King James Version

What Does Luke 4:12 Mean?

Luke 4:12 in the King James Version says “And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said , Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 4:12 · KJV

Context

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.

14

And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Jesus counters Scripture with Scripture, quoting Deuteronomy 6:16 which recalls Israel's failure at Massah (Exodus 17:7). The verb ekpeiraseis (ἐκπειράσεις, you shall not tempt/test) means to test with hostile intent or to demand proof, challenging God's faithfulness. The phrase Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God (ouk ekpeiraseis Kyrion ton Theon sou, οὐκ ἐκπειράσεις Κύριον τὸν Θεόν σου) establishes a fundamental principle: faith trusts God without demanding miraculous validation.

Jesus' response reveals the proper hermeneutical principle: Scripture interprets Scripture. While Psalm 91 promises angelic protection, Deuteronomy 6:16 prohibits testing God. Both are true; neither should be used to contradict the other. Satan's error was isolating one promise from the comprehensive biblical witness. Jesus demonstrates that genuine faith rests confidently in God's character without demanding signs. This is the opposite of Israel's wilderness failure when they demanded proof of God's presence and provision (Exodus 17:2-7). Where Israel failed through unbelief demanding signs, Jesus succeeds through obedient trust in God's word.

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Historical & Cultural Context

At Massah (meaning 'testing'), Israel demanded Moses provide water, essentially testing whether God was truly among them (Exodus 17:7). This rebellion represented covenant unfaithfulness—God had just delivered them from Egypt, divided the Red Sea, and provided manna, yet they demanded further proof. Deuteronomy 6:16 commanded Israel never to repeat this sin. Jesus' quotation identifies Satan's temptation as equivalent to Israel's wilderness rebellion. The principle applies broadly: Christians should not presume on God's promises by deliberately creating crises expecting miraculous rescue. True faith obeys God's revealed will and trusts His providence without demanding spectacular interventions.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' use of Deuteronomy 6:16 demonstrate the principle that Scripture interprets Scripture?
  2. What is the difference between trusting God's promises and testing God by demanding He prove Himself?
  3. In what ways might you be guilty of testing God rather than walking in simple obedience and trust?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
καὶ1 of 14

“And”

G2532

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

ἀποκριθεὶς2 of 14

“answering”

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

εἶπεν3 of 14

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῷ4 of 14

“unto him”

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

ὁ5 of 14
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς6 of 14

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ὅτι7 of 14

“It is said”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Εἴρηται8 of 14
G2046

an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say

Οὐκ9 of 14

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐκπειράσεις10 of 14

“Thou shalt”

G1598

to test thoroughly

κύριον11 of 14

“the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

τὸν12 of 14
G3588

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

θεόν13 of 14

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

σου14 of 14

“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 4:12 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 4:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 6:16Hebrews 3:8-9Matthew 4:71 Corinthians 10:9Psalms 95:9Malachi 3:15

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