And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.

LUKE 4:3KJV
Know the Bible

Luke 4:3 (KJV)

What does Luke 4:3 mean?

Luke 4:3 describes the devil challenging Jesus by telling Him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.” The verse shows the devil tempting Jesus to use His divine power to satisfy His hunger after fasting.

In this scene, the devil (Satan) is speaking directly to Jesus in the wilderness, where Jesus has been fasting for forty days. The devil’s words are a test, pushing Jesus to prove His identity as God’s Son by turning a stone into bread. This moment sets up a larger theme in the passage: Jesus’ refusal to misuse His power for personal gain or to give in to temptation.

The Greek behind Luke 4:3

  • διάβολος (diabolos): This word, translated “devil,” means accuser or slanderer. It highlights the adversarial role of the devil in this encounter, not just as a tempter but as one who challenges and seeks to undermine.
  • εἰ (ei): Translated “If,” this Greek word can carry the sense of “since” or “if indeed,” suggesting the devil is both questioning and provoking Jesus’ identity as the Son of God.
  • υἱός (huios): Meaning “Son,” this word emphasizes the unique relationship Jesus claims with God, which is at the heart of the devil’s challenge.
  • γίνεσθαι (ginesthai): Translated “be made,” this verb means to become or to come into being. The devil is not just asking for a trick, but for Jesus to create something new, testing His authority and power.

Why Luke 4:3 matters

  • Luke 4:3 helps clarify that the devil’s temptation is not just about hunger, but about challenging Jesus’ identity and mission as the Son of God.
  • The verse shows that Jesus faces real temptations, highlighting His humanity as well as His divine authority.
  • This moment connects to the broader story of Jesus’ ministry, showing early on that He will not use His power selfishly or be manipulated by evil.

Where else these words appear

“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;

“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.

“this” Greek G5129 · used in 87 verses

  • Matthew 8:9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
  • John 12:25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

“be” Greek G1488 · used in 89 verses

  • Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
  • Luke 4:41 And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.
  • John 18:17 Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not.