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Book of Matthew - Chapter 4 - Verse 8

4:8
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;

Meaning

When we examine the verse '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;', we see a significant moment in the story of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. The devil, representing temptation and evil, offers Jesus a grand illusion of power and wealth by showing him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. This scene serves as a test of Jesus' true mission and character, as it challenges him to choose between worldly desires and the will of God. By resisting the devil's temptations and staying true to his purpose, Jesus sets an example for believers to prioritize spiritual values over material gain. The verse underscores the importance of staying grounded in faith and resisting the allure of earthly distractions, reminding us that true fulfillment comes from aligning ourselves with God's will rather than seeking power or wealth.

Theological Overview

When examining the theological interpretation of the verse which states that the devil took Jesus up to a high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world, we can see a profound lesson in the spiritual battle between good and evil. This event signifies the temptation Jesus faced to gain power and control over the world, which ultimately tied to His mission to establish the Kingdom of God. By being tempted with the kingdoms and their glory, Jesus demonstrated His unwavering commitment to serve only God and reject the temptations of the world. This verse highlights the importance of remaining steadfast in faith and resisting worldly temptations, emphasizing the spiritual warfare that believers face in their daily lives. Word studies on the Greek terms used in this verse, such as 'exceeding high mountain' and 'kingdoms of the world', can provide deeper insights into the cultural and historical context of the temptation narrative, shedding light on the significance of the event in the overall theological message of the Bible.

American Standard Version

Again, the devil taketh him unto an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
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