Luke 4:8

KJV

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} Jesus {G2424} answered {G611} and said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Get thee {G5217} behind {G3694} me {G3450}, Satan {G4567}: for {G1063} it is written {G1125}, Thou shalt worship {G4352} the Lord {G2962} thy {G4675} God {G2316}, and {G2532} him {G846} only {G3441} shalt thou serve {G3000}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua answered him, "The Tanakh says, `Worship ADONAI your God and serve him only.'"

Berean Standard Bible

But Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’”

American Standard Version

And Jesus answered and said unto him, It is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 4:8 records Jesus' definitive rebuke of Satan during the third temptation in the wilderness, where He asserts the non-negotiable principle of exclusive worship and service to God alone. This pivotal declaration, rooted in Old Testament scripture, underscores Jesus' unwavering devotion to the Father and His rejection of any shortcut to His messianic mission that would compromise divine honor, setting a foundational standard for all who would follow Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of the temptation narrative in [Luke 4:1-13](/luke/4-1-13 "Luke 4:1-13 - The Temptation of Jesus"), immediately following Jesus' baptism and anointing by the Holy Spirit in [Luke 3:21-22](/luke/3-21-22 "Luke 3:21-22 - Jesus' Baptism"). After forty days of fasting, the devil presents three strategic temptations designed to challenge Jesus' identity as the Son of God and His commitment to God's will. The third temptation, detailed in [Luke 4:5-7](/luke/4-5-7 "Luke 4:5-7 - Satan's Third Temptation"), involves Satan offering Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and their glory in exchange for an act of worship. Jesus' response in Luke 4:8 is a direct and forceful refutation, culminating the series of scripturally-based counter-arguments He employs throughout the encounter.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' forty-day fast in the wilderness evokes parallels with Israel's forty years in the wilderness, a period of testing and dependence on God. The temptations themselves reflect common human desires for power, security, and recognition, but presented in a way that directly challenges Jesus' divine sonship and messianic calling. The concept of "worship" (Greek: _proskynéō_) in the ancient world involved acts of prostration and homage, signifying absolute submission and allegiance to a deity or a powerful ruler. To worship Satan would be an act of profound apostasy, directly violating the First Commandment given to Israel (cf. [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")). Jesus' reliance on scripture, particularly from Deuteronomy, reflects the common Jewish practice of memorizing and quoting the Torah as a guide for life and a defense against error.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 4:8 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Jesus' Obedience and Faithfulness** to the Father, even under extreme duress. His refusal to compromise His allegiance demonstrates His perfect humanity and divine commitment. The verse also highlights the **Authority of Scripture** as the ultimate weapon against spiritual deception; Jesus' repeated refrain of "it is written" (also seen in [Luke 4:4](/luke/4-4 "Luke 4:4 - Jesus quotes Deuteronomy") and [Luke 4:12](/luke/4-12 "Luke 4:12 - Jesus quotes Deuteronomy again")) underscores its power. Furthermore, it reveals the **Nature of Satan** as an adversary who seeks to usurp God's rightful place and divert worship, and conversely, it affirms the **Exclusive Sovereignty and Worthiness of God** to receive all worship and service, a truth foundational to biblical monotheism and the covenant relationship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Satan (Greek, _Satanâs'_):** This word, transliterated from the Hebrew, literally means "adversary" or "accuser." In this context, it identifies the malevolent spiritual being who opposes God and His purposes, here attempting to subvert Jesus' mission. Jesus' direct address and command to "Get thee behind me, Satan" reveal His immediate recognition of the tempter's identity and His divine authority over him.
* **worship (Greek, _proskynéō'_):** This verb describes the act of prostrating oneself before another, signifying profound reverence, adoration, and submission. It implies an act of homage rendered to a superior being, whether human (as to a king) or divine. In the context of God, it denotes the deepest form of spiritual devotion and allegiance, acknowledging His supreme worth and authority.
* **serve (Greek, _latreúō'_):** This term refers specifically to religious service, devotion, or ministry rendered to a deity. It implies a total commitment and allegiance, often involving ritual acts or a life dedicated to the object of worship. When applied to God, it speaks of an exclusive, lifelong devotion that encompasses all aspects of one's being and actions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus answered and said unto him,"**: This opening clause indicates Jesus' direct and decisive response to Satan's audacious demand. It emphasizes that Jesus is not merely reacting but thoughtfully and authoritatively articulating a divine truth.
* **"Get thee behind me, Satan:"**: This is a powerful, imperative rebuke. The phrase "Get thee behind me" (Greek: _hypágō opísō_) signifies a command to withdraw or depart, a forceful dismissal. Jesus directly names the adversary, demonstrating His awareness of the spiritual battle and His authority to command evil to retreat.
* **"for it is written,"**: This phrase introduces Jesus' scriptural defense, indicating that His authority and rejection of Satan's offer are not based on personal preference but on the unchanging, authoritative Word of God. It highlights the principle that divine truth is the ultimate weapon against deception.
* **"Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God,"**: This is a direct quotation or synthesis of Old Testament commands (primarily from [Deuteronomy 6:13](/deuteronomy/6-13 "Deuteronomy 6:13 - Fear and Serve the Lord") and [Deuteronomy 10:20](/deuteronomy/10-20 "Deuteronomy 10:20 - Serve the Lord")). It unequivocally states that worship is due only to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. This negates Satan's demand for homage, asserting God's exclusive claim to adoration.
* **"and him only shalt thou serve."**: This concluding clause reinforces the exclusivity of devotion. The addition of "only" (Greek: _mónos_) emphasizes that not only worship but also dedicated service and allegiance are to be directed solely to God. There is no room for divided loyalties or for serving any other entity, especially not the adversary of God.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 4:8 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Direct Quotation**, as Jesus directly cites and synthesizes Old Testament scripture, specifically from Deuteronomy, to counter Satan's temptation. This highlights the **Authority of Scripture** as a divine weapon and establishes Jesus as one who lives by and upholds God's Word. The phrase "Get thee behind me, Satan" serves as a powerful **Imperative** and an act of **Apostrophe**, directly addressing and commanding the personified evil, demonstrating Jesus' absolute authority over the spiritual realm. The entire verse functions as a **Theological Statement**, articulating a core tenet of monotheistic faith: the exclusive worship and service due to the one true God. This stands in stark **Contrast** to Satan's attempt to usurp divine honor, underscoring the fundamental conflict between good and evil, divine sovereignty and demonic ambition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 4:8 is a foundational statement on the nature of true worship and allegiance. It asserts that God's unique identity as the Creator and Sustainer of all things demands exclusive adoration and service from His creation. This principle is not merely a suggestion but a divine command, forming the very core of the covenant relationship between God and humanity. Jesus' unwavering adherence to this truth, even when offered worldly power and glory, demonstrates the ultimate priority of God's honor above all else. This theological truth serves as a bulwark against idolatry in all its forms, whether the overt worship of false gods or the more subtle elevation of created things—wealth, power, self, or human institutions—to a position of ultimate loyalty.

* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods Before Me")
* [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - Cannot Serve Two Masters")
* [Revelation 19:10](/revelation/19-10 "Revelation 19:10 - Worship God Alone")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 4:8 provides a timeless template for navigating the temptations and distractions of life. In a world constantly vying for our attention, loyalty, and devotion, Jesus' example reminds us that our ultimate allegiance must be reserved for God alone. We are daily confronted with subtle and overt invitations to "worship" something other than God—whether it's the pursuit of financial security above spiritual integrity, the craving for social status, the allure of personal ambition, or the idolization of relationships. Jesus' response teaches us that true freedom and victory come not from compromising our faith for worldly gain, but from steadfastly upholding God's exclusive right to our worship and service. This requires a deep knowledge of God's Word, a clear understanding of the spiritual battle, and the courage to say "no" to anything that would diminish God's rightful place in our lives. Our application of this verse means actively choosing to prioritize God in our thoughts, words, and deeds, allowing His will to shape our decisions and His glory to be the ultimate aim of our existence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "kingdoms of the world" or forms of worldly glory am I most tempted to pursue or compromise for, rather than focusing on exclusive worship of God?**
* **How effectively am I using God's Word as a defense against temptation in my daily life? Am I familiar enough with scripture to wield it like Jesus did?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be giving "divided loyalty" or serving something "only" other than God?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to deepen my exclusive worship and service to the Lord my God?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Jesus quoting "it is written" multiple times during the temptation?**

Answer: Jesus' repeated use of "it is written" (Greek: _gegraptai_) throughout the temptation narrative in [Luke 4:1-13](/luke/4-1-13 "Luke 4:1-13 - The Temptation of Jesus") is profoundly significant. It demonstrates His absolute reliance on and submission to the authority of God's Word. By quoting scripture, Jesus highlights that the divine commands and truths revealed in the Old Testament are timeless, authoritative, and sufficient to counter any lie or temptation from the enemy. It shows that even the Son of God, in His human experience, found His strength and defense in the revealed Word of God, providing a powerful example for believers to arm themselves with the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" ([Ephesians 6:17](/ephesians/6-17 "Ephesians 6:17 - The Sword of the Spirit")).

**Why does Jesus command Satan to "Get thee behind me"?**

Answer: The command "Get thee behind me, Satan" (Greek: _hypágō opísō, Satanâs_) is a forceful and authoritative dismissal. It signifies Jesus' complete rejection of Satan's offer and his presence. This phrase is not merely a casual dismissal but a divine imperative, revealing Jesus' absolute authority over the forces of evil. It echoes a similar rebuke Jesus gives to Peter in [Matthew 16:23](/matthew/16-23 "Matthew 16:23 - Jesus Rebukes Peter"), indicating that Peter's suggestion was influenced by a mindset contrary to God's will, effectively aligning with Satan's purposes. In Luke 4:8, it directly confronts the source of the temptation, asserting Jesus' unyielding commitment to God's plan and His refusal to be swayed by the devil's schemes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 4:8 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the exclusive worship and service due to God. Unlike Adam, who succumbed to temptation, or Israel, who repeatedly faltered in their allegiance, Jesus stands as the perfectly obedient Son. His victory over Satan in the wilderness foreshadows His ultimate triumph over sin, death, and the devil on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). By refusing to bow to Satan, Jesus affirmed His divine identity and His unwavering commitment to the Father's will, setting the stage for His sacrificial mission, which was itself an act of supreme worship and service. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus not only demonstrated what it means to truly worship and serve God but also made it possible for humanity to do so. As the One through whom all things were created and in whom all things hold together ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")), Jesus is Himself worthy of all worship and praise ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus is Lord"); [Revelation 5:13](/revelation/5-13 "Revelation 5:13 - Worthy is the Lamb")). Thus, to worship and serve the Lord our God is ultimately to worship and serve the Father through the Son, Jesus Christ, who is the very image of the invisible God ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")).

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 6:13

Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.

Deuteronomy 10:20

Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.

Matthew 4:10

Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Psalms 83:18

That [men] may know that thou, whose name alone [is] JEHOVAH, [art] the most high over all the earth.

Revelation 19:10

And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See [thou do it] not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

Revelation 22:9

Then saith he unto me, See [thou do it] not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

James 4:7

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.