Matthew 4:10

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G5119} saith {G3004} Jesus {G2424} unto him {G846}, Get thee hence {G5217}, 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

"Away with you, Satan!" Yeshua told him, "For the Tanakh says, `Worship ADONAI your God, and serve only him.'"

Berean Standard Bible

“Away from Me, Satan!” Jesus declared. “For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 4:10, Jesus delivers a definitive rebuke to Satan during His wilderness temptation, asserting the exclusive right of God to receive worship and service. This pivotal declaration, rooted in Old Testament scripture, marks the climax of Jesus' resistance to the devil's most audacious offer—control over all earthly kingdoms in exchange for an act of homage to Satan. It underscores Jesus' unwavering allegiance to the Father and establishes a foundational principle for all believers regarding the absolute sovereignty and sole worthiness of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of Jesus' temptation narrative in [Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "Matthew 4:1-11 - The Temptation of Jesus"). Following His baptism and anointing by the Holy Spirit, Jesus is led into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He endures a forty-day fast, leaving Him physically vulnerable. Satan's first two temptations challenged Jesus' identity as the Son of God and His trust in the Father's provision and protection, urging Him to turn stones into bread ([Matthew 4:3](/matthew/4-3 "Matthew 4:3 - First Temptation: Bread from Stones")) and to jump from the temple pinnacle ([Matthew 4:6](/matthew/4-6 "Matthew 4:6 - Second Temptation: Jump from the Temple")). The third temptation, immediately preceding our verse in [Matthew 4:8-9](/matthew/4-8-9 "Matthew 4:8-9 - Third Temptation: Kingdoms of the World"), is the most direct assault on God's sovereignty: Satan offers Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and their glory if Jesus will "fall down and worship" him. Jesus' response in [Matthew 4:10](/matthew/4-10 "Matthew 4:10 - Jesus Rebukes Satan") is a decisive, scripturally-grounded rejection of this ultimate blasphemy, leading to Satan's immediate departure.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' temptation takes place in the Judean wilderness, a desolate and symbolic location often associated with testing, purification, and divine encounter in Israel's history (e.g., the Exodus generation's forty years in the wilderness). For first-century Jews, the concept of monotheism—the exclusive worship of Yahweh—was central to their identity, deeply ingrained through the Shema ([Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema")). The temptation narrative would have resonated deeply with the Jewish understanding of the ongoing spiritual battle between God and His adversaries. Satan, known as "the accuser" or "adversary," was understood as a real spiritual entity actively working against God's purposes. Jesus' quoting of [Deuteronomy 6:13](/deuteronomy/6-13 "Deuteronomy 6:13 - Fear and Serve the Lord") and [Deuteronomy 10:20](/deuteronomy/10-20 "Deuteronomy 10:20 - Fear and Serve the Lord") would have immediately signaled His adherence to the core tenets of Jewish faith, emphasizing that true worship and service belong to God alone, not to any created being, much less to the embodiment of evil.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Unwavering Allegiance to God Alone**, asserting the absolute and exclusive worship and service due only to the Creator. Satan's demand for worship directly challenges God's supreme authority, and Jesus' firm rejection upholds the first commandment. Secondly, it highlights the **Authority and Sufficiency of Scripture**. Jesus decisively counters Satan's audacious ploy not with a display of divine power, but by quoting God's Word, demonstrating that Scripture is the ultimate weapon against temptation and deception, sufficient for every spiritual battle ([2 Timothy 3:16](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed")). Finally, it underscores the theme of **Resisting Temptation**. Jesus' direct command, "Get thee hence, Satan," provides a foundational principle for believers: a firm, verbal rejection of evil and its enticements is necessary in spiritual warfare ([James 4:7](/james/4-7 "James 4:7 - Resist the Devil")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Satan (Greek, _Satanâs'_):** Derived from a Chaldee origin, this term refers to "the accuser," or "the devil." In this context, it identifies the malevolent spiritual entity directly opposing God and His redemptive plan, who here attempts to usurp God's rightful worship. Jesus' direct address signifies His recognition of the adversary and His authority to confront him.
