Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

MATTHEW 4:11KJV
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Matthew 4:11 (KJV)

What does Matthew 4:11 mean?

Matthew 4:11 describes how, after Jesus resisted the devil’s temptations in the wilderness, the devil left him and angels came to care for him. The verse shows a turning point where the time of testing ends and Jesus receives comfort and help from heavenly beings.

In this scene, Matthew is narrating what happens immediately after Jesus’ forty days of fasting and temptation by the devil. The verse highlights that Jesus’ faithfulness leads to the devil’s departure and the arrival of angels who “ministered” to him, which often means providing practical help or care. This moment marks the end of a spiritual struggle and the beginning of renewed strength for Jesus as he prepares for his public ministry.

The Greek behind Matthew 4:11

  • ἀφίησιν (aphiēsin, "leaveth"): This word carries the sense of letting go or sending away, emphasizing that the devil’s presence is actively ended rather than simply fading.
  • διηκόνουν (diēkonoun, "ministered"): This word is often used for serving or attending to someone’s needs, suggesting the angels provided real, tangible support—possibly food, comfort, or encouragement—after Jesus’ ordeal.

Why Matthew 4:11 matters

  • Matthew 4:11 clarifies that Jesus’ encounter with the devil was a real, personal struggle, not just a symbolic story, and that his victory leads to genuine relief and care.
  • The verse emphasizes that spiritual trials can be followed by divine support, showing a pattern of testing and restoration.
  • This moment connects to the wider passage by marking the transition from Jesus’ private preparation to his public ministry, highlighting both his humanity and his unique relationship with heaven.

Where else these words appear

“ministered” Greek G1247 · used in 32 verses

  • Matthew 8:15 And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.
  • Luke 10:40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
  • 2 Corinthians 3:3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

“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;

“came” Greek G4334 · used in 85 verses

  • Matthew 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
  • Matthew 21:23 And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?
  • Luke 9:12 And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.

“leaveth” Greek G863 · used in 133 verses

  • Matthew 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
  • Mark 2:7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?
  • Luke 11:42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.