What does Luke 4:13 mean?

And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season. Luke 4:13

Explanation

The verse Luke 4:13 from the King James Version of the Bible refers to the conclusion of a series of temptations that Satan presented to Jesus Christ. In this context, “devil” refers to Satan, the adversary or accuser in Christian theology. The “temptation” pertains to the various lures and trials that Satan put before Jesus, attempting to coax Him into sin or to abandon His divine mission. “He departed from him for a season” suggests that Satan temporarily ceased his efforts to tempt Jesus. The “season” implies a period of time but leaves open the implication that the devil might return at a later point to continue his attempts. This verse highlights the continuous nature of spiritual battles and the persistent threat of temptation.

Historical Context

Luke 4:13 is part of the narrative describing Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness immediately following His baptism. During this time, Jesus fasted and prayed, and according to the Gospels, it was during this isolated and physically weakened state that Satan chose to tempt Him. The wilderness journey was a common motif in Jewish history, invoking the Israelites’ forty-year journey through the desert after their exodus from Egypt. Jesus’ forty days echo this significant period, but unlike the Israelites who frequently succumbed to temptation, Jesus remained steadfast. The historical context of the verse demonstrates Jesus’ fulfillment of the righteousness that Israel failed to achieve.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Luke 4:13 signifies Jesus’ victory over the powers of evil and temptation. It demonstrates that Jesus, although fully divine, faced temptations like any human, yet was without sin (Hebrews 4:15). This verse also highlights the Christian belief in the existence of an evil force opposed to God’s will. Additionally, the idea of Satan departing “for a season” points to the concept of eschatological evil; while defeated in the short term, evil will return and must be continually resisted until the final victory is achieved through Christ.

Practical Applications

The message of Luke 4:13 can be applied to daily life in numerous ways. It acknowledges that everyone faces temptations and that they may be especially potent during times of vulnerability. The temporary departure of temptation is a call to vigilance, recognizing that it may return. The verse encourages believers to remain steadfast in faith, drawing on the example of Jesus, who relied on scripture and faith in God’s promises to overcome temptation. It is a reminder that spiritual resilience and reliance on God are key to overcoming the challenges that one can face.

Cross-References

• Matthew 4:11: “Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.”
• 1 Corinthians 10:13: “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
• Hebrews 4:15: “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”
• Ephesians 6:11: “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
• James 4:7: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for “devil” used here is “διάβολος” (diabolos), signifying ‘the accuser’ or ‘the slanderer.’ The phrase “had ended” comes from “συντελέσας” (synteleasas), indicating completion or bringing to an end. The term “temptation” translates from “πειρασμόν” (peirasmon), which can mean a trial, test, or attempt to sin. The word “departed” is “ἀπέστη” (apestē), meaning ‘to stand away from,’ ‘to withdraw,’ or ‘to leave.’ The phrase “for a season” is derived from “ἄχρι καιροῦ” (achri kairou), indicating ‘until an appointed time’ or ‘for a while.’

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons to other ancient myths and religious interpretations might draw parallels with stories where deities or holy figures are tested or tempted. For example, in Hinduism, Lord Rama undergoes trials during his exile, and in Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama (the future Buddha) faces temptations by the demon Mara before attaining enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. Both of these stories, like Jesus’ temptation, illustrate the idea of overcoming worldly desires or challenges to fulfill a spiritual mission.

Scientific Perspectives

While scientific perspectives typically do not directly engage with theological interpretations of scripture, aspects of this verse intersect with the psychological and neurological study of temptation and resistance. Research in cognitive psychology and neurology explores how individuals experience temptation and the mechanisms by which they resist or give in to these impulses, providing insight into the human processes that underlie the experiences described in this and similar biblical narratives.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various insights on Luke 4:13. Some emphasize the completeness of Jesus’ victory over Satan, suggesting that the temptations encompassed every form of enticement that humanity faces. Others highlight the ongoing nature of spiritual warfare, viewing the “season” as indicative of a respite rather than a permanent cessation. Commentators like William Barclay have noted the strategic timing of Satan’s temptations and Jesus’ use of Scripture as His defense, offering an example for believers in their personal battles against sin.