of [Psalm 91:11-12](/psalm/91-11-12 "Psalm 91:11-12 - God's Promise of Angelic Protection") through omission and misapplication, the devil sought to sow doubt and confusion, challenging Jesus' understanding of His Father's will. He aimed to provoke Jesus into an act of presumption, forcing God's hand and demonstrating a lack of trust. This tactic highlights that even biblical knowledge can be weaponized when divorced from its proper context and God's character.

**What does it mean to "dash thy foot against a stone" in this context?**

Answer: In [Luke 4:11](/luke/4-11 "Luke 4:11 - The Devil's Temptation"), the phrase "dash thy foot against a stone" is an idiom derived from [Psalm 91:12](/psalm/91-12 "Psalm 91:12 - Angelic Protection"). It literally refers to stumbling or injuring one's foot on an obstacle. Figuratively, it signifies encountering harm, suffering a setback, or experiencing failure. The devil uses this imagery to emphasize the danger of falling from the Temple pinnacle, promising that God's angels would prevent even the slightest injury. The implication is that Jesus would be completely invulnerable, thereby validating His divine status through a miraculous display.

**How can believers avoid misusing or twisting scripture like the devil did?**

Answer: Believers can avoid misusing or twisting scripture by committing to diligent, contextual study of the Bible. This involves reading passages within their immediate literary context (the verses before and after), their broader book context, and the overall biblical narrative. It also requires understanding the historical, cultural, and grammatical background of the text. Seeking guidance from sound theological resources, trusted commentaries, and mature spiritual leaders can also help. Most importantly, it involves approaching scripture with humility, seeking to understand God's intended meaning and apply it obediently, rather than attempting to make the text conform to one's own desires or preconceived notions, as Jesus demonstrated in His response in [Luke 4:12](/luke/4-12 "Luke 4:12 - Jesus' Rejection of Temptation").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Luke 4:11](/luke/4-11 "Luke 4:11 - The Devil's Temptation") and Jesus' response to this temptation are profoundly Christ-centered, revealing essential aspects of His identity and mission. By refusing to throw Himself down from the Temple, Jesus demonstrates perfect trust and obedience to the Father, contrasting sharply with the disobedience of the first Adam. He rejects the devil's invitation to seize glory through a spectacular, self-initiated act, choosing instead the path of humility and suffering ordained by God. This moment foreshadows His ultimate submission to the Father's will, even unto death on the cross, as described in [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience Unto Death"). Jesus' refusal to "test the Lord His God" (as He quotes from [Deuteronomy 6:16](/deuteronomy/6-16 "Deuteronomy 6:16 - Do Not Test the Lord")) establishes Him as the faithful Son who perfectly fulfills the Law, unlike Israel in the wilderness. His victory over this temptation is not merely a personal triumph but a decisive blow against the kingdom of darkness, demonstrating His authority over the tempter ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Ultimately, Jesus' steadfastness here confirms His role as the High Priest who "in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin," making Him perfectly qualified to sympathize with and intercede for His people ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")). He did not need to prove Himself through a presumptuous leap because His true glory would be revealed through His obedient life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection ([John 12:23-24](/john/12-23-24 "John 12:23-24 - The Hour Has Come for the Son of Man to Be Glorified")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 91:12

They shall bear thee up in [their] hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.