for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Satan deliberately omits the phrase "in all your ways" from Psalm 91:11 to twist God's promise of angelic protection. He wants Jesus to believe God's angels will guard him no matter what foolish, reckless actions he takes, rather than guarding him specifically when he walks in obedience.
for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Satan tempts Jesus by placing him on the highest point of the temple and quoting Scripture to urge him to throw himself down, assuming God's angels will catch him. Jesus immediately counters this by quoting scripture himself, stating that one must not tempt the Lord. This exchange highlights Satan's deceptive use of God's Word to twist its meaning and lead Jesus into rash action.
Ever feel like someone is twisting your words to make a point? The devil is a master at this, even with God's own Word.
Here, Satan quotes Psalm 91:11, which is a beautiful promise of God's protection. But notice what he leaves out.
The Missing Phrase
Psalm 91:11 actually says, "He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways." Satan deliberately omits this crucial phrase. Why?
This shows us that the enemy can use Scripture, but he twists it to serve his own destructive purposes.
How do you fight back when temptation comes disguised as truth? Jesus shows us the ultimate weapon: God's Word, used correctly.
Jesus doesn't argue with Satan's twisted logic. Instead, He immediately counters with another Scripture: "It is written, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test'" (Matthew 4:7).
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The Power of Faithful Application
Jesus doesn't let Satan get away with twisting God's promises. He holds the truth firm, rooted in obedience.
Understand the original words
angelos · Greek Noun
Heavenly beings created by God to serve as His messengers and agents of His will. They carry out His commands and are active in the protection and care of His people according to His providence.
diapylasso · Greek Verb
The act of protecting, watching over, or keeping someone safe from harm. Biblically, it emphasizes God’s providential care and the preservation of those who trust in Him.
nasa' · Hebrew Verb
A metaphorical reference to divine protection, care, and providence, suggesting that God sustains and upholds His people during trials or difficult paths.
eben · Hebrew Noun
A physical object often serving as a metaphor for an obstacle, sin, or cause of stumbling in one's spiritual journey. In this context, it represents a threat to Jesus' path.
Satan twisted a promise of God's protection, meant for those walking in obedience, to encourage a reckless act. Jesus, by quoting Scripture himself, shows us how to use God's Word to discern truth and resist deception.
c. 91 BC
Psalm 91 Composed
The psalm promising divine protection and refuge is written, later quoted by Satan during Jesus' temptation.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus' Temptation in the Wilderness
Satan tempts Jesus with physical needs, worldly power, and a test of divine protection, quoting Psalm 91:11-12.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus begins teaching, healing, and performing miracles, demonstrating his authority and God's power.
c. AD 33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified and resurrected, fulfilling prophecies and overcoming the power of sin and death.
This is the direct source of the Scripture Jesus quotes to rebuke Satan, highlighting that God's angelic protection is promised within the bounds of obedience, not presumption.
Matthew 4:6This passage recounts the same temptation from Satan, offering a parallel account where Jesus' response further clarifies the misuse of Scripture.
1 Peter 1:4This verse speaks of an inheritance 'kept in heaven for you,' which aligns with the concept of God's angelic protection guarding what is precious and divinely appointed.
Hebrews 1:14This passage describes angels as 'ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation,' reinforcing the idea that angels are agents of God's protective care for believers.
vincentLuke 4:10: "For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee:"
To keep (διαφυλάξαι)Only here in New Testament. Better as Rev., guard. See on 1 Peter 1:4 :. The preposition implies close, careful guarding. The phrase, to guard thee, is wanting in Matthew.
pooleLuke 4:10: "For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee:"
See Poole on "Luke 4:9"
Satan deliberately omits the phrase "in all your ways" from Psalm 91:11 to twist God's promise of angelic protection. He wants Jesus to believe God's angels will guard him no matter what foolish, reckless actions he takes, rather than guarding him specifically when he walks in obedience.
Satan tempts Jesus by placing him on the highest point of the temple and quoting Scripture to urge him to throw himself down, assuming God's angels will catch him. Jesus immediately counters this by quoting scripture himself, stating that one must not tempt the Lord. This exchange highlights Satan's deceptive use of God's Word to twist its meaning and lead Jesus into rash action.
Satan tempts Jesus by placing him on the highest point of the temple and quoting Scripture to urge him to throw himself down, assuming God's angels will catch him. Jesus immediately counters this by quoting scripture himself, stating that one must not tempt the Lord. This exchange highlights Satan's deceptive use of God's Word to twist its meaning and lead Jesus into rash action.
"for it is written,
“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
to guard you,’ and
“‘On their hands they will bear you up,
lest you strike your foot against a stone.’”" — Satan deliberately omits the phrase "in all your ways" from Psalm 91:11 to twist God's promise of angelic protection. He wants Jesus to believe God's angels will guard him no matter what foolish, rec…
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Last reviewed October 2026