Matthew 4:8

KJV

Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;

KJV (with Strong's)

Again {G3825}, the devil {G1228} taketh {G3880} him {G846} up {G3880} into {G1519} an exceeding {G3029} high {G5308} mountain {G3735}, and {G2532} sheweth {G1166} him {G846} all {G3956} the kingdoms {G932} of the world {G2889}, and {G2532} the glory {G1391} of them {G846};

Complete Jewish Bible

Once more, the Adversary took him up to the summit of a very high mountain, showed him all the kingdoms of the world in all their glory,

Berean Standard Bible

Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.

American Standard Version

Again, the devil taketh him unto an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 4:8 details the third and climactic temptation of Jesus Christ by the devil in the wilderness, where Satan offers Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. This audacious proposition represents a profound spiritual challenge to Jesus' divine mission, presenting a shortcut to universal dominion without the suffering and sacrifice ordained by God. Jesus' steadfast refusal of this offer underscores His perfect obedience to the Father's will and His commitment to establishing His kingdom through humility and the cross, rather than through worldly power or compromise with evil.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist, where He was affirmed as God's beloved Son ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - God's Affirmation of Jesus")). Led by the Spirit into the wilderness, Jesus endured forty days of fasting and initial temptations. The first temptation appealed to physical hunger, urging Him to turn stones into bread ([Matthew 4:3](/matthew/4-3 "Matthew 4:3 - Temptation to Turn Stones into Bread")). The second challenged His trust in God, daring Him to jump from the temple's pinnacle ([Matthew 4:6](/matthew/4-6 "Matthew 4:6 - Temptation at the Temple")). Matthew 4:8 presents the ultimate and most comprehensive temptation, targeting Jesus' identity and mission as the Messiah by offering Him a path to kingship that bypasses divine suffering, setting the stage for His decisive victory over Satan's schemes.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The wilderness, a common setting for spiritual testing in biblical history (e.g., Israel's forty years of wandering), served as a crucible for Jesus. Mountains often symbolize places of divine revelation or significant spiritual encounters, both positive (Mount Sinai, Mount of Transfiguration) and negative (high places for idolatry). The concept of "kingdoms of the world" would have resonated deeply in a Roman-occupied Judea, where the Jewish people yearned for a messianic king who would overthrow Roman rule and restore Israel's sovereignty. The devil's offer plays directly into these nationalistic and worldly expectations, presenting a path to power that bypasses the humble, suffering servant role prophesied for the Messiah in passages like [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant").

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 4:8 profoundly contributes to several key themes. It highlights the reality of **spiritual warfare** and the cunning nature of temptation, as the devil strategically targets Jesus' messianic identity. It underscores **Jesus' perfect obedience** to God's will, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to the Father's plan even when presented with an alluring alternative. The verse also introduces the critical theme of **true kingship versus worldly power**, contrasting the devil's offer of temporal dominion with Jesus' spiritual kingdom, which would be established through self-sacrifice rather than political might. Furthermore, it subtly addresses **Satan's usurped authority** over the fallen world, setting the stage for Jesus' ultimate triumph over the "prince of this world" ([John 12:31](/john/12-31 "John 12:31 - Jesus on the Prince of This World")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **devil (Greek, _diábolos'_):** From G1228, meaning "a traducer; specially, Satan." This term emphasizes the tempter's character as a slanderer and accuser, one who actively seeks to undermine and destroy. Here, he acts as God's adversary, attempting to divert Jesus from His divine mission through deception and false promises.
* **sheweth (Greek, _deiknýō'_):** From G1166, meaning "to show (literally or figuratively)." The act of "showing" implies a vivid presentation, a visual display designed to impress and entice. It's not just a verbal offer but a powerful, perhaps even supernatural, manifestation of the world's allure, aimed at captivating Jesus' senses and ambition.
* **glory (Greek, _dóxa'_):** From G1391, meaning "glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective):--dignity, glory(-ious), honour, praise, worship." The "glory" offered by the devil is the superficial splendor, the worldly honor, and the transient power associated with earthly kingdoms. It stands in stark contrast to the true, divine glory that belongs to God alone and that Jesus would ultimately manifest through His humility and redemptive work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain":** This phrase marks the re-initiation of the temptation, emphasizing the devil's persistence. The "exceeding high mountain" is a symbolic location, providing a vantage point for a panoramic vision, not necessarily a literal peak from which all global kingdoms could be seen. It represents a place of supreme elevation, signifying the scope and audacity of the devil's offer of dominion.
* **"and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world":** The devil actively presents a vision of universal earthly power. The phrase "kingdoms of the world" (Greek: _basileía tou kósmou_) refers to the organized systems of human society, often characterized by their rebellion against God and their pursuit of power, wealth, and influence apart from divine will. This display is designed to appeal to the natural human desire for control and authority.
* **"and the glory of them;":** This clause highlights the enticing aspect of the offer. The "glory" refers to the splendor, honor, and prestige associated with these earthly realms. It's the superficial allure of power, the visible signs of success and dominion, which the devil uses as bait to tempt Jesus away from the path of suffering and obedience.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 4:8 employs several potent literary devices. **Symbolism** is prominent with the "exceeding high mountain," which serves as a symbolic vantage point for surveying vast dominion and represents the pinnacle of worldly power and temptation. The "kingdoms of the world" themselves are **symbolic** of all earthly systems, power structures, and human achievements that operate independently of God's will. The devil's offer of "all the kingdoms" and "the glory of them" uses **hyperbole** to emphasize the immense scale of the temptation, even if not literally every single kingdom was visible. This scene also functions as a **climax** in the temptation narrative, representing the ultimate challenge to Jesus' messianic identity and mission. Furthermore, there is an underlying **antithesis** between the devil's false offer of worldly glory and the true, divine glory that Jesus would achieve through humility, suffering, and obedience to God's will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This temptation exposes the core conflict between God's sovereign plan and Satan's usurped authority over a fallen world. The devil, as the "god of this world" ([2 Corinthians 4:4](/2_corinthians/4-4 "2 Corinthians 4:4 - The God of This World")), presents a counterfeit path to kingship, offering Jesus a crown without a cross. Jesus' refusal reaffirms that true authority and dominion belong to God alone, and His kingdom is not of this world's making. This moment foreshadows Jesus' ultimate victory over Satan, not by seizing earthly power, but by humbly submitting to the Father's will, even unto death on the cross, thereby disarming the powers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")) and establishing a spiritual kingdom that will endure forever.

