Matthew 4:3

KJV

And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when the tempter {G3985} came {G4334} to him {G846}, he said {G2036}, If {G1487} thou be {G1488} the Son {G5207} of God {G2316}, command {G2036} that {G2443} these {G3778} stones {G3037} be made {G1096} bread {G740}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The Tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, order these stones to become bread."

Berean Standard Bible

The tempter came to Him and said, “If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

American Standard Version

And the tempter came and said unto him, If thou art the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 4:3 presents the initial direct confrontation between Jesus and Satan in the wilderness, immediately following Jesus' baptism and forty-day fast. The verse captures the tempter's subtle yet profound challenge to Jesus' divine identity and mission, urging Him to use His miraculous power for personal gratification by transforming stones into bread. This pivotal moment sets the stage for Jesus' perfect obedience and reliance on God's Word, contrasting sharply with humanity's historical failures in the face of temptation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the opening narrative of Jesus' public ministry in Matthew's Gospel. It immediately follows Jesus' baptism, where He was publicly affirmed by God the Father as His "beloved Son" ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - God's Affirmation of Jesus")). The Holy Spirit then leads Jesus into the wilderness ([Matthew 4:1](/matthew/4-1 "Matthew 4:1 - Jesus Led by the Spirit")) for a period of intense spiritual preparation and physical deprivation, fasting for forty days and forty nights ([Matthew 4:2](/matthew/4-2 "Matthew 4:2 - Jesus' Forty-Day Fast")). This forty-day period deliberately echoes Israel's forty years of wandering and testing in the wilderness, positioning Jesus as the faithful Israelite who will succeed where the nation failed. Matthew 4:3 introduces the first of three specific temptations, each designed to challenge Jesus' identity and commitment to God's will.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The wilderness (ἔρημος, _erēmos_) in biblical thought is often a place of purification, testing, and encounter with God or spiritual forces. It was where Israel was tested, where prophets like Elijah and John the Baptist operated, and where spiritual battles were often waged. Fasting for extended periods was a recognized spiritual discipline, demonstrating devotion and dependence on God, but it also left one physically vulnerable. The concept of a "tempter" (Satan) was well-established in Jewish thought, representing the adversary who seeks to lead humanity astray from God's path. The challenge "If thou be the Son of God" would resonate with Jewish messianic expectations, as there were various ideas about how the Messiah would manifest His power and authority, some of which involved miraculous provision or self-exaltation.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 4:3 introduces several foundational themes that permeate the Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the **reality and intensity of Jesus' temptation**, demonstrating that even the Son of God faced genuine, potent assaults from evil, yet remained sinless. Secondly, the verse immediately brings to the forefront the theme of **Jesus' divine identity** as the "Son of God," which Satan attempts to challenge and pervert. Thirdly, it underscores the theme of **obedience and trust in God's provision and timing**, contrasting the temptation to use divine power for personal gratification with Jesus' unwavering commitment to the Father's will. Finally, this passage sets up Jesus as the **New Adam and the true Israel**, who perfectly obeys God where the first Adam and the nation of Israel failed, establishing a pattern of faithfulness that culminates in His ultimate redemptive work.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **tempter (Greek, _peirázō'_):** Derived from G3985, this term signifies "to test (objectively), i.e. endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline." The use of "the tempter" (ὁ πειράζων) as a title for Satan emphasizes his primary role as one who probes weaknesses, scrutinizes motives, and entices individuals away from God's path. His aim is not merely to suggest evil, but to put someone to the test, often with the intent to cause them to fail or to reveal a flaw.
* **If thou be (Greek, _ei... eî'_):** Composed of G1487 (_ei_), a particle of conditionality meaning "if, whether," and G1488 (_eî_), the second person singular present form of "to be" meaning "thou art." This conditional phrase, "If thou be," is not typically a statement of genuine doubt but rather a rhetorical challenge or a premise for an argument. Satan is not questioning Jesus' identity as much as he is daring Jesus to prove it on his terms, implying, "Since you are the Son of God, then act like it by using your power for yourself."
* **be made (Greek, _gínomai'_):** From G1096, this verb means "to cause to be ('gen'-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude." In this context, it refers to the miraculous transformation of one substance into another. Satan challenges Jesus to "cause these stones to come into being as bread," urging Him to perform a creative act outside of the Father's express will and timing, for personal benefit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the tempter came to him":** This clause introduces the adversary, Satan, who is identified by his function as "the tempter." His "coming" implies a deliberate, calculated approach, targeting Jesus after a period of extreme physical vulnerability. It underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the direct opposition Jesus faced from the kingdom of darkness.
* **"he said, If thou be the Son of God":** This is the core of the challenge. Satan's statement is a provocative insinuation, not a sincere question. He is not seeking information about Jesus' identity, which he likely already knew, but rather aims to sow doubt, incite impatience, or provoke Jesus into acting independently of God's perfect will and timing. It's a test of obedience and trust, challenging Jesus to prove His Sonship by His own means rather than by relying on the Father.
* **"command that these stones be made bread":** This is the specific demand, directly appealing to Jesus' immediate physical hunger. The temptation is to misuse divine power for selfish gratification, to bypass the Father's provision and plan, and to satisfy a legitimate human need through an illegitimate means. It represents a lure away from spiritual dependence and towards self-sufficiency, echoing the temptation of Adam and Eve to grasp at divinity on their own terms.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is prominent, with the "wilderness" representing a place of spiritual testing and the "stones" symbolizing barrenness and lack, contrasted with "bread" as the symbol of sustenance and life. The confrontation itself is a form of **dramatic irony**, as the tempter, who is ultimately defeated, attempts to undermine the very one who will conquer him. The conditional "If thou be the Son of God" functions as a **rhetorical question** or a **challenge**, designed not to elicit information but to provoke a specific response. Furthermore, the entire scene is rich in **intertextuality**, subtly referencing Israel's wilderness wanderings and their failures, setting up Jesus as the faithful Son who will perfectly obey where His predecessors faltered.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 4:3 is profoundly significant for understanding the nature of temptation and the character of Christ. It reveals that temptation is not inherently sinful, but rather the internal or external solicitation to sin. Jesus, though sinless, experienced the full force of temptation, demonstrating His complete humanity and His perfect obedience. The challenge to turn stones into bread is a test of priorities: would Jesus prioritize physical comfort and immediate gratification over spiritual dependence and God's will? This temptation mirrors the human struggle to trust God's provision and timing, especially in moments of need or vulnerability. Jesus' resistance sets a precedent for believers, showing that true power lies not in self-serving displays but in unwavering submission to the Father.

