Matthew 4:7

KJV

Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Jesus {G2424} said {G5346} unto him {G846}, It is written {G1125} again {G3825}, Thou shalt {G1598} not {G3756} tempt {G1598} the Lord {G2962} thy {G4675} God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua replied to him, "But it also says, `Do not put ADONAI your God to the test.'"h

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus replied, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

American Standard Version

Jesus said unto him, Again it is written, Thou shalt not make trial of the Lord thy God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 4:7 captures Jesus' resolute response to the devil's second temptation in the wilderness, where He counters a manipulative misuse of Scripture with a direct command from Deuteronomy. This verse underscores Jesus' unwavering reliance on the authoritative Word of God, forbidding the act of presumptuously testing divine faithfulness, thereby distinguishing true faith from reckless presumption and setting an example of perfect obedience in the face of spiritual assault.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the pivotal narrative of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness, immediately following His baptism and the Father's affirmation in [Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - God's Affirmation of Jesus"). Led by the Spirit into the wilderness (as detailed in [Matthew 4:1](/matthew/4-1 "Matthew 4:1 - Jesus Led by the Spirit")), Jesus undergoes a forty-day fast, leaving Him physically vulnerable. The devil seizes this moment to launch three strategic assaults on Jesus' identity and mission. The first temptation targeted His physical hunger, urging Him to turn stones into bread ([Matthew 4:3](/matthew/4-3 "Matthew 4:3 - First Temptation: Bread from Stones")). The second temptation, addressed in [Matthew 4:5-6](/matthew/4-5-6 "Matthew 4:5-6 - Second Temptation: Jump from the Temple"), involves a perversion of Scripture, where the devil quotes [Psalm 91:11-12](/psalms/91-11-12 "Psalm 91:11-12 - Angels Guarding") to entice Jesus to perform a miraculous, self-serving act by jumping from the temple's pinnacle. Jesus' response in [Matthew 4:7](/matthew/4-7 "Matthew 4:7 - Jesus' Response to the Second Temptation") directly refutes this challenge, demonstrating His perfect understanding and application of God's Word. The third temptation, offering all the kingdoms of the world for an act of worship ([Matthew 4:8-9](/matthew/4-8-9 "Matthew 4:8-9 - Third Temptation: Kingdoms of the World")), further highlights the comprehensive nature of the devil's attack and Jesus' unwavering fidelity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The wilderness setting for Jesus' temptation evokes significant Old Testament parallels, particularly the forty years of Israel's wandering and testing in the desert (e.g., [Deuteronomy 8:2-3](/deuteronomy/8-2-3 "Deuteronomy 8:2-3 - Israel's Testing in the Wilderness")). Just as Israel was tested regarding their trust in God's provision and obedience to His law, Jesus, as the true Israel, faces similar trials but responds with perfect obedience, unlike His ancestors who often failed. The devil's use of a quote from [Psalm 91](/psalms/91 "Psalm 91 - God's Protection") would have been recognizable to a Jewish audience, highlighting the cunning nature of the temptation—using sacred texts for unholy purposes. The "pinnacle of the temple" likely refers to a high point on the southeastern corner of the temple mount, a dramatic and public location that would have amplified any miraculous display, appealing to a desire for immediate, undeniable proof of messianic identity, a concept often sought by many in first-century Judaism.
* **Key Themes:** This passage profoundly contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully establishes the **Authority of Scripture**, as Jesus consistently wields the written Word of God ("It is written") as His primary weapon against the devil's deceptions, affirming its divine origin and absolute truth. Secondly, it illuminates the critical distinction between **True Faith and Presumption**. While genuine faith trusts God's promises and sovereignty in all circumstances, presumption involves demanding that God act in a specific, often reckless, way to satisfy human curiosity or doubt, thereby putting God to the test. This theme is rooted in the Old Testament accounts of Israel's testing of God, particularly at Massah ([Exodus 17:1-7](/exodus/17-1-7 "Exodus 17:1-7 - Israel Tests God at Massah")). Thirdly, the narrative showcases **Jesus' Perfect Obedience and Reliance on the Father**. Despite His divine nature, Jesus chooses to live in full dependence on God's Word and will, setting the ultimate example for His followers on how to [resist the devil](/james/4-7 "James 4:7 - Resist the Devil"). Finally, it foreshadows the **Nature of Jesus' Messiahship**, demonstrating that He would not achieve His kingdom through sensational displays or shortcuts, but through humble obedience and the path of suffering, fulfilling the Father's will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **written (Greek, _gráphō'_):** This verb signifies the act of "graving" or inscribing, especially to write. In this context, it refers to the divine authorship and enduring nature of the Old Testament Scriptures. Jesus' repeated use of "It is written" (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10) emphasizes the established, unchangeable authority of God's revealed Word, which stands as the ultimate truth against any deception.
