Luke 4:7 (KJV)

What does Luke 4:7 mean?

Luke 4:7 records the devil tempting Jesus by saying that if Jesus would worship him, then all the kingdoms and their glory would be given to Jesus. The verse shows the devil offering Jesus authority and power in exchange for an act of worship.

In this scene, the devil is speaking directly to Jesus during the temptation in the wilderness. The statement is part of the second temptation, where the devil claims to have control over the world’s kingdoms and tries to persuade Jesus to bow down to him. The verse highlights the nature of the temptation: a shortcut to power, but at the cost of loyalty to God.

The Greek behind Luke 4:7

• προσκυνήσῃς (proskynēsēs, G4352): This word means "to worship" or "to bow down." In this context, it refers to an act of reverence or submission, not just a casual gesture, but a deep act of honoring or pledging allegiance.
• ἐμοί (emoi, G1698, but tagged as G1799, G3450): This means "to me." The devil is making the demand personal, asking Jesus to direct worship specifically toward him.
• πάντα (panta, G3956): This means "all" or "everything." The devil is claiming that every kingdom and all their splendor would be handed over if Jesus complies.
• ἔσται (estai, G2071): This is a form of "to be," here meaning "shall be" or "will belong." The devil is promising a future result if his condition is met.

Why Luke 4:7 matters

• Luke 4:7 clarifies that the temptation facing Jesus was not just about physical needs or survival, but about allegiance and the source of true authority.
• The verse reveals the devil’s strategy of offering shortcuts to power and glory, bypassing God’s way and appealing to ambition or desire for control.
• Understanding this exchange helps readers see the depth of Jesus’ faithfulness, as he refuses to gain the world by betraying his relationship with God, setting a pattern for resisting similar temptations.