* [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3 - Man Lives by God's Word")
* [James 1:13-14](/james/1-13-14 "James 1:13-14 - The Source of Temptation")
* [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 4:3 offers timeless lessons for every believer navigating the complexities of their faith journey. Like Jesus, we often find ourselves in "wilderness" seasons—periods of spiritual dryness, physical depletion, or intense pressure—where we are most vulnerable to temptation. These are precisely the moments when the "tempter" will "come to" us, often targeting our deepest needs or insecurities. The temptation to misuse our gifts, resources, or even our identity in Christ for self-serving purposes is a constant battle. We are challenged to prove our worth or secure our comfort outside of God's intended means and timing. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep reliance on God's Word and His Spirit, recognizing that true strength comes from humble obedience rather than independent action. It reminds us that our identity as children of God is affirmed by Him, not by our ability to perform or prove ourselves to the enemy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I identify and prepare for moments of personal vulnerability or depletion, knowing they can be prime targets for temptation?**
* **In what ways am I tempted to use my gifts, resources, or position for self-gratification rather than for God's glory and purposes?**
* **How does Satan (or the world) challenge my identity as a child of God, and how can I strengthen my conviction in God's affirmation of me?**
* **How can I better internalize and apply God's Word as my primary defense against the specific temptations I face?**

