The phrase “Get behind me, Satan” is one of the most powerful lines Jesus spoke. It’s short. It’s sharp. And it carries deep meaning. You’ll find it in the Bible, spoken by Jesus to Peter—yes, one of His closest disciples.
Let’s take a closer look at what this verse means, why Jesus said it, and how we can learn from it today.
Where Is the Verse Found?
The phrase “Get behind me, Satan” is found in three main places:
- Matthew 16:23 (ESV) – "But he turned and said to Peter, 'Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.'"
- Mark 8:33 – “But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. 'Get behind me, Satan!' he said. 'You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.'”
- Luke 4:8 – "And Jesus answered him, 'It is written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.'” He followed with, “Get behind me, Satan!”
Why Did Jesus Say “Get Behind Me, Satan” to Peter?
At first glance, it seems harsh. Why would Jesus call Peter “Satan”?
Peter had just confessed that Jesus was the Messiah (Matthew 16:16). But when Jesus explained that He would suffer and die, Peter said, “Never, Lord! This shall never happen to you!” (Matthew 16:22)
Peter thought he was protecting Jesus. But in truth, he was tempting Jesus to avoid God’s plan.
Jesus was saying:
- “Peter, your words are not from God.”
- “You are standing in the way of the cross.”
- “You're thinking like the world, not like Heaven.”
By saying “Get behind me, Satan,” Jesus made it clear: anything that blocks God’s will—even if it sounds kind—is dangerous.
Also consider Isaiah 55:8-9, which reminds us:
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.”
What Does It Mean for Us Today?
This verse reminds us that even well-meaning people can lead us away from God’s path.
Here’s how this verse speaks to us:
| Truth | Meaning for Us | Supporting Scripture |
|---|---|---|
| Even good people make mistakes | Peter wasn’t evil. But he was wrong. We all get it wrong sometimes. | Romans 3:23 – "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." |
| Our thoughts must match God’s will | What feels right isn’t always right by God’s Word. | Proverbs 14:12 – "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death." |
| Satan uses subtle lies | Sometimes temptation sounds loving, but it's a trap. | 2 Corinthians 11:14 – "Satan disguises himself as an angel of light." |
| We must stay focused on God’s mission | Distractions—even emotional ones—can pull us off course. | Hebrews 12:2 – "Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith." |
Real Life Example
Imagine you're trying to start a ministry or serve others in a bold way. A friend says, “Don’t do that. It’s too risky. You could lose money or fail.”
They mean well. But maybe, just maybe, their words are like Peter’s—trying to stop you from walking in your calling.
This is when we need to say—not out loud to them—but in our hearts:
“Get behind me, Satan. I will follow God.”
Remember Galatians 1:10:
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
How Did Jesus Handle Temptation?
When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness (Luke 4), Jesus stood strong.
He responded with Scripture three times (Luke 4:4, 4:8, 4:12), including:
“It is written: ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.’”
“It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”
“It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
Then He said: “Get behind me, Satan.”
Jesus teaches us to:
- Respond with Scripture
- Stay loyal to God’s truth
- Not argue, but stand firm
Also see Ephesians 6:17 – “Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Bible Verses to Remember
Here are a few verses that connect well with the message of “Get behind me, Satan”:
| Verse | Message |
|---|---|
| James 4:7 – "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." | Be strong in spiritual battle. |
| Proverbs 3:5-6 | Don’t lean on feelings—trust God’s way. |
| Ephesians 6:11 – "Put on the full armor of God." | Be ready every day. |
| 1 Peter 5:8-9 – "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." | Stay watchful. Fight the enemy with faith. |
| 2 Timothy 4:7 – "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." | Keep going even when it’s hard. |
What Can We Learn from Peter?
Peter messed up, but he also came back stronger.
- He failed, but he didn’t quit.
- Jesus corrected him, but didn’t give up on him.
- Peter later became a bold preacher (see Acts 2:14–41).
If you’ve ever messed up or gotten in the way of God’s plan, remember this verse:
1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
There’s grace. There’s growth. And God’s not done with you yet.
Final Thought
“Get behind me, Satan” isn’t about being rude. It’s about being strong.
It’s about choosing God’s will—even when it’s hard.
Jesus said it because He loved His Father more than comfort.
Let us walk the same way—with eyes on God, hearts in truth, and minds ready to stand firm.
