Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus retorts with "It is written again" not just to counter Satan's quote, but to reveal how Scripture must interpret itself. This highlights that true faith isn't about demanding miracles to prove God, but about trusting Him within His commands, as the original context of this verse shows the Israelites wrongly testing God's presence.
Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
English Standard Version (ESV)
After the devil's second temptation, Jesus counters by quoting another Scripture, this time from Deuteronomy, directly forbidding putting God to the test. This retort highlights that while Scripture can be used to defend, it must be interpreted in its entirety and not twisted to justify presumption or unnecessary risk. Jesus refuses to leap from the temple, implicitly showing that faith isn't about forcing God's hand but trusting His will.
Satan tried to twist God's Word to trick Jesus. But Jesus knew a powerful way to fight back using the Bible itself.
When Satan quotes Scripture, Jesus doesn't argue or get defensive. Instead, He uses another Scripture to show the right way to understand and apply God's Word.
The Principle of Scripture Interpreting Scripture
Why is 'testing God' such a serious offense? Jesus' response reveals a crucial distinction between faith and presumption.
Jesus refutes Satan's temptation by quoting the command not to 'tempt the Lord your God.' This command, found in Deuteronomy, refers to a specific incident where the Israelites, facing hardship, demanded God prove His presence by performing a miracle. They were essentially saying, 'Is God really with us, or not? Make us believe!'
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Faith vs. Presumption
Understand the original words
ekpeirazō · Greek Verb
To challenge or provoke God to prove His presence, power, or faithfulness, often out of unbelief or a desire for self-serving validation.
Jesus uses a specific command from the Old Testament, originally given to the Israelites after they doubted God's presence, to shut down Satan's deceptive suggestion. It highlights that true faith isn't about demanding proof from God, but about trusting His promises when He calls us into difficult circumstances.
c. 1446 BC
Israelites at Massah and Meribah
During their wilderness journey, the Israelites complained about lack of water and questioned God's presence, testing Him. This event is explicitly referenced in Deuteronomy 6:16.
c. 1400 BC
Deuteronomy Written
The Book of Deuteronomy, containing the command 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test,' is composed, likely during or just before entering the Promised Land.
c. 1st Century BC
Septuagint Translation
The Hebrew Scriptures are translated into Greek. The Greek translation of Deuteronomy 6:16 reads, 'You shall not test the Lord your God,' becoming the specific wording Jesus uses.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Jesus' Temptation in the Wilderness
Jesus, after fasting for 40 days, is tempted by Satan in the wilderness. Satan twists Scripture to try and make Jesus act presumptuously, and Jesus counters with other Scripture.
This is the direct source for Jesus' quote, showing the original context of not testing God's presence or power, particularly as the Israelites did at Massah.
Exodus 17:7This passage describes the event at Massah where the Israelites tempted the Lord by demanding water and questioning His presence, illustrating the very sin Jesus is warning against.
Psalm 78:41This psalm reflects on Israel's repeated temptation of God in the wilderness, reinforcing the seriousness of testing God's faithfulness and presence.
Hebrews 5:8This passage highlights Jesus' obedience learned through suffering, showing how He didn't 'put the Lord to the test' but rather submitted to His Father's will, even in the face of extreme hardship.
1 Corinthians 10:9This New Testament passage directly references the Israelites' tempting of the Lord in the wilderness, warning believers not to repeat their sins and providing a parallel to Jesus' refusal to tempt God.
barnesMatthew 4:7: "Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God."
Jesus said unto him, It is written again - Again the Saviour replied to Satan by a text of Scripture - a passage which expressly forbade an act like this. Thou shall not tempt the Lord thy God - This is quoted literally from Deuteronomy 6:16. The meaning is, thou shalt not try him; or, thou shalt not, by throwing thyself into voluntary and uncommanded dangers, appeal to God for protection, or trifle…
vincentMatthew 4:7: "Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God."
Again (πάλιν)Emphatic, meaning on the other hand, with reference to Satan's it is written (Matthew 4:6); as if he had said, "the promise which you quote must be explained by another passage of scripture." Archbishop Trench aptly remarks, "In that 'It is written again of Christ, lies a great lesson, quite independent of that particular scripture which, on this occasion, he quotes, or of the use to wh…
Jesus retorts with "It is written again" not just to counter Satan's quote, but to reveal how Scripture must interpret itself. This highlights that true faith isn't about demanding miracles to prove God, but about trusting Him within His commands, as the original context of this verse shows the Israelites wrongly testing God's presence.
After the devil's second temptation, Jesus counters by quoting another Scripture, this time from Deuteronomy, directly forbidding putting God to the test. This retort highlights that while Scripture can be used to defend, it must be interpreted in its entirety and not twisted to justify presumption or unnecessary risk. Jesus refuses to leap from the temple, implicitly showing that faith isn't about forcing God's hand but trusting His will.
After the devil's second temptation, Jesus counters by quoting another Scripture, this time from Deuteronomy, directly forbidding putting God to the test. This retort highlights that while Scripture can be used to defend, it must be interpreted in its entirety and not twisted to justify presumption or unnecessary risk. Jesus refuses to leap from the temple, implicitly showing that faith isn't about forcing God's hand but trusting His will.
"Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”" — Jesus retorts with "It is written again" not just to counter Satan's quote, but to reveal how Scripture must interpret itself. This highlights that true faith isn't about demanding miracles to prov…
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Last reviewed October 2026