Matthew 4:11

KJV

Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G5119} the devil {G1228} leaveth {G863} him {G846}, and {G2532}, behold {G2400}, angels {G32} came {G4334} and {G2532} ministered {G1247} unto him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the Adversary let him alone, and angels came and took care of him.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the devil left Him, and angels came and ministered to Him.

American Standard Version

Then the devil leaveth him; and behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 4:11 marks the triumphant conclusion of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness, where, having successfully resisted the devil's every assault with the Word of God, the adversary departs. Immediately following this spiritual victory, angels are dispatched by God to minister to Jesus, signifying divine approval, provision, and restoration after His arduous ordeal, thus preparing Him for the commencement of His public ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic resolution to the temptation narrative found in [Matthew 4:1-10](/matthew/4-1-10 "Matthew 4:1-10 - The Temptation of Jesus"). Preceding this, Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist in [Matthew 3](/matthew/3 "Matthew 3 - The Baptism of Jesus") affirmed His divine Sonship and anointing by the Holy Spirit, setting the stage for His confrontation with Satan. The temptation itself highlights Jesus' perfect obedience and reliance on Scripture, contrasting sharply with Israel's failures in the wilderness. Matthew 4:11 acts as a transition point, immediately preceding Jesus' return to Galilee and the commencement of His public ministry, including His call of the first disciples and the beginning of His teaching and healing ministry as detailed in [Matthew 4:12-25](/matthew/4-12-25 "Matthew 4:12-25 - Jesus Begins His Ministry").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The wilderness setting for Jesus' temptation carries significant historical and theological weight, echoing Israel's forty years of testing in the desert after their exodus from Egypt, as recounted in [Numbers 14:33](/numbers/14-33 "Numbers 14:33 - Israel's Wilderness Wandering"). Unlike Israel, who frequently grumbled and disobeyed, Jesus, the true Israel, perfectly obeyed God. Fasting for forty days was a period of intense spiritual discipline and preparation, reminiscent of Moses' time on Mount Sinai ([Exodus 34:28](/exodus/34-28 "Exodus 34:28 - Moses on Sinai")) and Elijah's journey to Horeb ([1 Kings 19:8](/1_kings/19-8 "1 Kings 19:8 - Elijah's Journey")). The belief in angels as divine messengers and servants was deeply ingrained in Jewish thought, frequently appearing in the Old Testament to deliver messages, protect, or provide sustenance, as seen with Elijah in [1 Kings 19:5-7](/1_kings/19-5-7 "1 Kings 19:5-7 - Angel Feeds Elijah").
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 4:11 powerfully underscores several crucial themes. Firstly, it exemplifies **Victory Over Temptation**, demonstrating Jesus' complete and unwavering triumph over the devil's most cunning and direct assaults. His reliance on the authoritative Word of God, as repeatedly quoted in [Matthew 4:4](/matthew/4-4 "Matthew 4:4 - Jesus' First Response to Temptation"), [Matthew 4:7](/matthew/4-7 "Matthew 4:7 - Jesus' Second Response to Temptation"), and [Matthew 4:10](/matthew/4-10 "Matthew 4:10 - Jesus' Final Response to Temptation"), proves to be the decisive weapon. Secondly, the immediate arrival of angels highlights **Divine Vindication and Provision**. God's swift intervention and care for His obedient Son serve as a powerful testament to His faithfulness in providing for those who endure trials and stand firm in faith. Lastly, the verse showcases the **Ministry of Angels**, affirming their role as God's servants and messengers who provide comfort, strength, and practical assistance to God's people in times of need, reinforcing the biblical truth that angels are "ministering spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation" ([Hebrews 1:14](/hebrews/1-14 "Hebrews 1:14 - Angels as Ministering Spirits")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **devil (Greek, _diábolos'_):** From the verb meaning "to throw across," "to slander," or "to accuse." This term denotes a "traducer," a "false accuser," or a "slanderer." It is specifically used here to refer to Satan, the chief adversary of God and humanity. His departure signifies the immediate cessation of his direct, intense assault on Jesus.
* **behold (Greek, _idoú'_):** This is an interjection used to draw attention to something sudden, striking, or significant. It functions as an imperative, meaning "look!" or "see!" Its inclusion emphasizes the immediate, dramatic, and divinely orchestrated nature of the angels' appearance, highlighting the wonder and importance of the event.
* **ministered (Greek, _diakonéō'_):** Derived from the noun _diákonos_ (deacon), this verb signifies active, practical service, often involving attending to needs such as food, drink, or comfort. It implies a humble, diligent, and often personal service. In this context, it suggests the angels provided restorative care to Jesus after His physically and spiritually exhausting ordeal, likely bringing sustenance and offering comfort and strength.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the devil leaveth him":** This clause marks the decisive end of the direct confrontation. The adverb "Then" (G5119 _tóte_) indicates an immediate consequence of Jesus' final command in [Matthew 4:10](/matthew/4-10 "Matthew 4:10 - Jesus' Command to Satan"). The devil, identified as _diábolos_, the "slanderer" or "accuser," is forced to depart, signifying Jesus' complete victory over his temptations. This departure, however, is temporary, as noted in the parallel account in [Luke 4:13](/luke/4-13 "Luke 4:13 - The Devil Departs for a Season"), which states he departed "for a season."
* **"and, behold, angels came":** Immediately following the devil's retreat, there is a dramatic and divinely orchestrated intervention. The interjection "behold" (G2400 _idoú_) draws the reader's attention to the sudden and significant appearance of "angels" (G32 _ángelos_), God's messengers. Their arrival underscores God's immediate recognition and affirmation of Jesus' perfect obedience and victory. The verb "came" (G4334 _prosérchomai_) implies an approach, drawing near to Jesus.
* **"and ministered unto him":** This final phrase describes the purpose of the angels' arrival. The term "ministered" (G1247 _diakonéō_) denotes active, practical service, likely involving providing physical sustenance (such as food and water after Jesus' forty-day fast) and spiritual comfort or strength. This divine provision serves as a profound act of restoration and encouragement for Jesus, preparing Him for the monumental task of His public ministry that lay ahead.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 4:11 employs several powerful literary devices. A stark **Contrast** is evident between the departure of the malevolent devil and the arrival of benevolent angels, highlighting the immediate shift from spiritual warfare to divine peace and provision. The use of "behold" acts as a **Dramatic Shift** or an interjection, drawing the reader's attention to the sudden and significant nature of the angels' appearance, emphasizing divine intervention. The entire scene functions as **Symbolism**, where the wilderness represents a place of testing and spiritual battle, and the angels symbolize God's direct care, vindication, and empowerment of His Son. This immediate divine response underscores the theological truth of God's faithfulness to those who endure temptation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 4:11 profoundly illustrates the immediate and tangible nature of God's care for His Son, and by extension, for all who faithfully endure spiritual trials. Jesus' victory over temptation is not merely a personal triumph but a foundational act that secures His authority and demonstrates His perfect obedience as the Son of God. The divine response, manifested through angelic ministry, affirms God's pleasure in Jesus' faithfulness and provides the necessary strength for the next phase of His mission. This passage assures believers that divine provision and comfort often follow periods of intense spiritual warfare and unwavering obedience.

