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 4:6KJVWhat 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.