* **tempt (Greek, _ekpeirázō'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to test," this compound verb intensifies the idea to "test thoroughly" or "put to the proof." It implies a deliberate, often hostile or challenging, act of putting God to the test, demanding a demonstration of His power or faithfulness. This is distinct from a sincere seeking of God in prayer or a humble asking for His help in genuine need; rather, it denotes a rebellious or faithless challenge to God's character or promises.
* **God (Greek, _theós'_):** This term refers to the supreme Divinity, the one true God. In the context of "the Lord thy God," it underscores the covenant relationship between the Creator and His people. To "tempt the Lord thy God" is not merely to test a powerful being, but to challenge the very character and faithfulness of the Almighty, who is sovereign and worthy of absolute trust, not manipulation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Jesus said unto him,"**: This opening phrase establishes Jesus as the speaker, directly addressing the tempter (the devil). It highlights the direct confrontation between the Son of God and the forces of evil, with Jesus maintaining full control and authority in the dialogue.
* **"It is written again,"**: Jesus' consistent refrain, "It is written," underscores His unwavering commitment to the authority of Scripture. The addition of "again" (Greek, _pálin_) indicates that this is the second time in this encounter He has invoked a scriptural command, reinforcing the pattern of His reliance on God's Word and signaling a new, distinct scriptural counter-argument to the devil's latest perversion.
* **"Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God."**: This is a direct quotation from [Deuteronomy 6:16](/deuteronomy/6-16 "Deuteronomy 6:16 - Do Not Test the Lord Your God"), recalling Israel's failure at Massah where they tested God's provision and presence. Jesus applies this ancient command to the devil's challenge, clarifying that true faith does not involve putting God to a reckless, self-serving test. It forbids demanding a miraculous intervention when one is deliberately placing oneself in danger or seeking to manipulate God for personal gain or proof. The phrase "the Lord thy God" emphasizes the personal, covenantal relationship, implying that such testing is an affront to the very nature of that relationship.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Allusion** is central, as Jesus directly alludes to and quotes [Deuteronomy 6:16](/deuteronomy/6-16 "Deuteronomy 6:16 - Do Not Test the Lord Your God"), drawing a parallel between the Israelites' testing of God in the wilderness and the devil's attempt to provoke Jesus. This **intertextuality** highlights Jesus' role as the faithful Israel, succeeding where the nation failed. The use of **dialogue** between Jesus and the devil creates dramatic tension and showcases Jesus' intellectual and spiritual superiority. The devil's **irony** in quoting Scripture ([Psalm 91:11-12](/psalms/91-11-12 "Psalm 91:11-12 - Angels Guarding")) to tempt Jesus is countered by Jesus' **antithesis**, where He uses another Scripture to correct the devil's distorted interpretation, demonstrating the proper handling of God's Word. The repeated phrase "It is written" functions as a **refrain**, emphasizing the **authority** of Scripture as an unshakeable foundation against all lies and deceptions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 4:7 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of faith, divine sovereignty, and the proper use of Scripture. It asserts that true faith is characterized by trust and obedience, not by demanding God prove Himself through sensational acts or by presumptuously placing oneself in danger. To "tempt the Lord thy God" is to question His faithfulness, wisdom, or power, effectively trying to force His hand or manipulate Him, which is an act of rebellion rooted in unbelief. Jesus, by perfectly upholding this command, demonstrates that even the Son of God lives in complete submission to the Father's will and Word, providing a foundational principle for all believers: God is to be worshipped and obeyed, not tested or exploited. This encounter also underscores the spiritual warfare inherent in the Christian life, where the Word of God serves as the primary defensive and offensive weapon against the enemy's schemes.

* [Deuteronomy 6:16](/deuteronomy/6-16 "Deuteronomy 6:16 - Do Not Test the Lord Your God")
* [Exodus 17:1-7](/exodus/17-1-7 "Exodus 17:1-7 - Israel Tests God at Massah")
* [1 Corinthians 10:9](/1_corinthians/10-9 "1 Corinthians 10:9 - Do Not Test Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 4:7 offers a timeless lesson for every believer: the call to walk in genuine faith, not reckless presumption. In an age where many seek signs, wonders, or immediate gratification, Jesus' response reminds us that true faith trusts God's character and promises without demanding a performance. We are often tempted to "test" God when we face difficult circumstances, desiring a miraculous escape from consequences we might have brought upon ourselves, or when we doubt His presence and provision. This verse challenges us to examine our motives: are we seeking to obey and trust, or to manipulate and control? It calls us to cultivate a deep reverence for God, understanding that His ways are higher than ours and His timing is perfect. Instead of putting God to the test, we are to put our trust *in* God, relying on His revealed Word as our guide and strength, even when the path is unclear or challenging.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to "test" God, rather than simply trusting and obeying Him?**
* **How does Jesus' example of responding with Scripture challenge you to engage more deeply with God's Word in your own life?**
* **What is the difference between asking God for help in a genuine need and presumptuously demanding a miracle?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "tempt the Lord thy God"?**

Answer: To "tempt the Lord thy God" means to put God to an unnecessary or presumptuous test, often by deliberately placing oneself in a dangerous or impossible situation and then demanding that God intervene miraculously to save or prove Himself. It is an act of challenging God's faithfulness, power, or wisdom, rather than humbly trusting in His sovereignty and provision. This concept is rooted in Old Testament instances, such as Israel's testing of God at Massah ([Exodus 17:1-7](/exodus/17-1-7 "Exodus 17:1-7 - Israel Tests God at Massah")), where they doubted His presence and provision despite His past faithfulness. Jesus' refusal to jump from the temple pinnacle demonstrates that true faith does not seek to manipulate or force God's hand but relies on His established will and Word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 4:7, though a direct quote from the Old Testament, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Christ Himself. Jesus, as the perfect Son of God and the true Israel, uniquely embodies the command not to tempt the Lord His God. Unlike the nation of Israel, who repeatedly failed in the wilderness by testing God's patience and provision (as seen in [Numbers 14:22](/numbers/14-22 "Numbers 14:22 - Israel Tested God Ten Times")), Jesus perfectly obeys. His refusal to jump from the temple pinnacle is not merely an act of self-preservation but a definitive statement about the nature of His Messiahship. He would not achieve His kingdom through sensational, self-serving displays or by forcing the Father's hand. Instead, His path to glory would be one of humble obedience, suffering, and ultimately, the cross. This perfect obedience culminates in His willingness to endure the ultimate test on the cross, where He did not call legions of angels to save Himself ([Matthew 26:53](/matthew/26-53 "Matthew 26:53 - Jesus Could Call Angels")), but fully entrusted Himself to the Father's will. Thus, Jesus fulfills the spirit of [Deuteronomy 6:16](/deuteronomy/6-16 "Deuteronomy 6:16 - Do Not Test the Lord Your God") not only by adhering to the letter of the law but by living a life of perfect trust and submission, demonstrating what it truly means to honor and not tempt the Lord God. His example becomes the blueprint for all who follow Him, calling us to a faith that trusts God's sovereign plan rather than demanding our own.

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 6:16

Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted [him] in Massah.

1 Corinthians 10:9

Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.

Psalms 78:18

And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust.

Psalms 78:41

Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.

Hebrews 3:9

When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.

Exodus 17:7

And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not?

Exodus 17:2

Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD?