And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you:

MARK 13:5KJV
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Mark 13:5 (KJV)

What does Mark 13:5 mean?

Mark 13:5 records Jesus warning his disciples to be careful so that no one misleads them. Jesus begins his response by telling them to watch out for deception from others.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his closest followers after they ask him about future events and the end times. He starts his answer with a caution, emphasizing the risk of being led astray by others. This sets the tone for the rest of his teaching in the chapter, highlighting the importance of discernment and alertness when it comes to claims about spiritual truth.

The Greek behind Mark 13:5

  • The word βλέπετε (blepete, "heed" or "watch out") is a strong command to stay alert and pay attention. Jesus is not just giving advice; he is urging his listeners to be vigilant.
  • The verb πλανήσῃ (planēsē, "deceive") means to lead someone off the right path or to cause them to wander. The Greek here carries the sense of being misled in a way that could have serious consequences, especially in matters of faith.

Why Mark 13:5 matters

  • Mark 13:5 makes it clear that Jesus expects his followers to be on guard against spiritual deception, especially in confusing or uncertain times.
  • This warning comes at the very start of Jesus' teaching about the future, showing that being misled is a real danger and a key concern for his disciples.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by framing everything Jesus says next as guidance meant to keep his followers from being fooled by false claims or misleading leaders.

Where else these words appear

“deceive” Greek G4105 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 18:12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?
  • John 7:47 Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived?
  • 2 Peter 2:15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;

“began” Greek G756 · used in 84 verses

  • Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
  • Mark 10:41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John.
  • Luke 14:29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,

“heed” Greek G991 · used in 119 verses

  • Matthew 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
  • Luke 10:24 For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.
  • 1 Corinthians 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.