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Matthew 4 · a question people ask

The tempter says, "If you are the Son of God" (4:3). Was he doubting it?

In the text

Matthew doesn't say what the tempter knew or thought. He gives only what was said. Just before, at the baptism, "a voice out of the heavens said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”" (3:17). Then the tempter begins twice with "If you are the Son of God": "command that these stones become bread" (4:3), and "throw yourself down" (4:6). The third time he doesn't say it: "I will give you all of these things, if you will fall down and worship me" (4:9). Here is what the verses do show: Jesus never answers "If you are the Son of God". He doesn't say who he is, and he doesn't do what he is told to do. Each time he answers with what "is written" (4:4, 4:7, 4:10). These notes don't go further than that.

The verses

“Behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.””
Matthew 3:17 · World English Bible
“The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of God’s mouth.’””
Matthew 4:3-4 · World English Bible
“and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and, ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you don’t dash your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “Again, it is written, ‘You shall not test the Lord, your God.’””
Matthew 4:6-7 · World English Bible
“He said to him, “I will give you all of these things, if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve him only.’””
Matthew 4:9-10 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Matthew 4

Matthew 4: It is written

In Matthew 4 the devil says "it is written" too (4:6), and Jesus answers each temptation with what "is written" (4:4, 4:7, 4:10). And Matthew writes "From that time, Jesus began" twice: when Jesus begins to preach (4:17), and when he begins to show his disciples that he must suffer, be killed and be raised (16:21).

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Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions