Luke 4:13 (KJV)

What does Luke 4:13 mean?

Luke 4:13 describes how, after Jesus resisted every temptation, the devil stopped tempting him and left him for a time, but not permanently. The verse shows that the devil’s attempts were thorough, but his departure was only temporary.

In this scene, Luke is narrating the end of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, where the devil had tried to sway Jesus in several ways. The verse signals a pause in the direct confrontation, but hints that temptation and opposition would return later in Jesus’ ministry. The focus is on the temporary nature of the devil’s withdrawal, not a final victory.

The Greek behind Luke 4:13

• "ended" (συντελέσας, syntelēsas): This Greek word means to bring something to completion or to finish thoroughly. It emphasizes that the devil had exhausted all his attempts to tempt Jesus at this time.
• "for a season" (ἄχρι καιροῦ, achri kairou): This phrase means "until an opportune time" or "for a certain period." It suggests that the devil planned to return when another opportunity arose, highlighting the ongoing nature of temptation.

Why Luke 4:13 matters

• Luke 4:13 clarifies that resisting temptation is not a one-time event, but something that can recur throughout life, even for Jesus.
• The verse connects to the wider story by showing that Jesus’ victory in the wilderness was significant, but not the end of spiritual challenges.
• The emphasis on the devil’s temporary departure helps readers understand that spiritual opposition can be persistent, but not constant.