* **Worship (Greek, _proskynéō'_):** This word literally means "to fawn or crouch to," implying prostration, homage, reverence, and adoration. It signifies a posture of complete submission and profound respect, reserved exclusively for God. Satan's demand for this act from Jesus reveals the core of his rebellion: a desire for the glory and devotion due only to the Almighty.
* **Serve (Greek, _latreúō'_):** This term refers to rendering religious homage or ministry to God. It denotes a life of devotion and obedience expressed through acts of worship, service, and commitment. Unlike general service, _latreúō_ specifically implies a sacred duty and allegiance, reinforcing that one's entire being and life's purpose should be dedicated solely to God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then saith Jesus unto him, 'Get thee hence, Satan:'"**: This opening clause marks a dramatic shift in the narrative. Jesus, having endured two subtle temptations, now confronts Satan directly and forcefully. The phrase "Get thee hence" (Greek _hypágō_) is an imperative command, signifying Jesus' absolute authority and His unwavering refusal to entertain the devil's blasphemous proposition. It is a decisive expulsion, demonstrating Jesus' mastery over the forces of evil.
* **"for it is written,"**: This phrase introduces Jesus' ultimate weapon against temptation: the authoritative Word of God. By prefacing His command with "for it is written" (Greek _gráphō_), Jesus grounds His rejection not merely in His own divine power, but in the eternal, unchangeable truth of Scripture. This highlights the sufficiency and power of God's revealed will as the ultimate defense against deception.
* **"Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God,"**: This is a direct quotation from the Old Testament ([Deuteronomy 6:13](/deuteronomy/6-13 "Deuteronomy 6:13 - Fear and Serve the Lord") and [Deuteronomy 10:20](/deuteronomy/10-20 "Deuteronomy 10:20 - Fear and Serve the Lord")). It unequivocally declares that worship (Greek _proskynéō_), implying profound reverence and adoration, is due only to "the Lord thy God" (Greek _kýrios_ and _theós_). This reasserts God's exclusive sovereignty and worthiness of all praise, directly countering Satan's attempt to usurp divine honor.
* **"and him only shalt thou serve."**: This concluding phrase reinforces the preceding command, emphasizing the singularity of devotion required. "Serve" (Greek _latreúō_) here refers to religious service and allegiance, implying that one's entire life and actions should be dedicated solely to God. The addition of "only" (Greek _mónos_) leaves no room for divided loyalties, solidifying the principle of exclusive devotion to God as the foundational truth for all existence.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 4:10 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Direct Quotation**, as Jesus directly quotes from Deuteronomy, lending immense authority and weight to His words. This highlights the foundational role of Scripture in spiritual warfare and righteous living. The use of the **Imperative Mood** ("Get thee hence," "Thou shalt worship," "shalt thou serve") conveys Jesus' absolute authority and the non-negotiable nature of God's commands. There is a strong **Contrast** between Satan's audacious offer of worldly power and Jesus' steadfast commitment to God's exclusive sovereignty, emphasizing the fundamental opposition between the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light. Finally, the scene itself functions as **Symbolism**, with the wilderness representing a place of testing and purification, and Jesus' victory foreshadowing His ultimate triumph over sin and death, and the establishment of God's righteous reign.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 4:10 stands as a foundational statement on monotheism and the nature of true worship, echoing the very first commandment given to Israel. Jesus' unyielding declaration that only God is worthy of worship and service directly challenges any form of idolatry, whether overt homage to evil or subtle allegiance to worldly desires. This principle is not merely about ritual acts but about the complete orientation of one's life, affections, and will toward God. It underscores the absolute sovereignty of God and the necessity of exclusive devotion, reminding believers that compromise with evil or divided loyalty to anything less than God is an affront to His holiness and majesty.

