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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/4-2.htm" title="Matthew 4:2">◄</a> Matthew 4:3 <a href="/matthew/4-4.htm" title="Matthew 4:4">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/4.htm">New International Version</a> The tempter came to him and said, &#8220If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/matthew/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” <a href="/esv/matthew/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” <a href="/bsb/matthew/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> The tempter came to Him and said, “If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” <a href="/blb/matthew/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And the one tempting, having come to Him, said "If You are Son of God, speak, that these stones may become loaves of bread." <a href="/kjv/matthew/4.htm">King James Bible</a> And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/4.htm">New King James Version</a> Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” <a href="/nasb_/matthew/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” <a href="/nasb/matthew/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> And the tempter came and said to Him, &#8220If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/matthew/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” <a href="/lsb/matthew/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” <a href="/amp/matthew/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” <a href="/csb/matthew/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then the tempter approached him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” <a href="/hcsb/matthew/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then the tempter approached Him and said, &#8220If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.&#8221 <a href="/asv/matthew/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> And the tempter came and said unto him, If thou art the Son of God, command that these stones become bread. <a href="/cev/matthew/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Then the devil came to him and said, "If you are God's Son, tell these stones to turn into bread." <a href="/erv/matthew/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> And the tempter came and said unto him, If thou art the Son of God, command that these stones become bread. <a href="/gwt/matthew/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread." <a href="/gnt/matthew/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then the Devil came to him and said, "If you are God's Son, order these stones to turn into bread." <a href="/isv/matthew/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then the tempter came. "Since you are the Son of God," he said, "tell these stones to become loaves of bread." <a href="/msb/matthew/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> The tempter came to Him and said, ?If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.? <a href="/net/matthew/4.htm">NET Bible</a> The tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become bread." <a href="/nheb/matthew/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> And the tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." <a href="/wbt/matthew/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou art the son of God, command that these stones be made bread. <a href="/wey/matthew/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> So the Tempter came and said, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to turn into loaves." <a href="/web/matthew/4.htm">World English Bible</a> The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the tempting [one], having come to Him, said, “If You are the Son of God—speak that these stones may become loaves.” <a href="/blb/matthew/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And the one tempting, having come to Him, said "If You are Son of God, speak, that these stones may become loaves of bread." <a href="/ylt/matthew/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And the Tempter having come to him said, 'If Son thou art of God -- speak that these stones may become loaves.' <a href="/slt/matthew/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the tempter having come to him, said, If thou art the Son of God, say that these stones should become bread.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the tempter coming said to him: If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And approaching, the tempter said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” <a href="/nabre/matthew/4.htm">New American Bible</a> The tempter approached and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become loaves of bread.” <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And the tempter drew near and said to him, If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And The Tempter approached him and said to him, “If you are The Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And the tempter came to him and said: If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread. <a href="/godbey/matthew/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And the tempter having come to Him, said; If thou art the Son of God, speak in order that these stones may become bread. <a href="/haweis/matthew/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And the tempter coming to him said, If thou art the Son of God, command that these stones be made loaves. <a href="/mace/matthew/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> whereupon the tempter came to him, and said, "If thou be the Son of God, command these stones to become bread." <a href="/wey/matthew/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> So the Tempter came and said, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to turn into loaves." <a href="/worrell/matthew/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And the Tempter, having come near, said to Him, "If Thou art God's Son, speak, that these stones may become loaves of bread." <a href="/worsley/matthew/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And the tempter came to Him and said, If thou art the Son of God, command these stones to become bread: <a href="/parallel/matthew/4-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=622" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/4.htm">The Temptation of Jesus</a> …2After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. 