King James Version

What Does Luke 4:5 Mean?

Luke 4:5 in the King James Version says “And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.”

Luke 4:5 · KJV

Context

3

And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.

4

And Jesus answered him , saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.

5

And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.

6

And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.

7

If thou therefore wilt worship me , all shall be thine. worship me: or, fall down before me

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Satan offers 'all the kingdoms of the world' in exchange for worship, revealing both his temporary dominion over fallen creation and his ultimate aim. The phrase 'delivered unto me' (Greek 'paradedotai moi') contains truth—fallen humanity handed authority to Satan through sin (Romans 5:12). Paul calls Satan 'the god of this world' (2 Corinthians 4:4) and 'the prince of the power of the air' (Ephesians 2:2). Yet Satan's claim exceeds his authority; he is a usurper, not rightful owner. The temptation presents a shortcut to Messianic glory—rulership without suffering, crown without cross. This temptation would recur throughout Jesus's ministry as people sought to make Him king by force (John 6:15). Reformed theology recognizes this as the essence of all false religion: worship of created things (including Satan) rather than the Creator.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern kingdoms were often gained through military conquest or political alliance. Satan offers immediate universal dominion without the suffering prophesied in Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22. For a Jewish audience expecting a conquering Messiah who would overthrow Rome, this temptation had powerful appeal. The offer also exposed Satan's motivation—not mere hatred of humanity, but usurpation of worship that belongs to God alone. In showing Jesus 'all the kingdoms' in 'a moment of time,' Satan demonstrated his supernatural ability to transcend normal physical limitations, making the temptation more impressive. Early church fathers saw here Satan's fundamental sin—the proud demand for worship—and Christ's humble submission to the Father's redemptive plan.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this temptation expose Satan's ultimate goal in all his schemes?
  2. In what ways are Christians tempted to pursue godly ends through ungodly means?
  3. Why must Christ's path to glory necessarily pass through suffering and the cross?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
Καὶ1 of 18

“And”

G2532

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

ἀναγαγὼν2 of 18

“taking”

G321

to lead up; by extension to bring out; specially, to sail away

αὐτῷ3 of 18

“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

ὁ4 of 18
G3588

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

διάβολος5 of 18

“the devil”

G1228

a traducer; specially, satan (compare h7854)

εἰς6 of 18

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ὄρος7 of 18

“mountain”

G3735

a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain)

ὑψηλὸν8 of 18

“an high”

G5308

lofty (in place or character)

ἔδειξεν9 of 18

“shewed”

G1166

to show (literally or figuratively)

αὐτῷ10 of 18

“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

πάσας11 of 18

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τὰς12 of 18
G3588

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

βασιλείας13 of 18

“the kingdoms”

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

τῆς14 of 18
G3588

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

οἰκουμένης15 of 18

“of the world”

G3625

land, i.e., the (terrene part of the) globe; specially, the roman empire

ἐν16 of 18

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

στιγμῇ17 of 18

“a moment”

G4743

a point of time, i.e., an instant

χρόνου18 of 18

“of time”

G5550

a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a

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 4:5 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 4:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 John 2:15-16Matthew 4:8Job 20:51 Corinthians 15:52Psalms 73:19Ephesians 2:2

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