Matthew 4:6 Meaning and Explanation
“And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The devil now quotes Scripture himself, urging Jesus to leap from the temple and force God to send angels to save him.
What Does Matthew 4:6 Mean?
Having heard Jesus answer with the word, the tempter now wields it too, quoting Psalm 91 about angels guarding the faithful. He leaves out the psalm's own theme of trust and bends a promise of protection into a dare. "Cast thyself down" would turn God's care into a spectacle staged to satisfy doubt.
Scripture can be misused, even by quoting it accurately, when its words are pulled from their purpose. The psalm promises that God keeps those who walk with him; it does not invite a reckless plunge to test whether he will catch us. True faith rests on God's promises where he gives them, rather than manufacturing crises to make him prove his love.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 4:6
What does Matthew 4:6 mean?
The devil now quotes Scripture himself, urging Jesus to leap from the temple and force God to send angels to save him.