And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.

LUKE 4:6KJV
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Luke 4:6 (KJV)

What does Luke 4:6 mean?

Luke 4:6 shows the devil tempting Jesus by claiming he can give Jesus authority and glory over all the kingdoms of the world, saying that this power has been handed over to him and he can give it to anyone he chooses. The verse highlights the devil’s attempt to persuade Jesus with promises of worldly power during Jesus’ time of testing in the wilderness.

In this scene, the devil is speaking directly to Jesus after showing him all the kingdoms of the world. The devil’s claim that authority and glory have been "delivered" to him sets up a challenge, suggesting he has control over earthly power and can distribute it. This moment is part of a larger sequence where Jesus is being tempted to abandon his mission for immediate gain.

The Greek behind Luke 4:6

  • ἐξουσία (exousia): This word, translated as "power," often means authority or the right to rule, not just raw strength. The devil is offering not just influence, but the right to command over the kingdoms.
  • δόξα (doxa): Translated as "glory," this word refers to honor, splendor, or reputation. The devil is tempting Jesus with both authority and the admiration that comes with it.
  • παραδέδοται (paradedotai): This is the word for "delivered," meaning handed over or entrusted. The devil claims that this authority has been given to him, though the verse does not confirm whether this claim is true.
  • ὃς ἐὰν θέλω (hos ean thelo): This phrase means "to whomsoever I will," emphasizing the devil’s claim of freedom to distribute power as he pleases, making the offer sound even more tempting.

Why Luke 4:6 matters

  • Luke 4:6 clarifies that the devil’s temptations are not just about physical needs but also about power, status, and shortcuts to influence, which deepens the understanding of Jesus’ testing.
  • The verse shows the devil presenting himself as a figure with authority over the world, which helps explain the nature of the temptations Jesus faced and the kind of Messiah he refused to become.
  • This moment connects to the wider passage by highlighting Jesus’ refusal to seek power on the devil’s terms, setting the tone for how Jesus’ kingdom will be different from worldly rule.

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;

“All” Greek G537 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 6:32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
  • Luke 8:37 Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.
  • Acts 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

“me” Greek G1698 · used in 87 verses

  • Matthew 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
  • John 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
  • 2 Corinthians 11:10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia.

“power” Greek G1849 · used in 93 verses

  • Matthew 7:29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
  • Luke 22:53 When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.
  • Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: