Matthew 4:10

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.

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}.

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

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

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

Context

This powerful declaration by Jesus comes at the climax of His forty-day fast and temptation in the wilderness. Having endured hunger and two previous sophisticated temptations from Satan—first to turn stones into bread (Matthew 4:3), then to jump from the temple pinnacle (Matthew 4:6)—Jesus now faces the devil's ultimate assault: an offer of all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for an act of worship to Satan himself (Matthew 4:9). This verse records Jesus' definitive and decisive response.

Key Themes

  • Unwavering Allegiance to God Alone: The core message is the absolute and exclusive worship and service due to God alone. Satan's demand for worship directly challenges God's supreme authority, and Jesus firmly rejects it, affirming that only the Creator is worthy of such devotion.
  • The Authority of Scripture: Jesus decisively counters Satan's audacious ploy not with His divine power, but by quoting Scripture. This highlights the supreme authority and sufficiency of God's Word as the ultimate weapon against temptation and deception.
  • Resisting Temptation: This verse provides a foundational principle for resisting temptation. Jesus' direct command, "Get thee hence, Satan," demonstrates the necessity of a firm, verbal rejection of evil and its enticements.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Get thee hence, Satan": This is a powerful, imperative command, showcasing Jesus' authority and His absolute refusal to entertain the devil's proposition. It's a direct and forceful rebuke, emphasizing the stark opposition between God's will and the devil's schemes.
  • "Worship" (proskyneō - προσκυνέω): The Greek word used here implies to prostrate oneself, to do homage, or to adore. It signifies complete submission, reverence, and adoration, a posture reserved solely for God.
  • "Serve" (latreuō - λατρεύω): This term specifically refers to rendering religious service or devotion, implying a life dedicated to God through acts of worship, obedience, and ministry. It's not just a fleeting act, but a continual commitment.

Related Scriptures

The passage Jesus quotes is a direct reference to Old Testament commands found in Deuteronomy 6:13 and Deuteronomy 10:20, foundational texts that emphasize exclusive devotion to Yahweh. The parallel account of Jesus' temptation in Luke 4:8 reiterates this same powerful declaration, underscoring its importance.

Practical Application

For believers today, Matthew 4:10 is a timeless reminder that our ultimate allegiance must be to God alone. It challenges us to examine any "idols" in our lives—whether wealth, power, status, possessions, or even self-indulgence—that might compete for the devotion due only to God. Furthermore, it underscores the vital importance of knowing and applying God's Word as our primary defense against temptation and deception. Like Jesus, we are called to stand firm, reject evil, and commit ourselves wholly to worshipping and serving the Lord our God.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 6:13 (94 votes)

    Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.

  • Deuteronomy 6:14 (94 votes)

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

  • Deuteronomy 10:20 (53 votes)

    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 (33 votes)

    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 (24 votes)

    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 (22 votes)

    ¶ 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 (17 votes)

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