Uncover the nuances of Matthew 4:10 in our study focusing on Jesus’ rebuke to Satan. Analyzing key manuscript variations, this article sheds light on how these textual differences influence our perception of this significant moment in the Gospel of Matthew.

Introduction

In the analysis of Matthew 4:10, we confront a significant textual variant that has implications for our understanding of Jesus’ response to Satan during the temptation. This study employs the Documentary Method, emphasizing the weight of documentary evidence while also considering internal evidence, with a preference for Alexandrian manuscripts.

Manuscript Evidence and Analysis

Textual Variants Overview

1. Textus Receptus (TR), Westcott-Hort (WH), and Nestle-Aland/United Bible Societies (NU) Reading:

   • Greek: ὕπαγε, σατανᾶ (hypage, satana)
   • Translation: “Go away, Satan.”
   • Manuscript Support: Codex Sinaiticus (א), Codex Vaticanus (B), C*, W, Δ, 0233, Family 1, 13

2. Variant Reading:

   • Greek: υπαγε οπισω μου, σατανα (hypage opisō mou, satana)
   • Translation: “Get behind me, Satan.”
   • Manuscript Support: C2, D, L, Z, 33, Majority Text

External Evidence

The main reading is supported by some of the most reliable and earliest manuscripts, including Codex Sinaiticus (א) and Codex Vaticanus (B). These manuscripts are critical in the Alexandrian text-type and provide a strong witness to the original text.

The variant, while supported by later manuscripts, reflects a potential influence from Matthew 16:23, where Jesus addresses Peter with the words “Get behind me, Satan.” This suggests a scribal tendency to harmonize this verse with a later passage in Matthew.

Internal Evidence and Contextual Consideration

Bruce M. Metzger’s assessment underscores the certainty of the main reading. If the words “ὀπίσω μου” (opisō mou, “behind me”) were originally in the text, there would be no compelling reason for their omission. Conversely, if they were absent, it’s understandable why scribes, recalling Jesus’ rebuke to Peter in Matthew 16:23, might have added them here for harmonization.

Conclusion

Considering the manuscript evidence and the context of Jesus’ temptations, the original wording of Matthew 4:10 is most likely “ὕπαγε, σατανᾶ” (hypage, satana), “Go away, Satan.” This reading is supported by the earliest and most reliable manuscripts and maintains the distinctiveness of Jesus’ responses in different contexts. The variant reading likely represents a later scribal harmonization with Matthew 16:23 rather than reflecting the original text as penned by the Gospel author. This analysis reaffirms the critical importance of documentary evidence in establishing the most authentic text of the New Testament.

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