3<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">The</a> <a href="/greek/3985.htm" title="3985: peirazōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- To try, tempt, test. From peira; to test, i.e. Endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline.">tempter</a> <a href="/greek/4334.htm" title="4334: proselthōn (V-APA-NMS) -- From pros and erchomai; to approach, i.e. come near, visit, or worship, assent to.">came</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">to Him</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">and said,</a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: Ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">“If</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ei (V-PIA-2S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">You are</a> <a href="/greek/5207.htm" title="5207: Huios (N-NMS) -- A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a son, used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship.">the Son</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">of God,</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipe (V-AMA-2S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">tell</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that."></a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: houtoi (DPro-NMP) -- This; he, she, it. ">these</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3037.htm" title="3037: lithoi (N-NMP) -- A stone; met: of Jesus as the chief stone in a building. Apparently a primary word; a stone.">stones</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: genōntai (V-ASM-3P) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">to become</a> <a href="/greek/740.htm" title="740: artoi (N-NMP) -- Bread, a loaf, food. From airo; bread or a loaf.">bread.”</a> 4But Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/3-1.htm">Genesis 3:1</a> Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’” <a href="/exodus/16-4.htm">Exodus 16:4</a> Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain down bread from heaven for you. Each day the people are to go out and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test whether or not they will follow My instructions. <a href="/deuteronomy/8-3.htm">Deuteronomy 8:3</a> He humbled you, and in your hunger He gave you manna to eat, which neither you nor your fathers had known, so that you might understand that man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. <a href="/job/1-6.htm">Job 1:6-12</a> One day the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. / “Where have you come from?” said the LORD to Satan. “From roaming through the earth,” he replied, “and walking back and forth in it.” / Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one on earth like him, a man who is blameless and upright, who fears God and shuns evil.” ... <a href="/job/2-1.htm">Job 2:1-6</a> On another day the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them to present himself before Him. / “Where have you come from?” said the LORD to Satan. “From roaming through the earth,” he replied, “and walking back and forth in it.” / Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one on earth like him, a man who is blameless and upright, who fears God and shuns evil. He still retains his integrity, even though you incited Me against him to ruin him without cause.” ... <a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm">Isaiah 40:3</a> A voice of one calling: “Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert. <a href="/isaiah/55-2.htm">Isaiah 55:2</a> Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods. <a href="/zechariah/3-1.htm">Zechariah 3:1-2</a> Then the angel showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, with Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. / And the LORD said to Satan: “The LORD rebukes you, Satan! Indeed, the LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you! Is not this man a firebrand snatched from the fire?” <a href="/matthew/16-1.htm">Matthew 16:1</a> Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came and tested Jesus by asking Him to show them a sign from heaven. <a href="/matthew/16-23.htm">Matthew 16:23</a> But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me. For you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” <a href="/mark/1-13.htm">Mark 1:13</a> and He was there for forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and the angels ministered to Him. <a href="/luke/4-3.htm">Luke 4:3</a> The devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” <a href="/luke/4-9.htm">Luke 4:9-12</a> Then the devil led Him to Jerusalem and set Him on the pinnacle of the temple. “If You are the Son of God,” he said, “throw Yourself down from here. / For it is written: ‘He will command His angels concerning You to guard You carefully, / and they will lift You up in their hands, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.’” ... <a href="/john/6-30.htm">John 6:30-31</a> So they asked Him, “What sign then will You perform, so that we may see it and believe You? What will You do? / Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” <a href="/john/8-44.htm">John 8:44</a> You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And when the tempter came to him, he said, If you be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.the tempter.<a href="/job/1-9.htm">Job 1:9-12</a> Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? … <a href="/job/2-4.htm">Job 2:4-7</a> And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life… <a href="/luke/22-31.htm">Luke 22:31,32</a> And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: … if.<a href="/matthew/3-17.htm">Matthew 3:17</a> And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.<a href="/luke/4-3.htm">Luke 4:3,9</a> And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread… command.<a href="/genesis/3-1.htm">Genesis 3:1-5</a> Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? … <a href="/genesis/25-29.htm">Genesis 25:29-34</a> And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: … <a href="/exodus/16-3.htm">Exodus 16:3</a> And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/malachi/1-7.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/malachi/4-4.htm">Command</a> <a href="/matthew/4-1.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/9-32.htm">Loaves</a> <a href="/zechariah/13-3.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/matthew/3-9.htm">Stones</a> <a href="/malachi/2-12.htm">Tempter</a> <a href="/matthew/2-12.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/matthew/3-7.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/4-4.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Command</a> <a href="/matthew/4-5.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/matthew/14-17.htm">Loaves</a> <a href="/matthew/8-8.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/matthew/13-5.htm">Stones</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-5.htm">Tempter</a> <a href="/matthew/5-39.