What does Matthew 4:10 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 4:10 captures the climax of the Temptation of Jesus, where Jesus rebukes Satan for the third and final time during His temptation in the wilderness.

This verse contains Jesus’ direct command for Satan to depart from Him, along with a scriptural reference to underline the command.

The literal meaning is a straightforward rejection of Satan's temptation, with Jesus reaffirming His commitment to worship and serve only God.

On a deeper level, this verse represents the triumph of divine will over temptation and the assertion of religious devotion and monotheism, that worship and service belong solely to God.

Historical Context

The Gospel of Matthew was written in a Judeo-Christian context, possibly around 80-90 AD.

The audience was primarily Jewish Christians.

The author of Matthew seeks to demonstrate to his readers that Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and is the expected Messiah.

The temptation narrative is set just after Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist and before his public ministry.

The setting in the wilderness for forty days and nights intentionally echoes the forty years the Israelites spent wandering in the desert, suggesting a period of testing and purification.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Matthew 4:10 is significant for several reasons.

For one, it highlights Jesus' obedience to God, resisting temptation by Satan through the affirmation of Scripture.

This episode can also be seen as an indication of Jesus' mission to establish a new covenant and his identity as the Son of God.

Different Christian traditions interpret this event, emphasizing Jesus as a model for resisting temptation, the power of God's Word in combating evil, or the significance of Jesus’ purity and sinlessness.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse can serve as a source of encouragement and guidance for individuals facing temptation or moral dilemmas.

It provides an example to follow by seeking strength through Scriptures, affirming one's commitments to godly principles, and understanding the importance of serving and worshiping only God.

It also serves as a reminder to be vigilant against influences that can lead one away from one's faith and values.

Cross-References

• Luke 4:8: "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."
• Deuteronomy 6:13: "Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name."
• 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 key phrase "Get thee hence, Satan" is "Ὕπαγε, Σατανᾶ" (Hypage, Satana), where "Ὕπαγε" (Hypage) means "Go away" or "Depart," and "Σατανᾶ" (Satana) is the transliteration of "Satan," signifying the adversary or accuser.

The command is imperative, showing Jesus' authority over Satan.

"Thou shalt worship" translates from "προσκυνήσεις" (proskynēseis), which denotes an act of reverence and adoration, specifically the act of bowing down or prostrating oneself before a deity.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader cultural and religious landscape of the time, the concept of testing by a divine or evil entity was not unique to Judaism and Christianity.

Various ancient myths include gods or heroes undergoing trials.

In the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), the idea that one should worship and serve only God is a central tenet that distinguishes the faith from surrounding polytheistic religions.

Other religious traditions also have stories of figures withstanding temptation or remaining faithful amidst trials.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific community generally does not weigh in on the theological content of religious texts.

However, from a psychological viewpoint, Jesus' response to temptation may be analyzed in terms of human resilience and coping mechanisms in the face of adversity.

Additionally, the concept of Jesus fasting for forty days could be examined through the lens of human physiology and the effects of fasting on the body and mind.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians often examine Matthew 4:10 for its Christological significance.

Albert Barnes notes Jesus’ use of Scripture as a defense and points out that the command we should worship God only, is perpetually binding.

John Gill discusses the absolute and undivided worship due to God expressed in this verse.

Many commentators, such as William Barclay, observe that Jesus rebuked Satan by quoting Deuteronomy, indicating the authority and relevance of the Hebrew Scriptures in Christian life.

Contemporary commentaries continue to expound on the themes of authority, temptation, and devotion present in the text.