And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
LUKE 4:11KJVWhat 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.