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/matthew/4-4.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 4</div>1. <a href="/matthew/4-1.htm">Jesus, fasting forty days, </a> 3. <a href="/matthew/4-3.htm">is tempted by the devil and ministered unto by angels.</a> 12. <a href="/matthew/4-12.htm">He dwells in Capernaum;</a> 17. <a href="/matthew/4-17.htm">begins to preach;</a> 18. <a href="/matthew/4-18.htm">calls Peter and Andrew,</a> 21. <a href="/matthew/4-21.htm">James and John;</a> 23. <a href="/matthew/4-23.htm">teaches and heals all the diseased.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>The tempter came to Him The term "tempter" refers to Satan, who is known for his role in testing and tempting individuals to sin. This encounter occurs in the wilderness, a place often associated with testing and spiritual struggle in the Bible. The wilderness setting echoes Israel's 40 years of testing in the desert, drawing a parallel between Jesus' 40 days of fasting and Israel's journey. Satan's approach to Jesus after His fasting period highlights the strategic timing of temptation, often occurring during moments of physical or spiritual vulnerability.and said, The act of speaking signifies the beginning of a direct confrontation. In biblical narratives, dialogue often serves as a means of revealing character intentions and testing faith. This moment marks the first of three temptations, each designed to challenge Jesus' identity and mission. The dialogue format is reminiscent of the serpent's conversation with Eve in Genesis, where questioning and deceit are used to lead astray.“If You are the Son of God, This phrase challenges Jesus' divine identity, echoing the declaration made at His baptism, "This is My beloved Son" (<a href="/matthew/3-17.htm">Matthew 3:17</a>). The conditional "if" is a tactic to sow doubt and provoke Jesus to prove His divine sonship through miraculous means. This challenge is not just about identity but also about trust in God's provision and timing. The title "Son of God" is significant, as it affirms Jesus' unique relationship with the Father, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah (e.g., <a href="/psalms/2-7.htm">Psalm 2:7</a>).tell these stones to become bread.” The temptation to turn stones into bread targets Jesus' physical hunger after fasting for 40 days. It also symbolizes a deeper temptation to use divine power for personal gain rather than relying on God's provision. This mirrors Israel's temptation to doubt God's provision in the wilderness when they longed for the bread of Egypt (Exodus 16). Jesus' refusal to perform this miracle underscores His commitment to His mission and His reliance on God's word, as He later responds by quoting <a href="/deuteronomy/8-3.htm">Deuteronomy 8:3</a>, emphasizing spiritual sustenance over physical needs.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The central figure in this passage, Jesus is in the wilderness fasting for forty days and nights. He is the Son of God, fully divine and fully human, facing temptation. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_tempter.htm">The Tempter (Satan)</a> The adversary who approaches Jesus to tempt Him. Known as Satan, he is a fallen angel who opposes God and seeks to lead people away from Him. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_wilderness.htm">The Wilderness</a> The desolate place where Jesus is fasting and praying. It symbolizes a place of testing and preparation, often associated with spiritual trials. 4. <a href="/topical/s/stones.htm">Stones</a> The inanimate objects that Satan suggests Jesus turn into bread. They represent the temptation to misuse divine power for personal gain. 5. <a href="/topical/b/bread.htm">Bread</a> A basic necessity of life, symbolizing physical sustenance. The temptation is to prioritize physical needs over spiritual obedience.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_temptation.htm">Understanding Temptation</a> Recognize that temptation often comes when we are vulnerable, as it did for Jesus after His long fast. Being aware of our weaknesses can help us prepare and stand firm. <a href="/topical/i/identity_in_christ.htm">Identity in Christ</a> Satan's challenge, "If You are the Son of God," targets Jesus' identity. As believers, we must be secure in our identity in Christ to withstand similar attacks. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_priorities.htm">Spiritual Priorities</a> Jesus' refusal to turn stones into bread teaches us to prioritize spiritual nourishment over physical needs. Our ultimate reliance should be on God's word and His provision. <a href="/topical/v/victory_through_scripture.htm">Victory through Scripture</a> Jesus' response to temptation with Scripture highlights the power of God's word in overcoming challenges. Memorizing and meditating on Scripture equips us to resist temptation. <a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god.htm">Dependence on God</a> The temptation to act independently of God is strong, but Jesus models complete dependence on the Father. We are called to trust in God's timing and provision.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 4</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_religion.htm">What is the meaning of spiritual food?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_jesus_fast.htm">What was the purpose of Jesus' fasting?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_perverseness.htm">Is temptation possible without committing sin?</a> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_temptation.htm">What are the Bible's teachings on temptation?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) When the tempter came.--Nothing in the narrative suggests the idea of a bodily presence visible to the eye of sense, and all attempts so to realise it, whether as Milton has done in Paradise Regained, or as by rationalistic commentators, who held that the Tempter was, or assumed the shape of, a scribe or priest, are unauthorised, and diminish our sense of the reality and mystery of the Temptation. The narrative is not the less real and true because it lies altogether in the spiritual region of man's life.If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.