What is the meaning of "get thee behind me Satan"?

The phrase “Get thee behind me, Satan” appears most notably in the Synoptic Gospels, specifically in Matthew 16:23 and Mark 8:33. In both accounts, Jesus has just revealed to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, suffer, be killed, and then rise again. Peter, one of His closest followers, reacts with shock and begins to rebuke Jesus, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” In response, Jesus turns to Peter and says, “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 rebuke is surprising, especially since Peter’s intention was to protect Jesus from harm. However, Jesus recognizes that Peter’s words—though well-meaning—reflect a mindset that opposes God’s redemptive plan. By calling Peter “Satan,” Jesus is not literally identifying him as the devil, but rather addressing the source of temptation that tries to divert Him from His mission.

The Meaning of the Phrase

The phrase “Get thee behind me, Satan” is rich in meaning. First and foremost, it is a rejection of any counsel that seeks to deter Jesus from fulfilling God’s will. The name “Satan” literally means “adversary” or “accuser.” In this context, Jesus identifies the spirit or influence behind Peter’s words as adversarial to God’s purpose.

The command “get behind me” is also significant. It is a directive to reconsider one’s position—from leading or influencing, to following. Jesus is, in effect, telling Peter to fall back into the proper place of a disciple, rather than setting himself up as a guide or corrector of the Messiah. This statement reinforces the idea that God’s ways are higher than human understanding, and that even well-intentioned human reasoning can become a stumbling block to divine purposes when it contradicts God’s revealed will.

Other Biblical Connections

Interestingly, Jesus uses a similar phrase during His temptation in the wilderness. In Matthew 4:10, when Satan tempts Jesus to worship him in exchange for worldly power, Jesus responds, “Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” In both instances, Jesus rejects a path that avoids suffering and the cross, remaining steadfast to His mission.

Both moments highlight a recurring biblical theme: true obedience to God often involves rejecting seemingly easier paths or shortcuts that compromise faithfulness. In rebuking both the devil in the wilderness and Peter, Jesus models unwavering commitment to God’s plan, regardless of the cost.

Theological and Practical Implications

For Christians, “Get thee behind me, Satan” serves as a reminder to discern between God’s will and human wisdom. Often, the most subtle temptations come not from outright evil, but from well-intentioned advice that clashes with God’s purposes. The phrase challenges believers to examine whether their desires and decisions are aligned with God’s word or merely with human comfort and logic.

It also underscores the reality of spiritual warfare. The opposition to God’s work can arise from unexpected sources—even friends or loved ones who, out of concern or misunderstanding, advise against the harder path of obedience. Jesus’ response teaches that faithfulness requires prioritizing God’s plan above all else, even when it is unpopular or counterintuitive.

Enduring Relevance Today

Beyond its immediate biblical context, “Get thee behind me, Satan” continues to resonate with believers. It is invoked in moments of temptation, moral struggle, or when facing decisions that test one’s allegiance to God. The phrase has also entered the broader cultural lexicon, sometimes used humorously, but originally rooted in a profound spiritual reality.

In daily life, Christians are called to recognize and resist influences that draw them away from God’s path. This may involve saying “no” to fear-driven choices, selfish ambitions, or pressures to compromise on truth and integrity. Like Jesus, believers are empowered to stand firm, rejecting anything—no matter how reasonable it seems—that would distract from their God-given purpose.

Conclusion

Jesus’ words remind us that true discipleship often requires courage to reject even the most well-intentioned distractions, choosing instead to follow God’s purpose, wherever it may lead.