Luke 4:2

Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.

Being {G3985} forty {G5062} days {G2250} tempted {G3985} of {G5259} the devil {G1228}. And {G2532} in {G1722} those {G1565} days {G2250} he did eat {G5315} nothing {G3756}{G3762}: and {G2532} when they {G846} were ended {G4931}, he afterward {G5305} hungered {G3983}.

for forty days of testing by the Adversary. During that time he ate nothing, and afterwards he was hungry.

where for forty days He was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when they had ended, He was hungry.

during forty days, being tempted of the devil. And he did eat nothing in those days: and when they were completed, he hungered.

Commentary

Luke 4:2 describes a crucial period immediately following Jesus' baptism, where he is led into the wilderness to face temptation.

Context

This verse is part of the narrative in Luke's Gospel detailing the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. After his baptism and the descent of the Holy Spirit (Luke 3:21-22), Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness. This period of testing precedes his return to Galilee and the start of his preaching and healing ministry.

Key Themes

  • Temptation by the Devil: The primary focus is Jesus being "tempted of the devil." This highlights the spiritual conflict Jesus faced from the outset of his mission. The specific temptations are detailed in the verses that follow (Luke 4:3-12).
  • Forty Days: The duration of forty days has significant biblical precedent, recalling periods of testing or preparation like the forty years Israel wandered in the wilderness or Moses' time on Mount Sinai. It signifies a period of intense spiritual focus and trial.
  • Fasting and Hunger: Jesus ate nothing during this time, leading to extreme physical hunger. This underscores the severity of his fast and makes the subsequent temptations, particularly the first one involving turning stones into bread, particularly poignant. It also emphasizes Jesus' genuine humanity and vulnerability.
  • Preparation for Ministry: This period of intense spiritual battle and physical deprivation served as a crucial preparation for Jesus' public ministry, demonstrating his reliance on God and his authority over the forces of evil.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "tempted" is peirazō (πειράζω). It can mean to "test," "try," or "prove," as well as to "tempt" in the sense of enticing to do evil. In this context, it carries both meanings – the devil seeks to entice Jesus to sin, while God allows the trial to test and prove Jesus' faithfulness.

Cross-References

This event is also recorded in the other synoptic gospels, offering parallel accounts:

The concept of spiritual testing is also found elsewhere, such as in James 1:12.

Reflection

Luke 4:2 reminds us that even Jesus, the Son of God, faced intense temptation. His experience in the wilderness, marked by fasting and direct confrontation with the devil, demonstrates the reality and difficulty of spiritual warfare. His endurance through reliance on God's Word (as shown in the subsequent verses) provides an example for believers facing their own trials and temptations. It highlights the importance of spiritual discipline and dependence on God in overcoming the enemy.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 19:8 (8 votes)

    And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.

  • Exodus 34:28 (8 votes)

    ¶ And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.

  • Hebrews 4:15 (7 votes)

    For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin.

  • Hebrews 2:18 (7 votes)

    For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

  • Deuteronomy 9:9 (6 votes)

    When I was gone up into the mount to receive the tables of stone, [even] the tables of the covenant which the LORD made with you, then I abode in the mount forty days and forty nights, I neither did eat bread nor drink water:

  • Deuteronomy 9:18 (3 votes)

    And I fell down before the LORD, as at the first, forty days and forty nights: I did neither eat bread, nor drink water, because of all your sins which ye sinned, in doing wickedly in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.

  • John 4:6 (3 votes)

    Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with [his] journey, sat thus on the well: [and] it was about the sixth hour.