And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them.

LUKE 17:23KJV
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Luke 17:23 (KJV)

What does Luke 17:23 mean?

Luke 17:23 warns that people will urge others to look for the coming of God's kingdom in specific places, saying “See here” or “see there,” but Jesus tells his listeners not to chase after these claims or follow those people. The verse cautions against being misled by those who claim to have special knowledge about where or when God’s kingdom will appear.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples as part of a larger conversation about the coming of the kingdom of God. He is preparing them for a time when rumors and false reports about his return or the arrival of God’s kingdom will spread. Jesus emphasizes that they should not be distracted or deceived by people who claim to know secret locations or signs, but instead remain steady and discerning.

The Greek behind Luke 17:23

  • “See” (ἰδού, idou) is an attention-grabbing word, like saying “look!” or “behold!” in English. It signals urgency or excitement, which fits the idea of people trying to stir up a reaction or direct attention to supposed signs.
  • “Go not after them” (μὴ ἀπέλθητε, mē apelthēte) uses a strong negative, making it clear that Jesus is instructing his followers not to pursue or chase after those making these claims. The Greek here carries the sense of actively resisting the urge to follow.
  • “Nor follow them” (μηδὲ διώξητε, mēde diōxēte) uses a word for “follow” that can also mean “pursue” or “run after,” emphasizing not just passive avoidance but a deliberate choice not to get caught up in the excitement or rumors.

Why Luke 17:23 matters

  • Luke 17:23 clears up the idea that the coming of God’s kingdom will be a secret event that only a few can find if they follow the right person; Jesus says not to believe those claims.
  • The verse highlights Jesus’ warning about false leaders or movements that try to attract followers by claiming special insight into God’s plans.
  • This teaching helps set the stage for the following verses, where Jesus explains that his coming will be unmistakable and visible to all, not hidden or secret.

Where else these words appear

“follow” Greek G1377 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  • Acts 22:8 And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.
  • Galatians 1:23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.

“nor” Greek G3366 · used in 49 verses

  • Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
  • Luke 12:22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.

“here” Greek G5602 · used in 56 verses

  • Matthew 8:29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
  • Mark 9:1 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.
  • Luke 23:5 And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.

“say” Greek G2046 · used in 71 verses

  • Matthew 7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
  • Luke 17:8 And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?
  • Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?