Question 1

What does Matthew 7:15 mean?

Accepted Answer

Matthew 7:15 warns listeners to be on guard against people who pretend to speak for God but are actually dangerous and deceptive. These "false prophets" may appear harmless or good on the outside, but their true intentions are harmful, like wolves disguised as sheep. In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd during the Sermon on the Mount, teaching them how to recognize genuine spiritual leaders. The warning uses vivid imagery: "sheep's clothing" suggests innocence and gentleness, while "ravening wolves" points to those who are secretly destructive. Jesus is urging his audience to look beyond outward appearances and be discerning about whom they trust as spiritual guides.

Question 2

The Greek behind Matthew 7:15

Accepted Answer

προφήτης (prophētēs, "prophets"): In Greek, this word refers to those who claim to speak on behalf of God. Here, it highlights that not everyone who claims spiritual authority is genuine. ἔρχομαι (erchomai, "come"): The word for "come" here suggests an active approach—these false prophets seek out the community, not just passively existing. ἔνδυμα προβάτου (enduma probatou, "sheep's clothing"): This phrase paints a picture of someone deliberately putting on a disguise to appear harmless, which emphasizes the intentional deception. λύκοι ἅρπαγες (lykoi harpages, "ravening wolves"): The Greek word for "ravening" (ἅρπαγες, harpages) means greedy or grasping, stressing that these people are not just dangerous but also motivated by selfish gain.

Question 3

Why Matthew 7:15 matters

Accepted Answer

Matthew 7:15 clarifies that outward appearances and claims of authority are not reliable indicators of true character or spiritual authenticity. This verse is part of a larger section where Jesus teaches about discernment and warns against being misled, connecting to the broader theme of genuine versus false righteousness in the Sermon on the Mount. The strong imagery helps readers understand the seriousness of the threat posed by false teachers and the importance of careful judgment in spiritual matters.

Matthew 7:15 (KJV)