* [Deuteronomy 6:13](/deuteronomy/6-13 "Deuteronomy 6:13 - Fear and Serve the Lord")
* [Deuteronomy 10:20](/deuteronomy/10-20 "Deuteronomy 10:20 - Fear and Serve the Lord")
* [Luke 4:8](/luke/4-8 "Luke 4:8 - Parallel Account of Jesus' Temptation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 4:10 offers profound insights for contemporary believers navigating a world filled with competing allegiances. Jesus' resolute rejection of Satan's offer serves as a powerful model for how we are to confront temptation and maintain unwavering devotion to God. In an age where power, wealth, and status often vie for our ultimate loyalty, this verse challenges us to examine our own hearts: What do we truly worship? What do we truly serve? Any pursuit, desire, or ambition that displaces God from the supreme position in our lives becomes an idol. Like Jesus, we are called to know God's Word intimately, allowing it to be our guide and weapon against the subtle and overt deceptions of the enemy. Our response to temptation should be a firm, scripturally-grounded "Get thee hence," coupled with an active commitment to worship and serve the Lord our God alone in every facet of our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "kingdoms of the world" (e.g., wealth, status, comfort, approval) might be subtly tempting me to compromise my exclusive devotion to God?**
* **How does my daily life reflect that I worship and serve "the Lord my God, and Him only"?**
* **In what ways can I better internalize and utilize Scripture as my primary defense against temptation, following Jesus' example?**
* **What specific idols or competing loyalties do I need to "get hence" from my life to more fully serve God?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus quote Scripture instead of simply using His divine power to rebuke Satan?**

Answer: Jesus' decision to quote Scripture, specifically from [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/6 "Deuteronomy - The Law and Covenant"), highlights the supreme authority and sufficiency of God's Word. While Jesus certainly possessed divine power, His reliance on Scripture demonstrates that the written Word of God is the ultimate weapon against temptation and deception for both Himself and for humanity. It sets an example for believers, showing that spiritual battles are won not merely by raw power, but by wielding the truth of God's revealed will. It also underscores Jesus' perfect obedience as a man, fulfilling righteousness and demonstrating how humanity, empowered by the Spirit and grounded in God's Word, can overcome evil.

**What does "Get thee hence, Satan" mean for believers today?**

Answer: Jesus' imperative command, "Get thee hence, Satan," is a powerful model for believers. It signifies a direct, forceful, and non-negotiable rejection of evil and its enticements. For us, it means actively resisting temptation and the devil's schemes, not passively enduring them. It implies a verbal and volitional act of defiance against anything that seeks to draw us away from God. This resistance is empowered by the Holy Spirit and grounded in the authority of God's Word, as Jesus demonstrated. It is a call to stand firm, to have no fellowship with darkness ([Ephesians 5:11](/ephesians/5-11 "Ephesians 5:11 - No Fellowship with Darkness")), and to declare our unwavering allegiance to God alone.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 4:10 is profoundly Christ-centered, revealing Jesus not only as the Son of God but also as the perfectly obedient Son of Man who succeeds where Israel failed. Throughout its history, Israel repeatedly succumbed to idolatry and failed to worship and serve God alone in the wilderness ([Numbers 14:22-23](/numbers/14-22-23 "Numbers 14:22-23 - Israel's Disobedience in the Wilderness")). Jesus, as the true Israel, perfectly fulfills the covenant by remaining faithful in His own wilderness temptation, demonstrating what true humanity looks like in complete submission to God. His victory over Satan's ultimate temptation foreshadows His greater triumph on the cross, where He decisively defeated the power of sin and death, disarming the spiritual forces of evil ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). By worshipping and serving God alone, Jesus inaugurates the kingdom of God, establishing Himself as the rightful King who demands and receives all worship, ultimately leading His followers to worship the Father through Him ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - True Worshipers")). He is the one through whom all creation will ultimately bow and confess that He is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")).

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 6:14

Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which [are] round about you;

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.

Joshua 24:14

Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.

Luke 4:8

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.

1 Samuel 7:3

¶ And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, [then] put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.

James 4:7

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