And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.

LUKE 4:5KJV
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Luke 4:5 (KJV)

What does Luke 4:5 mean?

Luke 4:5 describes how the devil took Jesus to a very high mountain and, in a single moment, showed him all the kingdoms of the world. This sets up a dramatic scene where Jesus is tempted with a vision of worldwide power and authority.

In this part of Luke’s account, the devil (Satan) is directly interacting with Jesus during his time of testing in the wilderness. The verse highlights the supernatural nature of the temptation, as all the world’s kingdoms are shown to Jesus instantly. This moment prepares for the next temptation, where the devil offers Jesus authority over these kingdoms in exchange for worship.

The Greek behind Luke 4:5

  • "ὀλίγῳ" (stigmé, transliterated "stigmé") means "moment" or "instant." The Greek word here emphasizes how quickly and all at once the kingdoms are shown, suggesting a vision beyond normal human experience.
  • "διαβολος" (diabolos, transliterated "diabolos") means "devil" or "accuser." This word highlights the adversarial role of the devil in this encounter.
  • "βασιλείας" (basileias, transliterated "basileias") means "kingdoms." The use of the plural shows the scope of what is being offered: not just one nation, but all the world’s realms.

Why Luke 4:5 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the temptation Jesus faced was not just about physical needs but also about power and authority over the whole world.
  • The supernatural way the kingdoms are shown—"in a moment of time"—emphasizes the spiritual and visionary nature of the temptation, not just a physical journey.
  • Luke 4:5 sets the stage for understanding the following verses, where the devil’s offer and Jesus’ response reveal deeper truths about Jesus’ mission and character.

Where else these words appear

“high” Greek G5308 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
  • Luke 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
  • Hebrews 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

“world” Greek G3625 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
  • Acts 17:6 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;
  • Hebrews 1:6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.

“taking” Greek G321 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
  • Acts 13:13 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.
  • Acts 27:2 And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.

“shewed” Greek G1166 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
  • John 10:32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
  • James 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.