--"These stones," as if in union with glance and gesture, pointing to the loaf-like flints of the Jordan desert. The nature of the temptation, so far as we can gauge its mysterious depth, was probably complex. Something there may have been, suggested from without, like that which uttered itself in Esau's cry, "What profit shall this birthright do to me?" (<a href="/genesis/25-32.htm" title="And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?">Genesis 25:32</a>). Hungry, exhausted, as if life were ebbing away in the terrible loneliness of the desert, the "wild beasts" around him, as if waiting for their victim, what would it avail to have been marked out as the Son of God, the long-expected Christ? With this another thought was blended. If He were the Son of God, did not that name involve a lordship over nature? Could He not satisfy His hunger and sustain His life? Would He not in so exercising the power of which now, for the first time it may be, He was the conscious possessor, be establishing his status as the Christ in the eyes of others? That thought presented itself to His mind, but it was rejected as coming from the Enemy. It would have been an act of self-assertion and distrust, and therefore would have involved not the affirmation, but the denial of the Sonship which had so recently been attested.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 3. - The tempter (<a href="/1_thessalonians/3-5.htm">1 Thessalonians 3:5</a> only; cf. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-3.htm">2 Corinthians 11:3</a>). Came; came up to him (προσελθών). The word expresses local nearness, and suggests, though we cannot affirm it as certain, that he appeared visibly. The thought of physical nearness is continued in "taketh him" (vers. 5, 8), and "the devil leaveth him" and "angels came near" (ver. 11; cf. ver. 5, note). On the other hand, such expressions may be parabolic, and intended to express the closeness of the spiritual combat. To him; not after "came," but after "said" (Revised Version, with manuscripts). If thou be; art (Revised Version) (εἰ... εϊ) - the "if" of assumption (cf. <a href="/colossians/3-1.htm">Colossians 3:1</a>). The devil does not attempt to throw doubt on the truth of the utterance in <a href="/matthew/3-17.htm">Matthew 3:17</a>. His words rather mean, "Thou knowest what was said, thou bast been gradually realizing that assurance of Sonship; use, then, that privilege which thou undoubtedly hast" (comp. <a href="/matthew/27-40.htm">Matthew 27:40</a>, where, in mockery, the same truth is assumed). Wetstein, following Origen and pseudo-Ignatius,' Philipp.,' § 9, says that the tempter did not know, or at least doubted, whether Jesus was really God, for otherwise he would never have tempted him. This is, surely, to miss the meaning of the temptation for our Lord himself; for he was tempted as Man. Satan might well haw known that he was God incarnate, and yet not have known whether as Man he might not yield. Weiss ('Life,' 1:343) mistakenly thinks that the object of this first temptation was to insinuate doubt in the mind of Jesus as to his Messiahship. "Command that these stones become bread, and if thou canst not do so, then thou art not the Son of God." Command that; εἰπὸν (cf. Westcott and Hort, 2. App., p. 164) ἵνα (cf. <a href="/matthew/20-21.htm">Matthew 20:21</a>, and Winer,§ 44:8). These stones, ie. lying about. Farrar (on <a href="/luke/4-3.htm">Luke 4:3</a>; and especially in 'Life of Christ,' illustrated edit., pp. 99, 100) suggests that there is a special reference to the "loaf-shaped fossils," septaria, which are found in Palestine - as, indeed, in most other countries. But though these "flattened nodules of calcareous clay, ironstone, or other matter" (Page, ' Handbook of Geolog. Terms,' etc., 1859, p. 327) often assume fantastic shapes, perhaps even distantly resembling either an English loaf or a fiat Jewish cake (vide infra) , it seems quite unnecessary to see any allusion to them here. (For the comparison of bread and a stone, cf. <a href="/matthew/7-9.htm">Matthew 7:9</a>.) Be made; Revised Version, become; rightly, because there is no thought of the process of manufacture in γένωνται, Bread; Revised Version margin, "Greek, loaves" (ἄρτοι). "The Israelites made bread in the form of an oblong or round cake, as thick as one's thumb, and as large as a plate or Platter; hence it was not cut, but [e.g. <a href="/matthew/14-19.htm">Matthew 14:19</a>] broken" (Thayer). In Luke the devil points to one stone only, and tempts him to bid it become a loaf. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/4-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>The ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. tempter πειράζων (peirazōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3985.htm">Strong's 3985: </a> To try, tempt, test. From peira; to test, i.e. Endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline. came προσελθὼν (proselthōn) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4334.htm">Strong's 4334: </a> From pros and erchomai; to approach, i.e. come near, visit, or worship, assent to. to Him αὐτῷ (autō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. [and] said, εἶπεν (eipen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. “If Εἰ (Ei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. You are εἶ (ei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. [the] Son Υἱὸς (Huios) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5207.htm">Strong's 5207: </a> A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship. of God, Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. tell εἰπὲ (eipe) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. these οὗτοι (houtoi) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. stones λίθοι (lithoi) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3037.htm">Strong's 3037: </a> A stone; met: of Jesus as the chief stone in a building. Apparently a primary word; a stone. to become γένωνται (genōntai) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude. bread.” ἄρτοι (artoi) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_740.htm">Strong's 740: </a> Bread, a loaf, food. From airo; bread or a loaf. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/4-3.htm">Matthew 4:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/4-3.htm">Matthew 4:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/4-3.htm">Matthew 4:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/4-3.htm">Matthew 4:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/4-3.htm">Matthew 4:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/4-3.htm">Matthew 4:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/4-3.htm">Matthew 4:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/4-3.htm">Matthew 4:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/4-3.htm">Matthew 4:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/4-3.htm">Matthew 4:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/4-3.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 4:3 The tempter came and said to him (Matt. 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