King James Version

What Does Luke 4:9 Mean?

Luke 4:9 in the King James Version says “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, ...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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:”

Luke 4:9 · King James Version

Context

7

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

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.

Read Luke 4 full chapter

Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
The third temptation moves to Jerusalem's temple pinnacle, using Scripture itself (Psalm 91:11-12) to tempt Christ to presumptuous faith. Satan's 'if thou be the Son of God' again challenges Christ's identity, but now suggests proving it through spectacular sign. The misuse of Scripture demonstrates Satan's sophistication—he quotes accurately but applies wrongly, omitting 'in all thy ways' which implies walking in God's paths, not testing God. Jesus counters with Deuteronomy 6:16, recalling Israel's testing God at Massah (Exodus 17:2-7). The Greek 'ekpeirazo' (tempt/test) implies testing with hostile intent or demanding proof of God's faithfulness. Reformed theology sees here the difference between faith (trusting God's promises) and presumption (demanding God perform on our terms). True faith rests on God's character and word; presumption demands signs and seeks to manipulate God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The temple pinnacle (Greek 'pterugion') likely refers to the southeastern corner of the temple complex, towering about 450 feet above the Kidron Valley—a dizzying height. Jewish tradition held that Messiah would reveal himself at the temple. Malachi 3:1 prophesied 'the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple.' A spectacular rescue before witnesses in Jerusalem would provide undeniable messianic credentials. Satan's use of Scripture would have been particularly troubling to a Jewish audience who revered God's word. Yet Jesus demonstrates proper biblical interpretation—Scripture interprets Scripture, and no text should be used to contradict God's revealed will. The church fathers saw this as warning against spiritual presumption disguised as piety, and proof-texting Scripture to justify sin.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the difference between faith that trusts God and presumption that tests God?
  2. How can Scripture be misused even when quoted accurately, and how do we guard against this?
  3. Why does Satan tempt Jesus to make a public spectacle rather than serve quietly?

Compare 2 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
καὶ1 of 26

“And”

G2532

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

Ἤγαγεν2 of 26

“he brought”

G71

properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce

αὐτῷ3 of 26

“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

εἰς4 of 26

“to”

G1519

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

Ἰερουσαλὴμ5 of 26

“Jerusalem”

G2419

hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine

καὶ6 of 26

“And”

G2532

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

ἔστησεν7 of 26

“set”

G2476

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

αὐτῷ8 of 26

“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

ἐπὶ9 of 26

“on”

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

τὸ10 of 26
G3588

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

πτερύγιον11 of 26

“a pinnacle”

G4419

a winglet, i.e., (figuratively) extremity (top corner)

τοῦ12 of 26
G3588

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

ἱεροῦ13 of 26

“of the temple”

G2411

a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)

καὶ14 of 26

“And”

G2532

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

εἶπεν15 of 26

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῷ16 of 26

“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

Εἰ17 of 26

“If”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

ὁ18 of 26
G3588

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

υἱὸς19 of 26

“the Son”

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

εἶ20 of 26

“thou be”

G1488

thou art

τοῦ21 of 26
G3588

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

θεοῦ22 of 26

“of God”

G2316

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

βάλε23 of 26

“cast”

G906

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

σεαυτὸν24 of 26

“thyself”

G4572

of (with, to) thyself

ἐντεῦθεν25 of 26

“from hence”

G1782

hence (literally or figuratively); (repeated) on both sides

κάτω·26 of 26

“down”

G2736

downwards

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 4:9 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 4:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 4:5-6Matthew 8:29Luke 4:32 Chronicles 3:4Romans 1:4Job 2:6

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Luke 4 →

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