What does Luke 4:12 mean?

And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Luke 4:12

Explanation

Luke 4:12 is a verse within the context of the temptation of Jesus by the devil in the wilderness. In this particular verse, Jesus responds to the devil’s third temptation. The passage “Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God” is a quotation from Deuteronomy 6:16, where the Israelites are instructed not to test God as they did at Massah, a reference to an event in the wilderness when the Israelites doubted God’s providence. In Luke, Jesus uses this scriptural reference to rebuke Satan’s provocation that He should demonstrate His divinity by throwing Himself from the pinnacle of the Temple, expecting angels to save Him. The deeper meaning here is a warning against testing God’s faithfulness or demanding miraculous signs for proof of His care.

Historical Context

The Gospel of Luke, believed to be written around 80-110 AD, was addressed to a gentile audience and is one of the synoptic gospels of the New Testament. Luke 4:12 occurs within the narrative of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness by the devil after Jesus’ baptism and prior to His public ministry. This event is traditionally interpreted as occurring over 40 days and nights, which symbolically recalls the 40 years the Israelites spent in the wilderness and the 40-day fasts of Moses and Elijah.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse illustrates Jesus’ adherence to the will of God and His trust in the Father’s plan without requiring miraculous intervention for His own benefit. It is an expression of Jesus’ humility and obediency. This Christological understanding emphasizes Jesus as the model of perfect faith and righteousness. Various theological perspectives also see this as reflecting Jesus’ role in redemptive history, fulfilling what Israel could not by placing full reliance on God without succumbing to doubt or temptation.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse instructs believers not to test God by seeking signs or questioning His presence and providence in challenging situations. It encourages faith and trust in God’s plan rather than demanding proof of His involvement or care. This can apply to resisting the urge to engage in reckless behavior under the presumption that God will intervene to save or protect, or more metaphorically, not to put God to the test by setting conditions for belief or obedience.

Cross-References

• Deuteronomy 6:16: “Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted him in Massah.”
• Matthew 4:7: “Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.”
• 1 Corinthians 10:9: “Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.”

Language Study

The key phrase in the original Greek of Luke 4:12 is “οὐκ ἐκπειράσεις,” from the word “ἐκπειράζω” (ekpeirazō), which means “to test thoroughly” or “to try to trap.” In this context, it implies a testing of God that is inappropriate and implies doubt or a lack of faith. “Κύριον” (Kyrion), translated as “Lord,” is a title of reverence used for God. The imperative mood of the verb reflects a strong command or prohibition.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Similar motifs of deities being tested by mortals appear in various mythologies and religious texts, where the deities often react unfavorably to such challenges. In Jewish tradition, the event at Massah (referenced by Deuteronomy 6:16 and Jesus in Luke 4:12) serves as a negative example of a lack of faith and trust in God’s deliverance and care. In contrast to these narratives, Jesus’ response stands out as an exemplary model of faith and reliance on God without succumbing to the need for proof.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the verse itself does not directly engage with natural phenomena or scientific principles. However, modern psychology might interpret the notion of “testing” in terms of human behavior towards authority and trust. The principle of not putting God to the test could be seen as a psychologically healthy approach to faith, one that does not rely on constant external validation but instead fosters intrinsic trust and reliance.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various insights into this verse. For instance, John Calvin notes Jesus’ refusal to provoke God by seeking His protection in an unwarranted situation. William Barclay highlights the difference between legitimate prayer and seeking to manipulate God to display His power. Matthew Henry interprets the devil’s challenge as an attempt to question God’s care and Jesus’ sonship. Across these interpretations, the consensus is that Jesus’ response exemplifies a deep trust in God and a proper understanding of the nature of faith.