King James Version

What Does Matthew 4:3 Mean?

Matthew 4:3 in the King James Version says “And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. — study this verse from Matthew chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.

Matthew 4:3 · KJV


Context

1

Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

2

And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.

3

And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.

4

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

5

Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The tempter's approach 'If thou be the Son of God' questions the Father's declaration at baptism (3:17), introducing doubt. The command 'make these stones bread' tempts Jesus to use divine power for self-serving purposes rather than trusting the Father's provision. This tests whether Jesus will act independently or in submission to God's will and timing.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

After 40 days fasting, Jesus experienced extreme physical hunger—a legitimate need. Satan's temptation wasn't to do evil per se but to meet legitimate needs through illegitimate means (self-will rather than God's provision). This parallels Eve's temptation with 'good' fruit.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you face the temptation to meet legitimate needs through illegitimate means?
  2. What does Jesus' refusal teach about trusting God's provision?

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

προσελθὼν2 of 18

came

G4334

to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to

αὐτῷ3 of 18

to 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

4 of 18
G3588

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

πειράζων5 of 18

when the tempter

G3985

to test (objectively), i.e., endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline

εἰπὲ6 of 18

command

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Εἰ7 of 18

If

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

υἱὸς8 of 18

the Son

G5207

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

εἶ9 of 18

thou be

G1488

thou art

τοῦ10 of 18
G3588

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

Θεοῦ,11 of 18

of God

G2316

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

εἰπὲ12 of 18

command

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ἵνα13 of 18

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

οἱ14 of 18
G3588

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

λίθοι15 of 18

stones

G3037

a stone (literally or figuratively)

οὗτοι16 of 18

these

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἄρτοι17 of 18

bread

G740

bread (as raised) or a loaf

γένωνται18 of 18

be made

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 4:3 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 Matthew 4:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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