Following the exact structural template we used for Matthew 3:15, here is the breakdown for Matthew 4:1–11, focusing on the temptation of Jesus and his authoritative responses.
Matthew 4:1–11 is a defining moment in the New Testament, marking the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. It records the first verbal confrontation between Jesus and the Devil, where Jesus utilizes Scripture as his primary defense. Because the dialogue contains specific idioms like "Man shall not live by bread alone," translations vary in how they capture the tone of this spiritual battle.
Here is how the words of Jesus in Matthew 4:1–11 appear across major English translations:
Literal & Traditional Translations
These versions maintain the formal structure and the "It is written" formula common in classic scholarship.
Dynamic & Modern Translations
These focus on the "thought-for-thought" impact, making the dialogue feel more immediate and confrontational.
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NIV (New International Version): Jesus answered, "It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’" ... Jesus answered him, "It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’" ... Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’"
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NLT (New Living Translation): But Jesus told him, "No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’" ... Jesus responded, "The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’" ... "Get out of here, Satan," Jesus told him. "For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’"
Paraphrase & Unique Versions
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The Message (MSG): Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy: "It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God’s mouth." ... Jesus countered with another citation from Deuteronomy: "Don’t you dare test the Lord your God." ... "Beat it, Satan!" Jesus puffed. "For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and only him.’"
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Amplified Bible (AMP): But He replied, "It is written and forever remains written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God.’"
Quick Context Note
The entire encounter is a reversal of the failures of Israel in the wilderness. Where Israel grumbled for bread, doubted God's protection, and turned to idols, Jesus remains faithful using the very book (Deuteronomy) that was given to Israel during their 40-year wandering.
Matthew 4:4, 7, 10 Original Greek
Jesus’ responses are concise and rhythmic in the original Koine Greek.
v 4: ὁ δὲ ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπεν· Γέγραπται· Οὐκ ἐπ’ ἄρτῳ μόνῳ ζήσεται ὁ ἄνθρωπος... v 7: ἔφη αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς· Πάλιν γέγραπται· Οὐκ ἐκπειράσεις Κύριον τὸν Θεόν σου. v 10: τότε λέγει αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς· Ὕπαγε, Σατανᾶ· γέγραπται γάρ· Κύριον τὸν Θεόν σου προσκυνήσεις...
Key Linguistic Insights
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"It stands written" (Gegraptai): In all three replies, Jesus uses the perfect passive tense. This implies that the words were written in the past but their authority remains in force and unchangeable in the present.
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"Away with you" (Hypage): This is a sharp command. It shows that Jesus isn't just debating; he is exercising his authority as the Son of God to end the encounter.
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"To the test" (Ekpeiraseis): This word implies more than just a simple test; it means to "test to the limit" or to try to force God’s hand to prove his love.
Thematic Connections: The Wilderness vs. The Kingdom
Just as Matthew 3:15 establishes the "fulfillment of righteousness," Matthew 4 shows what that fulfillment looks like under pressure.
1. Righteousness as Total Dependence In verse 4, Jesus identifies "life" not as physical survival (bread), but as alignment with God's Word. This connects to Matthew 6:33 ("Seek first his kingdom...").
2. Righteousness as Trust, Not Testing By refusing to jump (v. 7), Jesus shows that true righteousness doesn't need "signs" or "magic." It trusts God without requiring a performance.
3. Righteousness as Exclusive Loyalty The refusal of the world's kingdoms (v. 10) sets the stage for the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus teaches that "No one can serve two masters" (Matthew 6:24).
Summary Table: Jesus’ Responses