King James Version

What Does Luke 4:13 Mean?

Luke 4:13 in the King James Version says “And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 4:13 · King James Version

Context

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.

15

And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.

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Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season. Luke's summary indicates Satan's withdrawal is temporary, not permanent. The phrase syntelesas panta peirasmon (συντελέσας πάντα πειρασμόν, having completed every temptation) suggests a comprehensive assault—Satan exhausted his arsenal. The verb apestē (ἀπέστη, he departed) indicates Satan's retreat, but the qualifier for a season (achri kairou, ἄχρι καιροῦ, until an opportune time) warns of his return. Satan would return at Gethsemane (Luke 22:53) and Golgotha, continuing his assault on Christ.

This verse teaches that spiritual victory doesn't eliminate future conflict. Even Christ, after defeating temptation, faced ongoing Satanic opposition throughout His ministry. The devil's temporary withdrawal after exhausting temptations parallels the experience of believers—seasons of intense spiritual warfare alternate with periods of relative peace. Yet Satan remains the 'adversary' (1 Peter 5:8) who 'walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.' Victory in one battle doesn't end the war. Vigilance remains essential throughout the Christian life.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Luke's emphasis on Satan's temporary withdrawal (unique to his Gospel) prepares readers for Satan's return at crucial moments: entering Judas (Luke 22:3), demanding to sift Peter (Luke 22:31), and the 'power of darkness' at Jesus' arrest (Luke 22:53). This pattern reflects first-century Jewish understanding of spiritual warfare as ongoing conflict between God's kingdom and Satan's. The wilderness temptations represented Satan's initial assault on Jesus' messianic mission; subsequent attacks would continue until the cross delivered the decisive blow to Satan's power (Colossians 2:15, Hebrews 2:14). Early Christians understood they lived in the 'already-not yet' period between Christ's victory and Satan's final defeat.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Satan's departure 'for a season' challenge the expectation that one spiritual victory eliminates future temptation?
  2. What does this teach about the need for ongoing vigilance in the Christian life even after significant spiritual victories?
  3. How should believers prepare for Satan's return during vulnerable 'opportune times' in their lives?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
Καὶ1 of 11

“And”

G2532

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

συντελέσας2 of 11

“had ended”

G4931

to complete entirely; generally, to execute (literally or figuratively)

πάντα3 of 11

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

πειρασμὸν4 of 11

“the temptation”

G3986

a putting to proof (by experiment (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication, adversity

ὁ5 of 11
G3588

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

διάβολος6 of 11

“when the devil”

G1228

a traducer; specially, satan (compare h7854)

ἀπέστη7 of 11

“he departed”

G868

to remove, i.e., (actively) instigate to revolt; usually (reflexively) to desist, desert, etc

ἀπ'8 of 11

“from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

αὐτοῦ9 of 11

“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

ἄχρι10 of 11

“for”

G891

(of time) until or (of place) up to

καιροῦ11 of 11

“a season”

G2540

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

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 4:13 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 4:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

James 4:7Hebrews 4:15John 14:30Matthew 4:11

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