And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

LUKE 4:11KJV
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Luke 4:11 (KJV)

What does Luke 4:11 mean?

Luke 4:11 describes angels carrying or supporting someone with their hands to keep that person from hurting their foot against a stone. The verse promises protection from harm, using the image of being physically lifted up to avoid stumbling or injury.

In this scene, the devil is quoting Scripture while tempting Jesus in the wilderness. The devil uses these words, originally from Psalm 91, to suggest that Jesus could rely on God’s protection even if He put Himself in danger. The verse is part of a larger conversation about trust, testing God, and the true meaning of divine care.

The Greek behind Luke 4:11

  • "Bear" (αἴρω, airō) means to lift up or carry. The Greek here gives a vivid picture of being physically supported, not just watched over from a distance.
  • "Dash" (προσκόπτω, proskoptō) means to strike or stumble against. This word highlights the idea of an unexpected accident or harm that the angels are said to prevent.
  • "Stone" (λίθος, lithos) is a common word for a rock or stone, emphasizing a real, everyday danger rather than something symbolic or abstract.

Why Luke 4:11 matters

  • Luke 4:11 shows how even Scripture can be misused if taken out of context, since the devil quotes it to tempt Jesus rather than to encourage faith.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme of Jesus’ temptations, where the true meaning of trust in God is tested and clarified.
  • Understanding the concrete language of being “carried” and “dashing against a stone” helps readers see the original Psalm’s promise as practical and physical, not just spiritual.

Where else these words appear

“dash” Greek G4350 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
  • John 11:9 Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.
  • Romans 9:32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;

“time” Greek G3379 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
  • Mark 4:12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.
  • John 7:26 But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ?

“stone” Greek G3037 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 3:9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
  • Luke 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
  • Acts 4:11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

“foot” Greek G4228 · used in 86 verses

  • Matthew 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
  • Luke 24:40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.
  • Acts 16:24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.