What does Luke 4:4 mean?

And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. Luke 4:4

Explanation

Luke 4:4 presents Jesus’s response to one of the temptations he faced from the devil during his time of fasting in the wilderness. When the devil challenges Jesus to turn a stone into bread, Jesus replies by quoting Deuteronomy 8:3, emphasizing that physical sustenance is not the sole necessity for life. Jesus’ response highlights the importance of spiritual nourishment, implying that the word of God is equally essential, if not more so, for a person’s existence and spiritual wellbeing. The ‘bread’ symbolizes the physical or material needs, while the ‘word of God’ represents the spiritual needs, teaching, guidance, and life principles revealed in the scriptures.

Historical Context

The events described in Luke 4:4 occur shortly after Jesus’s baptism by John the Baptist and just before his public ministry begins. This is part of a narrative known as the Temptation of Christ, which can be found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Jesus spent 40 days and nights fasting in the Judaean Desert, where the devil tempted him three times. These events likely take place around 27-30 A.D. The “forty days” motif echoes Israel’s 40 years in the wilderness, and the use of Deuteronomy quotations by Jesus establishes a link between Him and Israel’s experiences.

Theological Insights

Within Christian theology, Luke 4:4 often signifies the superiority of spiritual nourishment over physical needs. It echoes the belief that trusting and living by God’s precepts is essential for true life. Moreover, Jesus’s use of scripture to combat temptation illustrates the power and importance of the Word of God as a spiritual weapon. This reinforces the doctrine that the Bible is not just a historical or ethical guide but a living document that provides strength and direction in times of trial.

Practical Applications

The message in Luke 4:4 can guide individuals in prioritizing their spiritual lives, especially when faced with challenges or temptations. It teaches the value of scripture in decision-making and personal growth. The verse encourages believers to seek spiritual nourishment through Bible study, prayer, and living out biblical principles, thereby providing a foundation for a balanced life.

Cross-References

• Deuteronomy 8:3: “And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live.”
• Matthew 4:4: “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.”

Language Study

The key phrases from the original Greek text of Luke 4:4 are:

• “ζήσεται ἄνθρωπος” (zēsetai anthrōpos): “shall man live” – The verb ζήσεται (future tense of ζάω, to live) often implies not just physical life but a more complete or true form of life.
• “ἐπ ἄρτῳ” (epi artō): “by bread” – In this context, “bread” signifies more than a food item; it metaphorically represents physical sustenance or material provisions.
• “παντὶ ῥήματι Θεοῦ” (panti rhēmati Theou): “by every word of God” – The noun ῥήματι (rhēmati) refers to a thing said, a word, saying, or command, with the emphasis here on the divine origin and authority behind the spoken word.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparatively, many ancient cultures have myths about gods providing food from heaven or spiritual sustenance, reflecting a common recognition of divine provision. For instance, in Greek mythology, ambrosia is the food of the gods, conferring immortality upon those who partake of it. However, in the context of Jesus’s temptation, the emphasis is not on miraculous food but rather on a deeper sustenance found in the divine word and presence.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific standpoint, while physical nourishment is essential to biological life, psychological and sociological research recognizes the importance of existential and spiritual beliefs for mental health and wellbeing. The concept of not living by “bread alone” aligns with the understanding that human beings have social, psychological, and spiritual needs beyond mere physical sustenance.

Commentaries

Various biblical commentaries concur on the significance of this verse in demonstrating Jesus’s refusal to misuse his divine power, reinforcing his reliance on God, and the importance of spiritual truths. Matthew Henry’s Commentary highlights the principle that we must not make the gratifying of our appetites our end and aim, but must have an eye to God in all things. The Pulpit Commentary mentions that the ‘bread’ represents ‘what we need for this life,’ while God’s word is ‘what we need for the life eternal.’ Similarly, enduring commentaries such as those by John Gill and Adam Clarke discuss the sufficiency of God’s Word for faith and practice, urging readers to apply this same reliance in their daily lives.