King James Version

What Does Matthew 4:6 Mean?

Matthew 4:6 in the King James Version says “And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge con... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

Matthew 4:6 · KJV


Context

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,

6

And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

7

Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. tempt: or, try, or, put to trial, or, proof

8

Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Satan correctly quotes Psalm 91:11-12 but distorts its application, demonstrating that Scripture can be misused when taken out of context or applied presumptuously. The psalm promises God's protection for those walking in His will, not for those testing Him through reckless acts. This shows that mere biblical knowledge or ability to quote Scripture doesn't guarantee sound doctrine—interpretation and application matter critically.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 91 is a confidence psalm celebrating God's protection of the faithful. Satan's misuse of it shows that even the devil can quote Scripture, but he does so deceptively, twisting God's promises to encourage sin rather than faith.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Satan's misuse of Scripture warn against proof-texting and taking verses out of context?
  2. What is the difference between trusting God's promises and presumptuously testing God through reckless actions?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 32 words
καὶ1 of 32

And

G2532

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

λέγει2 of 32

saith

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτοῦ3 of 32

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

Εἰ4 of 32

If

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

υἱὸς5 of 32

the Son

G5207

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

εἶ6 of 32

thou be

G1488

thou art

τοῦ7 of 32
G3588

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

Θεοῦ,8 of 32

of God

G2316

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

βάλε9 of 32

cast

G906

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

σεαυτὸν10 of 32

thyself

G4572

of (with, to) thyself

κάτω·11 of 32

down

G2736

downwards

γέγραπται12 of 32

it is written

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

γὰρ13 of 32

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

Ὅτι14 of 32
G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

τοῖς15 of 32
G3588

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

ἀγγέλοις16 of 32

angels

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

αὐτοῦ17 of 32

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

ἐντελεῖται18 of 32

He shall give

G1781

to enjoin

περὶ19 of 32

concerning

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

σου20 of 32

thee

G4675

of thee, thy

καὶ21 of 32

And

G2532

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

ἐπὶ22 of 32

in

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

χειρῶν23 of 32

their hands

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

ἀροῦσίν24 of 32

they shall bear

G142

to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh

σε25 of 32

thee

G4571

thee

μήποτε26 of 32

lest at any time

G3379

not ever; also if (or lest) ever (or perhaps)

προσκόψῃς27 of 32

thou dash

G4350

to strike at, i.e., surge against (as water); specially, to stub on, i.e., trip up (literally or figuratively)

πρὸς28 of 32

against

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

λίθον29 of 32

a stone

G3037

a stone (literally or figuratively)

τὸν30 of 32
G3588

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

πόδα31 of 32

foot

G4228

a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

σου32 of 32

thee

G4675

of thee, thy


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 4:6 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 4:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study