King James Version

What Does Luke 4:10 Mean?

Luke 4:10 in the King James Version says “For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee:” — study this verse from Luke chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee:”

Luke 4:10 · KJV

Context

8

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.

9

And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence:

10

For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee:

11

And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

12

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee. Satan quotes Psalm 91:11, demonstrating his knowledge of Scripture and willingness to misuse it for evil purposes. The phrase gegraptai gar (γέγραπται γάρ, for it is written) mirrors Jesus' own defense method, showing Satan's sophistication in theological argument. The verb entelleitai (ἐντελλεῖται, shall give charge) means to command or commission, while diaphylaxai (διαφυλάξαι, to keep/guard) indicates protective custody.

Satan's quotation is accurate but his application is deceptive. He omits 'in all thy ways' from Psalm 91:11—the promise of angelic protection applies to those walking in God's appointed paths, not those presumptuously testing Him. This is eisegesis (reading into Scripture) rather than exegesis (drawing meaning from Scripture). The temptation suggests Jesus should force God's hand, demanding a miraculous rescue to prove His messianic identity publicly. This represents the perennial temptation to manipulate God through selective Scripture use, demanding He perform according to our agenda rather than submitting to His revealed will.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 91 was recognized as a messianic psalm promising divine protection. Satan weaponizes Scripture, demonstrating that biblical knowledge without Spirit-illumination produces error. The early church fathers warned against proof-texting—extracting verses from context to support predetermined conclusions. This temptation occurred at the temple pinnacle, likely the southeast corner overlooking the Kidron Valley (approximately 450 feet high). A spectacular angelic rescue before temple-goers would provide undeniable public vindication of Jesus' messianic claims. Yet Jesus understood that faith demonstrates itself through obedience, not demands for miraculous signs (compare the Pharisees' demand for signs in Matthew 12:38-39).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Satan's accurate quotation but distorted application of Scripture warn us against proof-texting and eisegesis?
  2. What safeguards help prevent misusing Scripture to justify our own desires rather than submitting to God's will?
  3. In what ways do Christians sometimes demand God prove Himself rather than trusting His character and promises?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
γέγραπται1 of 12

“it is written”

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

γὰρ2 of 12

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ὅτι3 of 12
G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Τοῖς4 of 12
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀγγέλοις5 of 12

“angels”

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

αὐτοῦ6 of 12
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐντελεῖται7 of 12

“He shall give”

G1781

to enjoin

περὶ8 of 12

“over”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

σοῦ9 of 12

“thee”

G4675

of thee, thy

τοῦ10 of 12
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

διαφυλάξαι11 of 12

“to keep”

G1314

to guard thoroughly, i.e., protect

σε12 of 12

“thee”

G4571

thee

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 4:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 4:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 91:11-12Hebrews 1:142 Corinthians 11:14Luke 4:3

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