Matthew 4:9 Meaning and Explanation
“And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The devil offers Jesus the world's kingdoms in exchange for an act of worship.
What Does Matthew 4:9 Mean?
Now the price is named: all the kingdoms can be his "if thou wilt fall down and worship me." The glory is real, but so is the demand behind it. The tempter asks for the one thing owed to God alone, dressing rebellion as a shortcut to a throne.
This is the oldest exchange in temptation -- gain everything by bending the knee to the wrong master. Jesus is offered a crown without a cross, dominion without obedience. The same trade is set before us whenever we are promised reward at the cost of our highest loyalty. The verse exposes the lie that anything is worth surrendering the worship that belongs to God.
Matthew 4:9 in the Original Language
proskuneses (προσκυνήσῃς), 'worship' -- to bow down low, the homage and reverence owed to God alone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 4:9
What does Matthew 4:9 mean?
The devil offers Jesus the world's kingdoms in exchange for an act of worship.