In the King James Version, ‘Get thee behind me, Satan’ (Matthew 16:23) is what Jesus said to Peter after Peter tried to dissuade Him from going to the cross. Jesus recognized that Peter’s words, though well-intentioned, reflected Satan’s desire to thwart God’s redemptive plan, and He firmly rejected the temptation by commanding Satan to stand down.
Few moments in Scripture are as startling as when Jesus turned to His closest disciple and spoke words that echo with holy authority: “Get thee behind me, Satan.” Found in the King James Version of the Bible, this powerful declaration has stirred questions, curiosity, and even confusion among believers for centuries. What could possibly prompt the Son of God to address Peter—the very man He called the rock upon which He would build His church—in such a striking manner? The answer reveals a profound spiritual truth that speaks directly to every follower of Christ today.
In this article, we will explore the meaning, context, and biblical significance of the phrase “Get thee behind me Satan” as it appears in the KJV. Together, we will walk through the full passage, uncover why Jesus spoke these words, and discover the timeless lessons they hold for every believer who seeks to stand firm in God’s plan. Whether you are new to the faith or have walked with the Lord for many years, this passage has something powerful to teach us about spiritual warfare, the danger of well-meaning but worldly advice, and the unwavering mission of our Savior. Let us begin by examining what this verse truly means and the context in which it was spoken.
What Does ‘Get Thee Behind Me Satan’ Mean in the KJV?
The Full Verse in Context
The phrase “Get thee behind me Satan” is one of the most striking statements Jesus ever spoke. It appears in the King James Version in Matthew 16:23 and Mark 8:33. To understand its meaning, we must first look at the full verse in context.
In Matthew 16:23 (KJV), the verse reads:
“But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.”
Furthermore, Mark 8:33 (KJV) records a parallel account:
“But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.”
These verses follow a powerful moment. Peter had just confessed that Jesus was “the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Jesus praised Peter for that revelation. However, moments later, Peter rebuked Jesus for speaking of His coming death. That is when Jesus responded with these strong words.
Why Jesus Spoke These Words
Jesus did not speak these words because Peter was evil. Rather, He identified the source behind Peter’s words. Peter’s rebuke, though well-meaning, aligned with Satan’s desire to prevent Jesus from going to the cross.
Consider the following reasons Jesus spoke so firmly:
- Peter’s words opposed God’s plan. Jesus came to die for humanity’s sins. Any attempt to stop that mission, even from a beloved friend, was opposition to God’s will.
- Satan often works through people. Just as Satan used Peter’s voice, he still uses human words today to discourage God’s purposes.
- Jesus recognized spiritual warfare. He saw beyond Peter’s good intentions to the spiritual battle at work behind the scene.
In addition, Jesus’ response teaches us a vital lesson. Even the most sincere advice can be wrong if it contradicts God’s Word. Peter loved Jesus deeply. Yet his love was filtered through human thinking, not divine wisdom.
As a result, Jesus’ rebuke was not personal. It was prophetic. He was addressing the spiritual force attempting to derail His mission. This moment reveals how seriously Jesus takes obedience to the Father’s plan.
Ultimately, “Get thee behind me Satan” in the KJV reminds us that Jesus is Lord over every spiritual power. He will not be swayed by human opinion, no matter how well-intentioned. His eyes were fixed on the cross, and nothing, not even Peter’s love, could turn Him aside.
What Did Jesus Mean When He Said ‘Get Behind Me Satan’ to Peter?
Peter’s Misguided Rebuke
Just moments before Jesus spoke these startling words to Peter, the apostle had received one of the highest commendations ever given by our Lord. In Matthew 16:16–18, Peter boldly declared, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus blessed Peter for this confession. He revealed that this truth came not from human reasoning but from divine revelation by the Father in heaven. Furthermore, Jesus declared that He would build His church upon this very foundation of truth (Matthew 16:18).
However, almost immediately after this profound moment, Peter’s understanding took a sharp and dangerous turn. In Matthew 16:21–22, Jesus began to explain that He must go to Jerusalem, suffer greatly from the elders and chief priests, be killed, and rise again on the third day. Upon hearing this, Peter grabbed Jesus and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee” (Matthew 16:22, KJV).
