And Jesus answered him, “It is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The wording "him only shall you serve" is a powerful emphasis that makes this a radical statement of exclusive devotion. It’s not just about worshipping God, but about giving Him all our service, leaving no room for any other authority or allegiance.
And Jesus answered him, “It is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is in the wilderness, having been tempted by Satan for forty days with hunger. Satan then tempts Jesus by offering him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory if Jesus will worship him. Jesus responds to this third temptation by quoting Scripture, reminding Satan that only God is to be worshipped.
When Jesus faced the ultimate temptation, how did He fight back? It wasn't with a new argument, but with ancient words.
Jesus's Shield: God's Word
When Satan tried to twist Jesus's identity and purpose, Jesus didn't debate or plead. He pulled out the ultimate weapon: Scripture.
Satan offered Jesus everything. Why wasn't it enough? Because God demands something no one else can give.
God Alone: The Object of Our Devotion
The heart of Jesus's response lies in the exclusivity of worship and service demanded by God.
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Understand the original words
latreuo · Greek Verb
To perform labor or act in the service of someone, often as a slave or subordinate. Religiously, it denotes the total devotion and obedience owed by a creature to their Creator.
This is the original Old Testament passage Jesus quotes, establishing the foundational command to exclusively worship and serve God.
Deuteronomy 10:20This verse reiterates the importance of fearing the Lord and serving Him, reinforcing the exclusive devotion Jesus declares to Satan.
Matthew 4:10Matthew's Gospel records Jesus using the same powerful quote from Deuteronomy to repel this specific temptation, showing a consistent response to the devil's schemes.
Romans 12:1Paul calls believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, a spiritual act of worship and service that parallels Jesus' refusal to compromise His devotion to God.
1 Samuel 12:24Samuel urges the Israelites to serve the Lord wholeheartedly, highlighting that genuine service means choosing God's way, just as Jesus did when refusing Satan's shortcuts.
vincentLuke 4:8: "And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve."
ServeSee on Luke 1:74.
pooleLuke 4:8: "And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve."
See Poole on "Luke 3:5"
The wording "him only shall you serve" is a powerful emphasis that makes this a radical statement of exclusive devotion. It’s not just about worshipping God, but about giving Him all our service, leaving no room for any other authority or allegiance.
Jesus is in the wilderness, having been tempted by Satan for forty days with hunger. Satan then tempts Jesus by offering him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory if Jesus will worship him. Jesus responds to this third temptation by quoting Scripture, reminding Satan that only God is to be worshipped.
Jesus is in the wilderness, having been tempted by Satan for forty days with hunger. Satan then tempts Jesus by offering him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory if Jesus will worship him. Jesus responds to this third temptation by quoting Scripture, reminding Satan that only God is to be worshipped.
"And Jesus answered him, “It is written,
“‘You shall worship the Lord your God,
and him only shall you serve.’”" — The wording "him *only* shall you serve" is a powerful emphasis that makes this a radical statement of exclusive devotion. It’s not just about worshipping God, but about giving Him *all* our service,…
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Last reviewed October 2026