Luke 4:12

KJV

And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} Jesus {G2424} answering {G611} said {G2036} unto him {G846}, It is said {G3754}{G2046}, Thou shalt {G1598} not {G3756} tempt {G1598} the Lord {G2962} thy {G4675} God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua answered him, "It also says, `Do not put ADONAI your God to the test.'"

Berean Standard Bible

But Jesus answered, “It also says, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

American Standard Version

And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not make trial of the Lord thy God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 4:12 presents Jesus' definitive response to Satan's third temptation in the wilderness, where He firmly rejects the devil's attempt to manipulate divine protection through a presumptuous act. By quoting from Deuteronomy, Jesus not only demonstrates His perfect obedience and unwavering reliance on God's Word but also establishes a crucial principle against testing the Lord's character or sovereignty through reckless demands or challenges. This pivotal moment underscores the integrity of Jesus' faith and sets a timeless example for discerning true trust from dangerous presumption.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes the dramatic narrative of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness, immediately following Satan's third and most audacious challenge. After failing to entice Jesus with physical gratification ([Luke 4:3-4](/luke/4-3-4 "Luke 4:3-4 - Temptation to Turn Stones into Bread")) and worldly power ([Luke 4:5-8](/luke/4-5-8 "Luke 4:5-8 - Temptation of Worldly Kingdoms")), Satan transports Jesus to the pinnacle of the temple in Jerusalem. There, the tempter twists Scripture, quoting [Psalm 91:11-12](/psalms/91-11-12 "Psalm 91:11-12 - Satan's Misquote of Scripture") to provoke Jesus into a public, miraculous display of divine protection by throwing Himself down. Jesus' concise and authoritative rebuke in [Luke 4:12](/luke/4-12 "Luke 4:12 - Jesus Rebukes Satan") directly counters Satan's manipulation, drawing upon the true intent of God's law found in [Deuteronomy 6:16](/deuteronomy/6-16 "Deuteronomy 6:16 - The Source of Jesus' Quote"). This entire episode, also recounted in [Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "Matthew 4:1-11 - The Temptation of Jesus"), serves as a foundational demonstration of Jesus' perfect humanity, His reliance on Scripture, and His victory over the forces of evil at the outset of His public ministry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The wilderness setting evokes the forty years of Israel's wandering, during which they repeatedly "tested" God's patience and provision ([Exodus 17:1-7](/exodus/17-1-7 "Exodus 17:1-7 - Israel Tests God at Massah and Meribah")). Jesus' forty days of fasting and temptation parallel this period, but with a crucial difference: He perfectly obeys where Israel failed. The "pinnacle of the temple" was likely the southeastern corner, a dizzying height overlooking the Kidron Valley, a place where a public, miraculous descent would have been a spectacular display. For a Jewish audience, the command "You shall not tempt the Lord your God" would immediately recall [Deuteronomy 6:16](/deuteronomy/6-16 "Deuteronomy 6:16 - Do Not Test the Lord Your God"), which refers to Israel's rebellion at Massah, where they demanded water and questioned God's presence among them. This historical precedent highlights the gravity of "testing God" – it implies a lack of trust, a challenge to His authority, or a demand for Him to prove Himself on human terms.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 4:12 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **supremacy and authority of Scripture** as the ultimate weapon against spiritual deception. Jesus, despite His divine nature, consistently grounds His responses in the written Word, setting an example for all believers. Secondly, the verse illuminates the critical distinction between **true faith and presumptuous testing**. Genuine faith trusts God's character and promises without demanding miraculous proofs or forcing His hand, whereas "tempting God" demonstrates a lack of reverence and a desire to manipulate divine power. This theme is crucial for understanding the nature of a right relationship with God. Finally, Jesus' victory over temptation establishes His **perfect obedience and sinlessness**, foundational to His role as the spotless Lamb of God and the ultimate High Priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **tempt (Greek, _ekpeirázō'_):** From G1598, derived from *ek* (out of) and *peirázō* (to test, try). While *peirázō* can be neutral, *ekpeirázō* intensifies the meaning, signifying "to test thoroughly" or "to test to the uttermost." When applied to God, as it is here, it carries the strong negative connotation of putting Him to an unwarranted, presumptuous test, often rooted in doubt, a challenge to His authority, or a demand for Him to prove Himself. It implies a demand for God to act outside of His revealed will or to perform a miracle to satisfy human curiosity or unbelief, rather than trusting His sovereign plan.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** From G2962, meaning "supreme in authority," "controller," or "Master." This title emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and rightful dominion. By calling God "Lord," Jesus highlights that God is not to be subjected to human demands or tests, but is to be revered and obeyed as the ultimate authority. To "tempt the Lord" is therefore an act of rebellion against His supreme authority.
* **God (Greek, _theós'_):** From G2316, referring to the supreme Divinity. Coupled with "Lord," this term reinforces the divine nature and majesty of the One who must not be tested. It speaks to God's inherent holiness, omnipotence, and wisdom, all of which are dishonored when His creatures attempt to manipulate Him or force His hand.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus answering said unto him,"**: This phrase introduces Jesus' direct and authoritative response to Satan's third temptation. The verb "answering" (G611, *apokrínomai*) here implies not just a reply, but a decisive counter-argument, a conclusion reached and stated firmly. It highlights Jesus' active engagement with the temptation, not as a passive recipient, but as one who possesses the truth and wields it with power.
* **"It is said,"**: This brief but profound phrase (G3754, *hóti* + G2046, *eréō* or G2036, *épō*) signifies Jesus' reliance on the written Word of God. Instead of relying on His own divine power or personal authority in this moment of temptation, Jesus appeals to a higher, established authority – the Scripture. This phrase functions as a direct quotation marker, indicating that what follows is a divinely inspired truth, unchangeable and unassailable.
* **"Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God."**: This is a direct quote from [Deuteronomy 6:16](/deuteronomy/6-16 "Deuteronomy 6:16 - Do Not Test the Lord Your God"). The imperative "shalt not" (G3756, *ou* + G1598, *ekpeirázō*) is a strong prohibition against presumptuously putting God to the test. The phrase "the Lord thy God" (G2962, *kýrios* + G4675, *soû* + G2316, *theós*) emphasizes the personal and covenantal relationship between God and His people, implying that such testing is a breach of trust and an affront to His character and sovereignty. Jesus uses God's own Word to defend God's honor and to expose the deceptive nature of Satan's challenge.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 4:12 masterfully employs several literary devices. The most prominent is **Allusion**, as Jesus directly alludes to and quotes [Deuteronomy 6:16](/deuteronomy/6-16 "Deuteronomy 6:16 - The Command Not to Test God"), a passage deeply significant in Jewish thought, recalling Israel's failure at Massah. This not only validates the authority of the Old Testament but also positions Jesus as the faithful Israelite who perfectly fulfills the Law. There is also profound **Irony** in Satan, the tempter, being rebuked by a command against tempting God. Satan's attempt to manipulate Scripture is met with a true and uncorrupted application of Scripture, highlighting his ultimate defeat. Furthermore, the passage functions as **Didacticism**, serving as a direct teaching moment for Luke's audience. Jesus' method of combating temptation with the Word of God provides a clear model for believers facing spiritual warfare, emphasizing the power and necessity of biblical literacy and application.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 4:12 stands as a theological anchor, demonstrating the profound reverence due to God and the proper posture of faith. It teaches that true faith does not demand God to prove Himself through reckless acts or to conform to human expectations; rather, it humbly trusts in His revealed character and promises, even when circumstances are challenging. Jesus' response underscores that God's sovereignty is not to be challenged or manipulated, and His Word is the unassailable truth against all deception. This moment solidifies the principle that spiritual victory is found not in human strength or spectacular displays, but in steadfast obedience to divine revelation, affirming the absolute authority of Scripture over all earthly and demonic powers.

* [Deuteronomy 6:16](/deuteronomy/6-16 "Deuteronomy 6:16 - Do Not Test the Lord Your God")
* [Matthew 4:7](/matthew/4-7 "Matthew 4:7 - Jesus' Parallel Response to the Temptation")
* [1 Corinthians 10:9](/1_corinthians/10-9 "1 Corinthians 10:9 - Warning Against Testing Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 4:12 offers timeless and profound lessons for every believer navigating the complexities of life and faith. In a world that often demands immediate gratification, visible proofs, and tangible results, Jesus' example calls us to a deeper, more reverent trust in God. We are reminded that genuine faith is not about testing God's limits or demanding that He act according to our will, but about humbly submitting to His wisdom, timing, and sovereign plan. This verse encourages us to be deeply rooted in God's Word, allowing it to shape our understanding of God's character and to serve as our primary defense against the subtle deceptions of the enemy. It challenges us to discern between a faithful reliance on God's promises and a presumptuous expectation that God must perform miracles on our terms. Ultimately, it calls us to honor God's holiness and sovereignty by trusting Him completely, without putting Him to the test.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I distinguish between genuinely trusting God in difficult circumstances and presumptuously "tempting" Him?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly attempting to "test" or manipulate God rather than humbly submitting to His will?**
* **How can I deepen my reliance on Scripture as my primary defense against temptation and deception, following Jesus' example?**
* **What does Jesus' unwavering obedience in this passage teach me about the nature of true faith and discipleship?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to "tempt the Lord thy God"?**

