And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.

LUKE 4:13KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“ended” Greek G4931 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 7:28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
  • Luke 4:2 Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.
  • Romans 9:28 For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.

“departed” Greek G868 · used in 15 verses

  • Luke 2:37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
  • Acts 5:38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
  • 2 Corinthians 12:8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

“temptation” Greek G3986 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
  • Luke 22:40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
  • Hebrews 3:8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:

“devil” Greek G1228 · used in 36 verses

  • Matthew 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
  • John 6:70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?
  • Titus 2:3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;