Consider the contrast between Peter’s two statements:
- First statement: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” — A revelation from the Father. Faithful. Spirit-led. True.
- Second statement: “This shall not happen to You!” — A protective impulse rooted in human thinking. Well-meaning. But deeply wrong.
Peter’s rebuke was not born out of malice. Rather, it stemmed from genuine love and concern for his Master. Yet love without alignment to God’s Word becomes a tool in Satan’s hands. Peter could not reconcile the idea of a suffering Messiah. He expected conquest, not a cross. As a result, his compassion became a stumbling block to God’s eternal plan.
The Temptation to Avoid the Cross
Jesus’ words — “Get thee behind me, Satan” (Matthew 16:23, KJV) — must be understood in the full context of His mission on earth. Jesus did not come merely to teach, heal, or gather followers. He came to lay down His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). The cross was not a detour from God’s plan. It was God’s plan.
In fact, the entire Old Testament pointed forward to the suffering of the Messiah. Isaiah 53:5 prophesied, “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Psalm 22 described the Messiah’s suffering in striking detail centuries before the crucifixion ever took place. The cross was never optional. It was the very reason Jesus stepped out of heaven and into human flesh (Philippians 2:8).
Peter’s suggestion that Jesus avoid suffering was, at its core, the same temptation Satan had presented to Jesus earlier in the wilderness. In Matthew 4:8–10, Satan offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and their glory — if only He would bow down and worship him. Satan proposed a crown without a cross. He offered an alternative path to glory that would have bypassed the crucifixion entirely.
Jesus’ response then was, “Get thee behind me, Satan” — the very same words He would speak to Peter. In both instances, the message was identical. The satanic strategy was the same. Whether through the devil’s direct voice in the wilderness or through the well-meaning words of a beloved disciple, the goal was always the same: to divert Jesus from the cross.
Consider the parallel between Satan’s wilderness temptation and Peter’s rebuke:
| Satan’s Offer (Matthew 4) | Peter’s Rebuke (Matthew 16) |
|---|---|
| Avoid suffering and take a shortcut to glory. | “Lord, this shall not happen to You!” |
| A crown without the cross. | Protect Jesus from the cross. |
| Temptation disguised as an opportunity. | Temptation disguised as love and concern. |
| Jesus’ response: “Get thee behind me, Satan.” | Jesus’ response: “Get thee behind me, Satan.” |
The cross was not something Jesus endured reluctantly. It was something He embraced willingly for the joy set before Him — the redemption of every soul who would ever call upon His name (Hebrews 12:2). To spare Jesus from the cross would be to rob the entire world of salvation.
Satan’s Influence Through Human Words
Perhaps the most sobering lesson from this passage is this: Satan does not always appear as a roaring lion. Sometimes he speaks through the voices of those we love most. He cloaks his destructive lies in the garments of kindness, compassion, and human wisdom.
Jesus did not say these words to condemn Peter personally. Rather, He identified the source behind the words. The Lord looked past the man and addressed the spiritual force attempting to use Peter’s mouth to derail the plan of redemption. As Mark’s account records, Jesus “turned about, and saw his disciples, and rebuked Peter” (Mark 8:33, KJV). His gaze shifted from Peter to His followers, making this a teaching moment for the entire group.
In Matthew 16:23, Jesus explained exactly what was happening: “Thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” Peter’s mind was set on earthly things. He was thinking like a man, not according to the purposes of God. When human thinking replaces divine truth, the door opens wide for satanic influence — even in the words of a devoted disciple.
This truth carries a powerful warning for every believer today. Not every voice that sounds loving represents God’s will. Not every suggestion that feels right aligns with Scripture. Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God (1 John 4:1, KJV).
Satan’s methods of influence today often include:
- Discouraging believers from obedience that requires sacrifice or suffering.
- Offering alternative “paths” that bypass the cross-shaped journey God has designed.
- Using well-meaning friends, family members, or even internal thoughts to redirect us from God’s calling.
- Framing worldly wisdom as compassion or common sense.
- Convincing us that God’s ways are too difficult, too costly, or too unreasonable.
However, the believer’s safeguard against these tactics is the same weapon Jesus used: the Word of God. When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, the Lord responded to every temptation with a declaration of Scripture — “It is written” (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10). God’s Word is not merely informational. It is the living, active sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17). It exposes lies. It cuts through deception. It anchors the believer in unchanging truth.
Get thee behind me, Satan — these words remind us that Jesus is Lord over every spiritual force of darkness. He is not intimidated. He is not confused. He identifies the enemy’s voice instantly and rebukes it with absolute authority. As believers, we stand firm when we submit our hearts to Scripture, seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and refuse to let human sentiment override God’s revealed Word.
Peter, despite this moment of failure, went on to become one of the greatest apostles in church history. He learned from this correction. His later letters warn believers to be vigilant against the devil, who walks about “as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8, KJV). If Peter had to be corrected, how much more must we examine our own hearts and the voices we allow to shape our decisions?
Where Does ‘Get Thee Behind Me Satan’ Appear in the Bible?
The powerful words “Get thee behind me, Satan” appear in two places in the King James Version of the Bible. Both accounts describe the same meaningful moment between Jesus and the apostle Peter. Understanding where these passages appear helps us grasp the full weight of this rebuke.
Matthew 16:23 KJV
The primary account is found in Matthew 16:23. Here is the verse in full:
“But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” — Matthew 16:23 (KJV)
This verse comes at a critical moment. Just before this, Peter had confessed that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Jesus commended Peter for that declaration. However, moments later, Peter rebuked Jesus for speaking of His coming death. That is when Jesus responded with these strong words.
Matthew’s Gospel provides the most detailed account. It includes Jesus’ explanation that Peter was thinking from a human perspective rather than God’s perspective. This context is essential for understanding why Jesus spoke so firmly.
Mark 8:33 KJV
The parallel account appears in Mark 8:33:
“But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.” — Mark 8:33 (KJV)
Mark’s version adds a vivid detail. It tells us that Jesus “turned about and looked on His disciples” before speaking. This suggests Jesus’ rebuke was not only for Peter but also a teaching moment for all the disciples watching.
Mark’s account is slightly shorter than Matthew’s. However, it preserves the core message. Peter’s words, though well-intentioned, aligned with Satan’s desire to prevent Jesus from going to the cross.
The Parallel Accounts
Both Matthew and Mark record this event. Together, they give us a fuller picture of what happened. Here is a comparison of the two passages:
| Element | Matthew 16:23 | Mark 8:33 |
|---|---|---|
| Speaker | Jesus to Peter | Jesus to Peter |
| Key Phrase | “Get thee behind me, Satan” | “Get thee behind me, Satan” |
| Additional Detail | “Thou art an offence unto me” | Jesus “looked on his disciples” |
| Reason Given | Peter savors men’s things, not God’s | Peter savors men’s things, not God’s |
| Context | After Peter’s confession and rebuke of Jesus | After Peter’s confession and rebuke of Jesus |
These parallel accounts serve an important purpose. In the Bible, when two or more witnesses confirm an event, it establishes the truth of that matter (2 Corinthians 13:1). Both Gospels confirm that Jesus identified Peter’s words as satanic in origin.
Furthermore, the fact that this moment appears in both Matthew and Mark shows its significance. The early church preserved this account carefully. It was not a minor detail. It was a vital lesson about the cost of following Christ and the reality of spiritual opposition.
When studying “get thee behind me satan kjv”, it is helpful to read both passages side by side. Matthew gives us the fuller explanation. Mark gives us the visual detail of Jesus turning to address all the disciples. Together, they reveal a moment of profound spiritual truth.
Jesus was not rejecting Peter as a person. He was rejecting the temptation that came through Peter’s words. This distinction matters greatly. It reminds us that even those we love can unknowingly speak words that oppose God’s will. As believers, we must always test our thoughts and words against the standard of Scripture.
Get Thee Behind Me Satan: For It Is Written
Jesus’ Use of Scripture Against Temptation
When Jesus rebuked Peter with the words, “Get thee behind me, Satan,” He did not stop there. He immediately followed with a powerful declaration rooted in Scripture: “For it is written.” This phrase is not merely a reference to the Bible. It is a declaration of war against the enemy’s lies. Jesus demonstrated that the Word of God is the ultimate weapon in spiritual warfare.
Earlier in His ministry, Jesus faced Satan directly in the wilderness. Each time the devil tempted Him, Jesus responded with the same weapon: “It is written” (Matthew 4:4, 4:7, 4:10). He quoted Deuteronomy 8:3, Deuteronomy 6:16, and Deuteronomy 6:13 to defeat every attack. In the same way, when Peter unknowingly spoke Satan’s words, Jesus stood firm on the truth of God’s plan.
The phrase “for it is written” carries enormous weight. It means that God’s Word is settled, unchanging, and authoritative. Jesus did not argue with Peter. He did not negotiate with the temptation. He pointed to what God had already declared. This is the model every believer must follow when facing spiritual attack.
Consider the three temptations Jesus faced in the wilderness and how He responded:
| Satan’s Temptation | Jesus’ Response (Scripture Used) | Scripture Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Turn stones to bread | “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” | Matthew 4:4 (KJV) [1] |
| Throw Himself from the temple | “Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God” | Matthew 4:7 (KJV) [1] |
| Worship Satan for the kingdoms of the world | “Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve” | Matthew 4:10 (KJV) [1] |
Notice the pattern. Jesus did not rely on His own wisdom or strength. He relied entirely on the written Word of God. This is what made His resistance unbreakable. Furthermore, this is what He calls every believer to do when temptation comes.
The Power of God’s Word in Spiritual Warfare
The Bible describes itself as a weapon. Ephesians 6:17 calls it “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Hebrews 4:12 says the Word of God is “quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword.” These are not mere metaphors. They reveal a spiritual reality that every Christian must understand and embrace.
When Jesus said “get thee behind me Satan” in the KJV, He was wielding this very sword. The enemy had spoken through Peter’s well-meaning but fleshly advice. Jesus cut through the deception with the truth of Scripture. As a result, the temptation lost its power.
Believers today face the same tactics from the enemy. Satan still tries to redirect God’s people away from the cross. He still uses comfortable lies to keep us from God’s perfect will. However, the weapon that Jesus used is available to every Christian. The Bible is not just a book of inspiration. It is a living, active force that dismantles the enemy’s schemes.
Here are key truths about the power of God’s Word in spiritual warfare:
- God’s Word exposes lies. Satan is called “the father of lies” in John 8:44. Scripture reveals his deceptions and brings them into the light.
- God’s Word provides authority. When Jesus quoted Scripture, He spoke with the full authority of God. Believers who stand on Scripture speak with that same authority.
- God’s Word renews the mind. Romans 12:2 calls believers to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Scripture replaces worldly thinking with God’s truth.
- God’s Word produces faith. Romans 10:17 says, “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” The more we know Scripture, the stronger our faith becomes.
- God’s Word never fails. Isaiah 55:11 declares that God’s Word “shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please.” Every promise in Scripture will be fulfilled.
The account of Jesus saying “get thee behind me Satan” in Matthew 16:23 and Mark 8:33 is more than a historical event. It is a living lesson for every follower of Christ. When we face temptation, whether from the enemy directly or through the words of others, we must respond as Jesus did. We must take up the sword of the Spirit and stand firmly on what God has said.
Peter meant well. He loved Jesus and did not want to see Him suffer. However, love without truth can become a tool of the enemy. This is why believers must test every thought, every suggestion, and every piece of advice against the standard of Scripture. God’s Word is the final authority. It never leads us astray.
Jesus Christ, the Living Word, demonstrated perfect obedience by submitting to the written Word. He fulfilled every prophecy concerning the Messiah. He went to the cross, died for our sins, and rose again on the third day. His victory over Satan was complete. And through His Word, He invites every believer to share in that victory today.
Lessons for Believers from ‘Get Thee Behind Me Satan’
The words “Get thee behind me, Satan” are among the most striking in all of Scripture. They carry a powerful message for every believer today. When Jesus spoke these words, He was not only addressing Peter. He was revealing a spiritual truth that applies to all who follow Him. Understanding this moment helps us grow stronger in faith and more alert to the enemy’s schemes.
Recognizing Satan’s Tactics Today
Satan has not changed his methods since the garden of Eden. He still works through deception, distraction, and doubt. In the case of Peter, Satan used a trusted friend to deliver a tempting message. This is one of the enemy’s most effective strategies. He rarely appears as an obvious foe. Instead, he disguises his influence through people and circumstances that seem harmless or even loving.
Today, Satan’s tactics often look like this:
- Twisting God’s Word: Just as Satan quoted Scripture during the wilderness temptation, he still distorts biblical truth to lead believers astray. He takes verses out of context to create confusion and doubt.
- Using loved ones: Sometimes the people closest to us unknowingly speak words that oppose God’s will. A friend, a family member, or even a fellow believer may encourage us to take an easier path than the one God has set before us.
- Appealing to human comfort: Satan tempts us to choose comfort over obedience. He whispers that God’s plan is too hard, too costly, or unnecessary.
- Creating fear and discouragement: Fear of suffering, rejection, or failure can paralyze a believer. Satan uses these emotions to keep us from stepping into God’s purpose.
Ephesians 6:11 reminds us to “put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” The word “wiles” means schemes or strategies. Satan is strategic. Therefore, we must be watchful and grounded in God’s Word to recognize his attacks before they take root in our hearts.
Standing Firm on God’s Plan
When Jesus rebuked Peter, He made a clear declaration: “Thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men” (Mark 8:33, KJV). This statement draws a sharp line between God’s perspective and the world’s perspective. Standing firm on God’s plan requires us to choose His viewpoint every single day, even when it contradicts what feels natural or comfortable.
Jesus knew that the cross was not optional. It was the very reason He came to earth. John 3:16 tells us, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” The cross was the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan for all humanity. Any attempt to divert Jesus from that path was, in essence, an attack on the salvation of the world.
As believers, we also have a God-given purpose. Standing firm means:
- Trusting God’s timing: God’s plan does not always align with our schedule. However, His timing is always perfect. Isaiah 55:8–9 assures us that His ways and thoughts are higher than ours.
- Refusing shortcuts: The enemy often offers an easier route. Yet God’s path, though sometimes difficult, always leads to life and blessing. Jesus said, “Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life” (Matthew 7:14, KJV).
- Remaining rooted in prayer: Jesus overcame every temptation through prayer and Scripture. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed, “Not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42, KJV). Prayer aligns our hearts with the Father’s will.
- Memorizing and meditating on Scripture: Jesus defeated Satan by declaring, “It is written.” When we hide God’s Word in our hearts, we carry a powerful weapon against every lie of the enemy (Psalm 119:11).
Standing firm is not about willpower alone. It is about surrender. It is about saying with Jesus, “Not my will, but Yours.” When we surrender our plans to God, we position ourselves to walk in His perfect purpose.
The Danger of Well-Meaning but Worldly Advice
Perhaps the most sobering lesson from this passage is that even good people can speak words influenced by the enemy. Peter loved Jesus deeply. There is no question about that. Yet in this moment, Peter’s words carried a satanic message. He urged Jesus to avoid suffering, not realizing that suffering was the very path to glory.
This should give us great pause. Well-meaning advice from others can sometimes lead us away from God’s will. The world tells us to avoid pain at all costs. It tells us to seek comfort, security, and self-preservation. However, the kingdom of God operates on an entirely different set of values. Jesus said, “Whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it” (Matthew 16:25, KJV).
Here are some ways worldly advice can quietly undermine our faith:
- Prioritizing comfort over calling: The world says, “Take the easy road.” God often calls us to the narrow road that requires sacrifice and faith.
- Valuing approval over obedience: Seeking the approval of others can cause us to compromise our convictions. Galatians 1:10 warns us that if we seek to please men, we are not the servants of Christ.
- Trusting feelings over faith: Our emotions are real, but they are not always reliable. God’s Word is our anchor, not our circumstances or feelings.
- Avoiding the cross: Every believer has a cross to carry. It may look different for each person, but denying it means denying Jesus (Matthew 16:24).
The solution is not to reject all counsel. Proverbs 15:22 tells us that “in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” However, we must test every piece of advice against the standard of Scripture. If a suggestion contradicts God’s Word or leads us away from His revealed will, we must have the courage to say, as Jesus did, “Get thee behind me, Satan.”
Living Out This Truth Daily
The phrase “get thee behind me satan kjv” is more than a historical moment. It is a living principle for every Christian. Each day, we face choices that reveal whose voice we are listening to. Are we tuned to the voice of the Shepherd, or are we being swayed by the whispers of the enemy?
Jesus gave us the perfect example. He did not argue with Satan. He did not negotiate. He spoke the truth of God’s Word with authority and finality. As believers, we have that same authority through Christ. James 4:7 instructs us, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Let us walk forward with confidence, knowing that the same Spirit who empowered Jesus to stand against temptation lives in us. Romans 8:37 declares that we are “more than conquerors through him that loved us.” No scheme of the enemy can prevail against a heart that is fully surrendered to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Jesus mean when he said ‘get behind me satan to peter’?
Jesus spoke these sharp, direct words to Peter after Peter tried to convince Jesus to avoid the cross. In just a few days, Peter had declared Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16). However, when Jesus began revealing that He would suffer, be killed, and rise again, Peter rebuked Him (Matthew 16:22). Jesus responded immediately: “Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men” (Matthew 16:23 KJV).
In essence, Jesus was not saying Peter was Satan in his identity or soul. Rather, He was identifying that Satan was operating through Peter’s words to tempt Jesus away from the Father’s plan. Peter’s well-meaning advice was actually a spiritual trap. Jesus recognized it as such and rejected it firmly.
This moment teaches us that even those closest to us can unknowingly speak words influenced by the enemy. Therefore, believers must test every word and counsel against the standard of Scripture.
What is the meaning of ‘Get thee behind me, Satan’?
The phrase “Get thee behind me, Satan” is one of the most powerful rebukes recorded in Scripture. It carries several layers of meaning for believers today:
- A command of authority: Jesus spoke with divine authority, commanding the enemy to retreat. He did not negotiate or hesitate.
- A rejection of temptation: Jesus refused any path that led away from the Father’s will, even when it came from a beloved friend.
- A declaration of allegiance: By saying “behind me,” Jesus made it clear that Satan had no place beside Him, ahead of Him, or in His plans.
- A model for believers: Jesus demonstrated how to resist temptation — by standing firmly on the Word of God (Matthew 4:10).
Furthermore, this phrase reminds us that spiritual warfare is real. Satan often works through subtle influences, not just obvious attacks. As a result, believers must remain vigilant and grounded in Scripture at all times.
Where is ‘Get thee behind me Satan’ in the KJV?
This powerful statement appears in two parallel passages in the King James Version:
| Reference | Text (KJV) |
|---|---|
| Matthew 16:23 | “But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” |
| Mark 8:33 | “But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.” |
Both accounts record the same event. Matthew provides additional detail by naming Peter directly. Mark emphasizes that Jesus turned and looked at His entire group of disciples, underscoring the public nature of this rebuke. Together, these passages give us a fuller picture of this critical moment in Jesus’ ministry.
In addition, this echoes Jesus’ earlier use of the same phrase during His temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:10, Luke 4:8). On both occasions, Jesus used the Word of God to defeat the enemy’s schemes.
Why did Jesus call Peter Satan?
This is one of the most commonly asked questions about this passage, and it deserves a careful, biblical answer. Jesus did not mean that Peter was literally Satan or possessed by Satan. Instead, He was identifying the source and nature of the temptation behind Peter’s words.
Consider the following key points:
- Peter spoke from a worldly perspective. He loved Jesus and did not want to see Him suffer. However, his love was operating according to human reasoning, not God’s eternal plan.
- Satan’s strategy was to prevent the cross. If Jesus avoided the crucifixion, there would be no atonement for sin, no resurrection, and no salvation for humanity. The cross was not optional — it was the very purpose of Jesus’ coming (Luke 24:26).
- Jesus saw beyond the human speaker. He recognized that the enemy was using Peter’s words as a vehicle for temptation, just as Satan had used Scripture itself during the wilderness temptation (Matthew 4:6).
- The rebuke was an act of love. By confronting this directly, Jesus protected Peter, the disciples, and the entire plan of redemption.
As believers, we can take great comfort in this passage. Jesus understands the pressures we face. He knows that temptation often comes through people we love and trust. Nevertheless, He calls us to hold fast to God’s Word above all human opinion. In the end, Jesus Christ remained faithful to His mission. He went to the cross, died for our sins, and rose again on the third day — just as Scripture declared (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Because of His obedience, we have eternal life through faith in Him.
