Bible Commentary on Matthew 4:4

Verse: "But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."

Introduction

In Matthew 4:4, we find one of the most profound declarations made by Jesus during His temptation in the wilderness. This verse reveals not only His reliance on God's Word but also serves as a foundational truth for the spiritual life of believers. The insights from esteemed commentators such as Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke provide a rich tapestry of understanding surrounding this verse.

Context of the Passage

Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:1). This time of testing was crucial for His preparation for public ministry. The quote in Matthew 4:4 references Deuteronomy 8:3, where Moses reminds the Israelites of their reliance on God's provision during their wilderness journey. Thus, this verse serves as a reminder of God’s sustenance beyond physical needs.

Insights from Commentators

Matthew Henry's Perspective

Henry emphasizes that the principle found in this verse is vital for understanding both the nature of spiritual life and the necessity of God’s Word. He notes that:

• Human Need: Just as physical bread sustains human life, spiritual sustenance comes from God’s Word. Henry compares the physical nourishment that bread provides with the spiritual nourishment that Scripture offers.
• The Sufficiency of Scripture: Henry underscores that man’s existence is not solely dependent on material needs. He asserts that the Scriptures provide the ultimate guidance and were intended to be the foundation of human life.
• Spiritual Warfare: In the context of temptation, Henry points out that Jesus’ response illustrates the importance of knowing and applying Scripture as a defense against the devil's temptations. The Word of God is a weapon that Christians can wield in their spiritual battles.

Albert Barnes' Commentary

Barnes provides a detailed explanation regarding the implications of living by every word that proceeds from God. He articulates:

• The Nature of Life: Barnes highlights that true life, both spiritual and eternal, comes from obedience to God's Word. He argues that bread represents only the physical aspect of life, while God’s Word is essential for spiritual vitality.
• The Role of Scripture: Barnes asserts that all Scripture is inspired by God and is necessary for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). This places a premium on the engagement with the biblical text as central to the believer’s existence.
• The Response to Temptation: He elaborates that Jesus’ response exemplifies the proper attitude believers should have when confronted with temptation. The invocation of Scripture shows the power and authority God's Word holds in times of trial.

Adam Clarke's Insights

Clarke provides a theological and practical unpacking of the verse, outlining its implications for the believer:

• Divine Provision: Clarke expounds on the idea that God not only provides for physical needs but also for the spiritual needs of humanity. Living by the Word of God guarantees that individuals fulfill their divine purpose.
• The Priority of Spiritual Nourishment: He expresses that prioritizing spiritual life over physical sustenance is a mark of true discipleship. This is further emphasized through the life of Christ, who constantly engaged with Scripture.
• Importance of Faith: Clarke notes that faith in God’s promises empowers believers to resist temptation. The key takeaway from Matthew 4:4 is that faith in God’s spoken Word is vital to enduring hardships and trials.

Applications for Pastors and Theologians

The message of Matthew 4:4 reveals a multifaceted truth that can be applied in various aspects of ministry and scholarly study. Here are several applications:

• Preaching and Teaching: Pastors should emphasize the necessity of God's Word in their sermons, encouraging congregants to not only attend to physical needs but to also cultivate a deep spiritual life through Scripture.
• Spiritual Disciplines: The insights suggest the value of disciplines such as study, meditation, and memorization of Scripture as crucial for spiritual growth and resilience in facing temptations.
• Contextualization for Missions: The principle that human beings live by more than bread can inform approaches in missions, illustrating that fulfilling spiritual hunger is as important as meeting physical needs.

Concluding Thoughts

Matthew 4:4 calls believers to recognize that true life is contingent upon an intimate connection with the Word of God. As Jesus demonstrated, the Scriptures are vital for sustenance, guidance, and victory over temptation. The commentaries of Henry, Barnes, and Clarke reveal that the teachings of Jesus transcend cultural and temporal boundaries, offering timeless truths that nourish the soul. In an age where distractions abound, returning to the centrality of God's Word remains essential for spiritual health and vitality.