Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;

MATTHEW 4:8KJV
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Matthew 4:8 (KJV)

What does Matthew 4:8 mean?

Matthew 4:8 describes how the devil took Jesus to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. This is part of the account where Jesus is being tempted by the devil in the wilderness.

In this scene, the devil is trying to tempt Jesus by offering him a vision of worldly power and glory. The verse sets up the next temptation, where the devil will suggest that Jesus could have all these kingdoms if he worships him. The focus here is on the scope of what is being shown—every kingdom and all their glory—emphasizing the magnitude of the temptation.

The Greek behind Matthew 4:8

  • διάβολος (diabolos, "devil"): This word means "accuser" or "slanderer," highlighting the adversarial role the devil plays in tempting Jesus.
  • ὄρος (oros, "mountain"): The use of "an exceedingly high mountain" (ὑψηλὸν, hypsēlon) suggests a place where one could see far and wide, symbolizing the vastness of what is being offered.
  • βασιλείας (basileias, "kingdoms") and δόξα (doxa, "glory"): These words point to both the political power and the splendor or honor associated with earthly rule, underlining the nature of the temptation—worldly authority and prestige.

Why Matthew 4:8 matters

  • Matthew 4:8 clarifies that the temptation Jesus faced was not just about physical needs or personal safety, but also about the allure of power and recognition.
  • The verse highlights the devil’s strategy of offering something that appears grand and desirable, which sets the stage for understanding the nature of temptation itself.
  • By placing this temptation after the others, Matthew shows a progression in the devil’s attempts, moving from basic needs to the highest worldly ambitions, which deepens the reader’s understanding of Jesus’ steadfastness.

Where else these words appear

“high” Greek G5308 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 17:1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,
  • Luke 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
  • Hebrews 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

“exceeding” Greek G3029 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
  • Mark 6:51 And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.
  • 2 Corinthians 11:5 For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.

“sheweth” Greek G1166 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 8:4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
  • John 10:32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
  • James 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

“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;