Robertson's Word Pictures of the NT

Matthew 4:11

Then the devil leaveth him

(τοτε αφιησιν αυτον ο διαβολος). Note the use of "then" (τοτε) again and the historical present. The movement is swift. "And behold" (κα ιδου) as so often in Matthew carries on the life-like picture. " Angels came (aorist tense προσηλθον punctiliar action) and were ministering

(διηκονουν, picturesque imperfect, linear action) unto him

." The victory was won in spite of the fast of forty days and the repeated onsets of the devil who had tried every avenue of approach. The angels could cheer him in the inevitable nervous and spiritual reaction from the strain of conflict, and probably also with food as in the case of Elijah (1 Kings 19:6). The issues at stake were of vast import as the champions of light and darkness grappled for the mastery of men. Luke 4:13 adds, that the devil left Jesus only "until a good opportunity" (αχρ καιρου).

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Robertson's Word Pictures of the NT

Matthew 4:11

Old Testament

New Testament