Paragraph 4:8–11
In this paragraph, Matthew reported the third way that the devil tempted Jesus. Here, the devil tempted Jesus to make an agreement with him. The devil asked Jesus to worship him as God, and then the devil would reward him.
4:8a
Again: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Again indicates a repeated action. The devil tempted Jesus “once more” but in a different way. This word does not indicate that he repeated the same temptation.
Here are some other ways to translate this conjunction:
• Use a word or phrase to indicate a repeated action. For example:
Once more (God’s Word)
• Use a more general word or phrase such as:
Then (Good News Translation)
took Him: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as took refers to someone taking along another person. This same verb occurs in 4:5a. See how you translated it there.
a very high mountain: The phrase a very high mountain may have been a literal mountain, or it may have been a mountain in a vision. Scholars are divided in their understanding of this passage. It is probably best to translate a very high mountain literally.
4:8b
and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world: The devil showed Jesus all the nations of the world of that time. It is not physically possible to see every part of the world from one place, but the text does not state how he did this. So it is recommended that you translate these words literally without further explanation.
all the kingdoms of the world: A “kingdom” refers to a large area or country where a king or other high authority rules. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
all the nations of the world
-or-
all the countries on earth
and their glory: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible here translates as glory expresses the idea of the greatness, magnificence, and beauty of the nations.
Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
in all their greatness (Good News Translation)
-or-
and their magnificence (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
and how powerful and beautiful they were
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