Bible Strands
Matthew 4:1
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Matthew addresses his readers with a narrative account positioned immediately after Jesus’ baptism and immediately before the temptation narrative begins.
The words — ἀνὴχθη (anēchthē) = "was led up" [G321] and ἔρημον (erēmon) = "wilderness" [G2048]. The text states Jesus was moved into the desolate region to face the devil.
The thread — Luke 4:1 and Mark 1:12 record the Spirit leading or driving Jesus into the same wilderness. Hebrews 2:18 later observes that Jesus suffered during temptation, establishing his capacity to help those who are tempted.
Why it lands — The verse presents Jesus’ movement into testing as a factual precursor to his ministry, requiring readers to acknowledge his reliance on the Spirit before engaging with his subsequent actions.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
Cross-references
- Hebrews 2:18 Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.
- Luke 4:1 Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,
- Mark 1:12 At once the Spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness,
- Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin.
- Romans 8:14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
- Ezekiel 43:5 Then the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple.
- John 14:30 I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming, and he has no claim on Me.
- Ezekiel 3:14 So the Spirit lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness and in the anger of my spirit, with the strong hand of the LORD upon me.
- Ezekiel 3:12 Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard a great rumbling sound behind me: “Blessed be the glory of the LORD in His dwelling place!”
- Acts 8:39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, but went on his way rejoicing.