What does Luke 4:8 mean?

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Luke 4:8

Explanation

Luke 4:8 recounts a moment during Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, where Satan has offered him all worldly power and authority in exchange for worship. Jesus responds by rebuking Satan with a command to step away, and by quoting the scripture: “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” This passage illustrates Jesus’ commitment to God and the principle of worshiping God exclusively, without giving in to temptations or idolatry. The deeper meaning here is that true allegiance belongs to God alone, and that reliance on God is paramount over worldly power and material possessions.

Historical Context

Luke 4:8 is part of the larger narrative of Jesus’ temptation, which is found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The event occurred shortly after Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist and before he began his public ministry. Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights in the Judaean Desert where Satan tempted him. This period of testing mirrors the 40 years the Israelites spent in the desert. The cultural and historical context of the time placed significant emphasis on fidelity to God, and any form of idolatry or worshipping other gods was seen as a severe transgression against the covenant between God and the people of Israel.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse reiterates the first commandment of the Decalogue which states that one should have no other gods. It emphasizes the concept of monotheism and the dedication to God alone. The verse is frequently interpreted as affirmation of Jesus’ divinity because he rebukes Satan. From a Christian perspective, it underscores the power of Scripture in resisting temptation, and the importance of obedience and devotion to God.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, Luke 4:8 can be seen as a call for individuals to focus on spiritual integrity and not to succumb to temptations that lead away from their faith and moral values. It can inspire believers to prioritize their relationship with God and to resist the lure of power, wealth, or other worldly attractions that may detract from that relationship.

Cross-References

1. Deuteronomy 6:13 – “Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.”
2. Exodus 20:3 – “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”
3. Matthew 4:10 – “Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”
4. Deuteronomy 10:20 – “Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the phrase “Get thee behind me” (Ὕπαγε ὀπίσω μου) can be literally understood as “Go away behind me” or “depart from me.” The command is authoritative and dismissive. The words used for worship (προσκυνήσεις) and serve (λατρεύσεις) in Greek denote actions of reverence and servitude solely directed towards God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This confrontation between Jesus and Satan can be compared to various other ancient myths where a hero faces temptation or a test, such as the trials of Hercules in Greek mythology. However, within the Judaic tradition, worship of God alone was a cornerstone belief which set the monotheistic religion apart from surrounding polytheistic cultures.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse itself does not lend directly to scientific analysis, the implications of resisting temptation can be studied psychologically. Modern psychology recognizes the value of self-control and delayed gratification for long-term well-being, which has parallels to the moral of resisting immediate temptations for a relationship with God.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Luke 4:8 by biblical scholars often focus on the symbolism of the desert as a place of trial and purification. They highlight Jesus as the model of faithful obedience and the power of God’s word in resisting evil. This verse is regularly cited in discussions of the humanity and divinity of Jesus, demonstrating his human experience of temptation and his divine authority in rebuking it.