What does Luke 4:11 mean?

And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Luke 4:11

Explanation

The verse, “And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone,” comes from Luke 4:11 (King James Version) and mirrors the wording from Psalm 91:12. Literally, it suggests a divine protection wherein angels would lift a person to prevent them from tripping on a stone. On a deeper level, it symbolizes the idea of God’s providence and care for His people, ensuring that His servants will not even suffer minor injuries.

In the Gospel according to Luke, this verse is a part of the devil’s temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. The devil uses this verse to try to persuade Jesus to test God’s protection by throwing Himself down from the pinnacle of the Temple. Therefore, while the verse itself suggests safety and trust in God’s protection, its usage by the devil in this context is to encourage recklessness under the guise of faith.

Historical Context

Luke 4:11 is set within the story of Jesus’s temptation by the devil, which occurs just after Jesus’s baptism and before His public ministry begins. This occurs during a period of fasting and prayer in the wilderness for 40 days. The historical context here mirrors the 40 years the Israelites spent in the wilderness, further establishing Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and as the new deliverer for God’s people.

The verse is also an instance of Satan using Scripture, which was central to Jewish religious life, to tempt Jesus. This reflects the importance of Scripture in the culture at the time and serves as a reminder that scripture can be misinterpreted or misused to justify incorrect actions.

Theological Insights

From a Christian perspective, this verse demonstrates the sovereignty and care of God, who is seen as commanding the angels to guard His faithful. It also emphasizes the importance of not testing God; Jesus’s refusal to give in to the devil’s misuse of the verse reflects a trust in God’s plan that does not require proof.

Differing theological viewpoints would interpret this passage in various ways. Some may focus on the Messianic implications and the fulfillment of prophecy, while others might see an example of spiritual warfare and the need for discernment. Yet another view could point out the limitation of taking verses out of context—a practice that can lead to theological misunderstandings.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse can serve as a reminder to have trust in God’s protection and provision. It also exemplifies the importance of understanding Scripture in context and being wary of misinterpretations that could lead to testing God or engaging in irresponsible behavior under the assumption of divine protection.

The passage also encourages believers to resist temptation, even when it comes in the form of misused spiritual truths, and to base their actions on a comprehensive understanding of God’s word and will.

Cross-References

• Psalm 91:11-12: “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.”
• Matthew 4:6: “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.”
• Deuteronomy 6:16: “Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted him in Massah.”

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of Luke 4:11 include:

• “φέρω” (phero), often translated as “bear” or “carry,” which has the sense of moving something from one place to another.
• “πρός” (pros), here translated as “lest,” conveys a purpose or cause, indicating prevention.
• “προσκόπτω” (proskopto), translated to “dash,” means to strike against or stumble.
• “λίθος” (lithos), meaning “stone,” is generally understood as a rock or stumbling block.

Understanding these words in their original language adds depth to our comprehension of the scene, highlighting the vividness of the imagery of being carried over obstacles.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient times, various cultures had myths of divine beings or messengers intervening in the lives of heroes or mortals. The concept of angels intervening in human affairs has counterparts in many religions and mythical traditions.

For instance, in Greek mythology, Hermes, the messenger god, often helped heroes in their quests. In Hinduism, gods sometimes intervene to protect the virtuous from harm. This verse can resonate with such themes while distinctly placed within the monotheistic and covenantal context of Judeo-Christian thought.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific perspective, this verse would be seen as a poetic or metaphorical expression rather than a literal one. There is no empirical evidence supporting the existence of angels or supernatural beings lifting humans to avoid physical harm.

Nevertheless, the psychological and sociological effects of believing in divine protection and guidance are real and can be studied. Such beliefs can significantly impact an individual’s mental health and life choices by providing comfort, meaning, and motivation.

Commentaries

Expert commentaries on this verse provide insights into its interpretation:

• Traditional commentaries often focus on the concept of divine protection and the authority of Jesus in resisting the devil’s temptation.
• Modern scholarly commentaries might examine the way Luke uses this Psalm to portray the devil’s temptation of Jesus, highlighting the misuse of Scripture and the importance of context.
• Other commentators may delve into the character of Satan as a literal being or a metaphorical representation of temptation and the human condition.

Each type of commentary adds a layer of understanding that enriches our reading of the text, whether one approaches it from a devotional, literary, historical, or theological perspective.