* [Hebrews 1:14](/hebrews/1-14 "Hebrews 1:14 - Angels as Ministering Spirits"): "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?"
* [James 4:7](/james/4-7 "James 4:7 - Resist the Devil"): "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
* [Luke 22:43](/luke/22-43 "Luke 22:43 - Angel Strengthens Jesus in Gethsemane"): "And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This pivotal moment in Jesus' life offers profound encouragement and practical guidance for believers navigating their own spiritual battles. Just as Jesus, in His human weakness, was sustained by the Word of God and then divinely ministered to, so too can we expect God's presence and provision after enduring seasons of intense temptation or hardship. The passage reminds us that our primary weapon against the adversary is the unwavering truth of Scripture, faithfully applied. When we stand firm, resisting the devil through submission to God, we can trust that God will not abandon us but will dispatch His resources—whether through direct spiritual comfort, the encouragement of fellow believers, or tangible provision—to restore and strengthen us. Our faithfulness in the crucible of temptation precedes and often invites a fresh outpouring of divine grace and empowerment, preparing us for the next phase of our journey with Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' reliance on Scripture in the face of temptation inspire your own approach to spiritual warfare?**
* **In what ways have you experienced God's "ministering" presence or provision after a period of significant trial or spiritual struggle?**
* **What practical steps can you take to "resist the devil" more effectively in your daily life, knowing that he will eventually "flee from you"?**

### FAQ

**What does "ministered unto him" specifically imply regarding the angels' actions?**

Answer: The Greek word _diakonéō_ (G1247) implies active, practical service, often involving attending to physical needs. While the text doesn't specify, it is widely understood that the angels likely brought Jesus food and water after His forty-day fast, which would have left Him physically exhausted and hungry. Beyond physical sustenance, their presence would have provided immense spiritual comfort, encouragement, and strength, affirming God's approval and love for His Son after such a grueling ordeal. This act of ministry prepared Jesus for the demanding public ministry that was about to begin.

**Was this the last time Jesus was tempted by the devil?**

Answer: No, this was not the devil's final attempt to tempt Jesus. While the devil "leaveth him" in [Matthew 4:11](/matthew/4-11 "Matthew 4:11 - The Devil Leaves Jesus"), the parallel account in [Luke 4:13](/luke/4-13 "Luke 4:13 - The Devil Departs for a Season") states that the devil "departed from him for a season." This implies that the devil would return at opportune times, seeking to tempt or hinder Jesus again. We see evidence of this throughout Jesus' ministry, particularly in the Garden of Gethsemane ([Luke 22:39-46](/luke/22-39-46 "Luke 22:39-46 - Jesus in Gethsemane")), where an angel again appeared to strengthen Him, and ultimately on the cross, where Satan's final attempts to thwart God's plan were decisively defeated.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 4:11 is a profound Christ-centered moment, showcasing Jesus as the perfectly obedient Son who triumphs where the first Adam and even Israel failed. His victory over the devil in the wilderness is not merely a personal achievement but a foundational act that secures redemption for humanity. By perfectly resisting temptation, Jesus qualifies Himself as the spotless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the sinless High Priest who can truly sympathize with our weaknesses, having been tempted in every way, yet without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")). The subsequent angelic ministry foreshadows the divine provision and comfort available to all who are "in Christ." Because Jesus endured and conquered, believers are now empowered to "resist the devil" ([James 4:7](/james/4-7 "James 4:7 - Resist the Devil")) and stand firm in faith, knowing that the One who triumphed over all the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")) is their advocate and strength. His victory ensures that though we face trials, we are never left without divine aid, for He Himself, "having suffered when tempted, is able to help those who are being tempted" ([Hebrews 2:18](/hebrews/2-18 "Hebrews 2:18 - Jesus Helps the Tempted")).

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

Matthew 26:53

Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?

Hebrews 1:14

Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

Luke 22:43

And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

Luke 4:13

And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.

Revelation 5:11

And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;

Revelation 5:12

Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

Matthew 28:2

And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.