Luke 21:8
And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
5 of 26
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
πλανηθῆτε·
deceived
G4105
πλανηθῆτε·
deceived
Strong's:
G4105
Word #:
6 of 26
to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)
πολλοὶ
many
G4183
πολλοὶ
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
7 of 26
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
8 of 26
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐλεύσονται
shall come
G2064
ἐλεύσονται
shall come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
9 of 26
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ἐπὶ
in
G1909
ἐπὶ
in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
10 of 26
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀνόματί
name
G3686
ὀνόματί
name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
12 of 26
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
λέγοντες
saying
G3004
λέγοντες
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
14 of 26
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὃτι
G3754
καί
Christ and
G2532
καί
Christ and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
22 of 26
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
23 of 26
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
πορευθῆτε
go ye
G4198
πορευθῆτε
go ye
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
24 of 26
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
Cross References
1 John 4:1Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.Ephesians 5:6Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.2 Thessalonians 2:3Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;Matthew 24:11And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.Jeremiah 29:8For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed.2 Timothy 3:13But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.Luke 17:23And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them.2 John 1:7For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.Revelation 12:9And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Historical Context
Between Jesus' prophecy and Jerusalem's destruction (AD 30-70), multiple messianic pretenders arose. Josephus records several false prophets who led Jews to disaster. Theudas (Acts 5:36) claimed prophetic authority; Judas of Galilee led a revolt; an Egyptian false prophet led thousands to the Mount of Olives. After AD 70, Bar Kokhba's messianic claims led to catastrophic war with Rome (132-135). The early church also faced deception—Gnostic teachers, legalists, and apocalyptic speculators troubled congregations. Paul warned of those proclaiming false timelines (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3). Throughout history, date-setters and false prophets have misled Christians. Jesus' warning remains perpetually relevant.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Jesus prioritize warning against deception before answering questions about timing and signs?
- How can believers distinguish between genuine prophetic teaching and false claims that 'the time has drawn near'?
- What characteristics of false teachers should alert Christians to deception, especially regarding end-times predictions?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. Jesus begins His eschatological discourse with a warning: blepete mē planaōthēte (βλέπετε μὴ πλανηθῆτε, 'watch that you not be deceived'). The verb planaō (πλανάω) means 'lead astray,' 'deceive,' 'cause to wander.' False teachers will come epi tō onomati mou (ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματί μου, 'in my name')—claiming Christ's authority—and declare egō eimi (ἐγώ εἰμι, 'I am [he]') and ho kairos ēngiken (ὁ καιρὸς ἤγγικεν, 'the time has drawn near').
These deceivers will claim messianic identity or imminent eschatological fulfillment. The command mē poreuthēte opisō autōn (μὴ πορευθῆτε ὀπίσω αὐτῶν, 'do not go after them') prohibits following false messiahs. History confirms this warning's relevance: Simon bar Kokhba (AD 132-135) claimed messiahship and led a disastrous revolt. Throughout church history, false prophets have proclaimed 'the time is near,' deceiving many. Jesus' first eschatological concern is not chronology but spiritual discernment and resistance to deception. Before discussing when the end comes, He warns about false teachers who will mislead the unwary.