* [Luke 4:5-7](/luke/4-5-7 "Luke 4:5-7 - The Temptation of Worldly Power")
* [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Is Not of This World")
* [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdoms of the World Become Christ's")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 4:8 serves as a timeless paradigm for understanding and resisting temptation in our own lives. Just as Jesus was offered a shortcut to power and glory, we too are constantly enticed by the allure of worldly success, recognition, and influence that often demand compromise with our faith or divert us from God's intended path. This verse challenges us to discern the subtle ways the "glory of the world" can manifest in our ambitions, relationships, and pursuits. It calls us to resist the temptation to achieve good ends through ungodly means, reminding us that God's way often involves patience, humility, and sacrifice. Our steadfast obedience, like Jesus', affirms God's ultimate sovereignty and our reliance on His perfect will, rather than on the fleeting promises of worldly power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I most tempted by the "glory of the world" (e.g., career, finances, social status)?**
* **Are there any "shortcuts" I am tempted to take that might compromise my integrity or spiritual principles?**
* **How does my pursuit of success or recognition align with, or diverge from, God's kingdom values?**
* **What practical steps can I take to affirm God's sovereignty in my daily choices and resist worldly allure?**

### FAQ
**Was the "exceeding high mountain" a literal geographic location?**

Answer: While the text describes a physical ascent, the "exceeding high mountain" is generally understood to be more symbolic than literal. It represents a spiritual vantage point from which the devil could present a comprehensive vision of earthly power and glory to Jesus. It would be geographically impossible to see "all the kingdoms of the world" from any single earthly mountain. Therefore, the mountain serves as a powerful symbol of the elevated position from which one might survey vast dominion, emphasizing the spiritual nature and immense scope of the temptation.

**Did the devil truly have authority over "all the kingdoms of the world" to offer them to Jesus?**

Answer: The devil's claim to authority, while audacious, reflects a genuine, albeit usurped and temporary, dominion over the fallen world. Scripture refers to him as the "prince of this world" ([John 12:31](/john/12-31 "John 12:31 - Jesus on the Prince of This World")) and the "god of this world" ([2 Corinthians 4:4](/2_corinthians/4-4 "2 Corinthians 4:4 - The God of This World")), indicating his significant influence over human systems and spiritual darkness since the Fall. However, his authority is not ultimate; it is permitted by God for a time. Jesus' powerful rejection of the offer, and His subsequent victory on the cross, ultimately demonstrates that true and ultimate authority belongs to God alone. The devil's offer was a test of Jesus' allegiance, not a legitimate transfer of ownership.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 4:8 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' perfect and unwavering obedience to the Father, which directly contrasts with humanity's fall. Where the first Adam succumbed to temptation and lost dominion, the second Adam, Jesus, decisively rejected Satan's counterfeit offer of worldly power. He refused to seize a kingdom through compromise or a shortcut, choosing instead the path of humility, suffering, and self-sacrifice. His kingdom, as He later declared, is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Is Not of This World")). By rejecting the devil's offer, Jesus affirmed that His true reign would be established not by earthly might but by His atoning death and glorious resurrection, through which He disarmed "principalities and powers" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")) and secured eternal dominion. He is the rightful King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")), to whom "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")), ensuring that ultimately, the "kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ" ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of God Returns")).

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 John 2:15

Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

1 John 2:16

For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Luke 4:5

And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.

Luke 4:7

If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.

Matthew 16:26

For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Revelation 11:15

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become [the kingdoms] of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

Psalms 49:16

Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased;