King James Version

What Does Luke 4:11 Mean?

Luke 4:11 in the King James Version says “And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 4:11 · KJV

Context

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.

13

And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Satan continues quoting Psalm 91:12, emphasizing the promise of angelic intervention preventing even minor injury. The Greek arousin (ἀροῦσιν, they shall bear up) suggests lifting or carrying, while proskopsēs pros lithon ton poda sou (προσκόψῃς πρὸς λίθον τὸν πόδα σου, you dash your foot against a stone) envisions protection from the smallest harm.

Satan's use of this promise is particularly insidious: he takes a genuine divine promise and twists it into justification for presumption. The psalm promises God's providential care for those trusting Him, not protection for those testing Him. This illustrates the devil's strategy—he doesn't typically deny God's word but misapplies it, encouraging believers to claim promises outside their proper context. The temptation to force God to demonstrate His faithfulness on our terms represents spiritual manipulation disguised as faith. True faith trusts God's timing and methods; presumption demands immediate, visible proof.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In Jewish interpretation, Psalm 91 described the Messiah's divine protection during His mission. Satan exploits this legitimate messianic promise, suggesting Jesus prove His identity through a public spectacle. The reference to 'dash thy foot against a stone' takes on literal meaning in the context of jumping from the temple pinnacle—angels would need to intervene to prevent Jesus' death on the stones below. This temptation parallels demands Jesus faced throughout His ministry: 'Show us a sign' (Matthew 12:38, John 6:30). Jesus consistently refused to perform miracles as proof, instead offering the 'sign of Jonah' (His death and resurrection) as the ultimate vindication of His messianic claims.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can genuine biblical promises be twisted into justifications for presumptuous or foolish behavior?
  2. What distinguishes trusting God's protection from testing God by deliberately placing yourself in danger?
  3. Why does God refuse to respond to demands for spectacular signs while still performing miracles for those who trust Him?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὅτι2 of 13
G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Ἐπὶ3 of 13

“in”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

χειρῶν4 of 13

“their hands”

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

ἀροῦσίν5 of 13

“they shall bear”

G142

to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh

σε6 of 13

“thee”

G4571

thee

μήποτε7 of 13

“lest at any time”

G3379

not ever; also if (or lest) ever (or perhaps)

προσκόψῃς8 of 13

“thou dash”

G4350

to strike at, i.e., surge against (as water); specially, to stub on, i.e., trip up (literally or figuratively)

πρὸς9 of 13

“against”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

λίθον10 of 13

“a stone”

G3037

a stone (literally or figuratively)

τὸν11 of 13
G3588

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

πόδα12 of 13

“foot”

G4228

a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

σου13 of 13

“thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

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 4:11 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 4:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 91:12

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