Matthew 4:7 (KJV)

What does Matthew 4:7 mean?

Matthew 4:7 records Jesus responding to the devil by quoting Scripture, saying, “It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” Jesus is telling the devil that it is wrong to test or challenge God’s faithfulness or power.

In this scene, Jesus is being tempted by the devil in the wilderness. The devil has just urged Jesus to throw himself down from the temple to prove God would save him. Jesus answers by quoting from the Hebrew Scriptures (Deuteronomy 6:16), making it clear that demanding a miraculous sign from God as a test is not faithful obedience but a misuse of trust in God.

The Greek behind Matthew 4:7

• “Tempt” (πειράζω, peirazō): This Greek word often means “to test” or “to try,” not just to tempt in the sense of luring into sin. Here, it carries the sense of putting God to the test, as if demanding proof of His care or power.
• “Lord” (Κύριος, Kyrios): This word is used in the Greek Old Testament for God’s personal name, so Jesus is clearly identifying God as the one not to be tested.
• “Written” (γέγραπται, gegraptai): This word means “it stands written,” emphasizing the authority and lasting relevance of Scripture in Jesus’ response.

Why Matthew 4:7 matters

• Matthew 4:7 clarifies that faith in God does not mean demanding miraculous signs or proof; true faith trusts without setting conditions.
• This verse shows Jesus using Scripture to interpret Scripture, modeling how to respond to spiritual challenges with wisdom and humility.
• The exchange highlights the difference between trusting God and trying to manipulate God for personal assurance or spectacle.