Luke 4:6

6 And the Devil said to Him, "To you will I give all this authority and this splendour; for it has been handed over to me, and on whomsoever I will I bestow it.

Luke 4:6 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 4:6

And the devil said unto him, all this power will I give thee,
&c.]. That is, all the kingdoms of the world, and all the government and jurisdiction over them:

and the glory of them;
the riches, honours, and grandeur belonging to them:

for that is delivered unto me:
so far he spoke modestly, in that he owned an original, superior governor of them, by whom he pretended they were transferred to him; but lied, in that he suggested they were put into his hands by him, who had the supreme power over them; and that he acted by his constitution and appointment, as a deputy under him; when what power he had, as the God of the world, was by usurpation, and not by designation of God; and at most only by permission: and least of all was it true what follows;

and to whomsoever I will I give it;
or "these", as the Vulgate Latin reads; that is, these kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; when so to do is the peculiar and sole prerogative of God: nor can Satan dispose of the goods of a single man, nor of a herd of swine, nor enter into them without leave from God.

Luke 4:6 In-Context

4 "It is written," replied Jesus, "`It is not on bread alone that a man shall live.'"

5 The Devil next led Him up and caused Him to see at a glance all the kingdoms of the world.

6 And the Devil said to Him, "To you will I give all this authority and this splendour; for it has been handed over to me, and on whomsoever I will I bestow it.

7 If therefore you do homage to me, it shall all be yours.'

8 Jesus answered him, "It is written, `To the Lord thy God thou shalt do homage, and to Him alone shalt thou render worship.'"