Luke 4:12

12 But Jesus answered, "The scripture says, "Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' " 1

Luke 4:12 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 4:12

And Jesus answering said unto him, it is said
In ( Deuteronomy 6:16 )

Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God:
in the text in Deuteronomy the words are, "ye shall not tempt the Lord your God." The second person plural, is here changed into the second person singular, to accommodate the words to Satan; whom Christ singly addresses, and makes answer to, and who was under this same general law as other rational creatures: and Jehovah may be called the Lord his God, as he is his creator and governor; by whom he is upheld in his being, and to whom he is subject, whether he will or not; though not his covenant God: and even if our Lord Jesus Christ is intended by the Lord God, as some think; he is God over all; over all principalities and powers, good and bad, by whom all are created, and in whom all consist; and whose power and authority over Satan and his angels, have abundantly appeared, in dispossessing devils out of men, sending them where he pleased, and in spoiling the powers of darkness, and in destroying him that had the power of death, the devil; and great insolence and wickedness it must be in a creature, to tempt the Lord his God, in any way, or form whatever; (See Gill on Matthew 4:7)

Luke 4:12 In-Context

10 For the scripture says, "God will order his angels to take good care of you.'
11 It also says, "They will hold you up with their hands so that not even your feet will be hurt on the stones.' "
12 But Jesus answered, "The scripture says, "Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' "
13 When the Devil finished tempting Jesus in every way, he left him for a while.
14 Then Jesus returned to Galilee, and the power of the Holy Spirit was with him. The news about him spread throughout all that territory.

Cross References 1

  • 1. 4.12Deuteronomy 6.16.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.