Answer: To "tempt the Lord your God" (G1598, *ekpeirázō* G2962, *kýrios* G2316, *theós*) means to put God to an unwarranted or presumptuous test. It's not about seeking God's guidance or trusting His promises, but rather about challenging His character, demanding He prove Himself, or forcing His hand to act according to human will or for selfish motives. This concept is rooted in Old Testament instances where Israel, lacking faith, demanded miraculous proofs from God, such as at Massah ([Exodus 17:1-7](/exodus/17-1-7 "Exodus 17:1-7 - Israel Tests God at Massah")). Satan's challenge to Jesus to throw Himself from the temple pinnacle was a prime example: a demand for God to perform a miracle to satisfy a presumptuous test, rather than a humble act of faith. Jesus' response underscores that God is sovereign and not to be manipulated or subjected to human demands.

**Why did Jesus quote Deuteronomy 6:16 in response to Satan?**

Answer: Jesus quoted [Deuteronomy 6:16](/deuteronomy/6-16 "Deuteronomy 6:16 - The Command Not to Test God") for several crucial reasons. Firstly, it demonstrated His absolute reliance on and submission to the authority of God's written Word, even as the Son of God. He modeled for humanity how to combat spiritual deception: not with personal power or spectacular displays, but with the truth of Scripture. Secondly, [Deuteronomy 6:16](/deuteronomy/6-16 "Deuteronomy 6:16 - Do Not Test the Lord Your God") directly addressed the nature of Satan's temptation, which was a presumptuous test of God. By quoting this specific verse, Jesus exposed the devil's perversion of [Psalm 91:11-12](/psalms/91-11-12 "Psalm 91:11-12 - Satan's Misquote") and affirmed the true intent of God's law. It also highlighted Jesus' identity as the faithful Israelite who perfectly obeys where the nation of Israel had historically failed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 4:12, while a direct rebuke to Satan, profoundly reveals the Christ-centered nature of Jesus' mission and person. In His perfect obedience, Jesus stands as the true Israel, succeeding where the nation had repeatedly failed in testing God. His unwavering reliance on the Word of God, even in the face of intense temptation, foreshadows His ultimate submission to the Father's will, culminating in His obedience unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience Unto Death")). Jesus' victory over the tempter in the wilderness is a prefigurement of His triumph over sin and death, demonstrating that He is indeed the Stronger Man who binds the strong man ([Luke 11:21-22](/luke/11-21-22 "Luke 11:21-22 - The Stronger Man")). As the sinless Lamb of God, He perfectly honors the Father, never putting God to the test, but always trusting His sovereign plan. This perfect obedience and reverent trust qualify Him as our High Priest, one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are, yet without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")), enabling Him to sympathize with and deliver those who are tempted ([Hebrews 2:18](/hebrews/2-18 "Hebrews 2:18 - Jesus Helps the Tempted")). Thus, Luke 4:12 is not merely a moral lesson but a foundational revelation of Christ's perfect righteousness and His redemptive victory over the dominion of evil.

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

Deuteronomy 6:16

Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted [him] in Massah.

Hebrews 3:8

Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:

Hebrews 3:9

When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.

1 Corinthians 10:9

Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.

Matthew 4:7

Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

Psalms 95:9

When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work.

Malachi 3:15

And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, [they that] tempt God are even delivered.