### FAQ

**Was Satan genuinely unsure if Jesus was the Son of God?**

Answer: No, it is highly unlikely that Satan was genuinely unsure of Jesus' divine identity. The phrase "If thou be the Son of God" functions more as a challenge or a dare than a question seeking information. Satan's intent was to provoke Jesus into acting outside of God's will and timing, thereby demonstrating a lack of trust in the Father. He sought to tempt Jesus to use His divine power for selfish ends, rather than for the redemptive plan of God. Satan's knowledge of Jesus' true identity is implied throughout the Gospels, as demons often recognized and proclaimed Jesus as the Son of God (e.g., [Mark 3:11](/mark/3-11 "Mark 3:11 - Unclean Spirits Recognize Jesus")).

**Why did Satan tempt Jesus with bread when Jesus had just fasted?**

Answer: Satan's strategy was to exploit Jesus' most immediate and pressing physical need—extreme hunger after a forty-day fast. By targeting this vulnerability, Satan aimed to make the temptation to turn stones into bread seem irresistible. The temptation was not just about food, but about provoking Jesus to use His divine power for personal comfort and gratification, thereby bypassing God's timing and provision. It was an attempt to divert Jesus from His mission of perfect obedience and reliance on the Father, suggesting a path of self-sufficiency over divine dependence, much like the original temptation in [Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Fall of Humanity").

**What is the significance of "stones to bread"?**

Answer: The command to turn "stones to bread" carries profound significance. On a literal level, it addresses Jesus' physical hunger. However, symbolically, it represents the temptation to prioritize physical comfort and immediate gratification over spiritual obedience and trust in God. It challenges Jesus to use His miraculous power for personal gain rather than for the Father's redemptive plan, which would involve suffering and self-denial. This temptation stands in stark contrast to Jesus' later teaching that He is the "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), emphasizing spiritual sustenance over mere physical provision. It also echoes Israel's temptation in the wilderness to demand food from God rather than trusting His long-term plan (e.g., [Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quail")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 4:3, and Jesus' subsequent resistance, is a foundational moment in His Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. As the "New Adam," Jesus perfectly succeeded where the first Adam failed, demonstrating unwavering obedience to God in the face of direct temptation ([Romans 5:19](/romans/5-19 "Romans 5:19 - Obedience of Christ")). Unlike Israel, who grumbled and failed in the wilderness, Jesus, the true Israel, perfectly trusted God's provision and Word, even in extreme hunger. His refusal to turn stones into bread foreshadows His ultimate mission: not to use His divine power for self-preservation or earthly comfort, but to lay down His life in perfect obedience to the Father's will, becoming the true "Bread of Life" who satisfies humanity's deepest spiritual hunger ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). Jesus' victory over the tempter empowers believers, assuring us that because He was "tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sin," He is able to sympathize with our weaknesses and provide grace in our own temptations ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest"); [Hebrews 2:18](/hebrews/2-18 "Hebrews 2:18 - Jesus' Ability to Help the Tempted")). His perfect faithfulness provides the pathway for our own liberation from sin's power and serves as the ultimate example for how to overcome temptation through reliance on God's Word and Spirit ([1 Corinthians 10:13](/1_corinthians/10-13 "1 Corinthians 10:13 - God Provides a Way of Escape from Temptation")).

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

1 Thessalonians 3:5

For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

Genesis 3:1

¶ Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

Genesis 3:5

For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

Numbers 11:4

¶ And the mixt multitude that [was] among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?

Numbers 11:6

But now our soul [is] dried away: [there is] nothing at all, beside this manna, [before] our eyes.

Revelation 2:10

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast [some] of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Luke 22:31

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired [to have] you, that he may sift [you] as wheat: