And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

MATTHEW 24:11KJV
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Matthew 24:11 (KJV)

What does Matthew 24:11 mean?

Matthew 24:11 warns that many false prophets will appear and lead many people astray. The verse highlights a time when deceptive voices will become common, causing confusion and misleading large numbers of people.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples on the Mount of Olives, answering their questions about the future and the signs of the end times. He cautions them that not everyone claiming to speak for God can be trusted, and that spiritual deception will be a significant challenge. The warning fits into a larger conversation where Jesus describes various difficulties and deceptions that will come before His return.

The Greek behind Matthew 24:11

  • "Prophets" (προφῆται, prophētai): This word refers to people who claim to speak on behalf of God. In this context, it specifically points to those who falsely claim divine authority, making their deception more dangerous.
  • "Deceive" (πλανήσουσιν, planēsousin): The Greek word carries the sense of leading someone off the right path or causing them to wander. It suggests not just a simple mistake, but a deliberate misleading that results in people moving away from the truth.
  • "Many" (πολλοί, polloi): The repetition of "many" emphasizes the widespread nature of both the false prophets and those who will be misled. This is not a rare or isolated problem, but something that will affect a large number of people.

Why Matthew 24:11 matters

  • Matthew 24:11 clarifies that spiritual deception is not a minor or occasional issue, but something that will be widespread and convincing, affecting many people.
  • The verse emphasizes the need for discernment, showing that not everyone who claims religious authority or insight should be believed.
  • This warning connects to the broader message of Matthew 24, where Jesus prepares His followers for difficult times ahead, including confusion and false claims about spiritual truth.

Where else these words appear

“prophets” Greek G5578 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
  • Luke 6:26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.
  • 1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

“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;

“rise” Greek G1453 · used in 135 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Mark 13:8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.
  • Acts 10:40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;