What does Luke 4:6 mean?

And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. Luke 4:6

Explanation

Luke 4:6 is a part of the narrative describing the temptation of Jesus by the devil in the wilderness. In this verse, the devil is presenting his second temptation to Jesus. He shows Jesus all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time and claims that he has authority over them and the splendor that accompanies them. The devil asserts that he can give this power and glory to anyone he chooses and offers them to Jesus, implying that he will do so if Jesus will worship him.

This verse speaks to the nature of temptation, specifically the lure of earthly power and glory. The devil’s claim that the power and glory of earthly kingdoms have been “delivered unto” him suggests a usurpation or illegitimate claim to authority. It juxtaposes the temporary and tainted glory that the devil offers with the eternal and righteous glory found in God’s kingdom.

Historical Context

The Book of Luke was written sometime between 60-90 A.D. and is one of the synoptic gospels of the New Testament. The scene of temptation occurs after Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist and immediately before the start of Jesus’s public ministry. It is generally considered to be a literal and spiritual testing of Jesus, setting the stage for his mission and demonstrating his sinlessness.

The idea of the devil having authority over the kingdoms of the world reflects the Jewish perception of the world at the time, where they saw the Roman Empire and other heathen nations as under satanic influence. This was exacerbated by the experience of oppression and the longing for a Messiah who would liberate them and establish an everlasting kingdom.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints shed varying lights on this verse:

• Traditional Christian Theology asserts that this temptation illustrates the spiritual warfare between the Kingdom of God and the power of Satan. The verse showcases Jesus’ absolute obedience and submission to God, rejecting worldly power.
• Reformed Theology often refers to this encounter to discuss the issue of God’s sovereignty versus the actual power that Satan may hold in this world.
• Liberation Theology may interpret this passage as an assertion of Jesus’ commitment to a kingdom not based on political power or oppression but rather on justice, love, and peace.

Practical Applications

This verse applies to modern life as a caution against the temptation of power and material glory. It teaches the value of spiritual integrity over compromising one’s values for temporal gain. This lesson can encourage individuals to:

• Prioritize spiritual and moral principles over societal measures of success.
• Recognize and resist corrupting influences that may promise short-term benefits at the cost of one’s soul.
• Uphold the virtues of humility and service, following the example of Jesus.

Cross-References

• Matthew 4:8-9 – Another account of the same temptation of Jesus by the devil.
• John 12:31 – Refers to Satan as “the prince of this world,” echoing the devil’s claim of authority.
• 2 Corinthians 4:4 – Calls Satan “the god of this world” who blinds the minds of unbelievers.
• 1 John 5:19 – States that “the whole world lieth in wickedness,” suggesting satanic influence.
• Revelation 13:2 – Describes the beast receiving power from the dragon (Satan).

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text and their meanings include:

• διδόμι (didomi): “to give” – emphasizes the action of the devil offering power.
• ἐξουσία (exousia): “authority, power” – used to describe the sphere over which the devil claims rule.
• δόξα (doxa): “glory, splendor” – refers to the impressive grandeur or majesty that comes with the kingdoms.
• παραδίδοται (paradidomai): “is delivered, entrusted” – can imply a sense of betrayal or transfer in a non-legitimate way.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Other ancient myths and religions also feature stories of gods or figures offering power in return for allegiance or worship:

• In Greek mythology, figures like King Midas are granted favors by gods with certain conditions attached, reflecting on the choices between material gain and higher principles.
• In Buddhism, Mara, the demon, tempts Buddha with promises of worldly power, mirroring Jesus’s temptation in the desert.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives have little bearing on this verse directly, as it deals more with spiritual and moral lessons rather than empirical claims. Modern psychology might look at the narrative of temptation as reflective of inner human conflicts between desire and moral righteousness.

Commentaries

Various commentaries offer diverse insights on this verse:

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary interprets it as an acknowledgment of Christ’s rightful rule over the kingdoms of the world which Satan seeks to undermine.
• William Barclay’s Daily Study Bible suggests that the devil’s offer was based on the false premise that Jesus came to establish a political kingdom, missing the true essence of his mission.
• The Expositor’s Bible Commentary focuses on the devil’s deception and lies, pointing out that although Satan may hold some sway in human affairs, it is ultimately transient and counterfeit compared to God’s dominion.