Matthew 24:10
And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τότε
then
G5119
τότε
then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
2 of 10
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
σκανδαλισθήσονται
be offended
G4624
σκανδαλισθήσονται
be offended
Strong's:
G4624
Word #:
3 of 10
to entrap, i.e., trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure)
πολλοὶ
shall many
G4183
πολλοὶ
shall many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
4 of 10
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παραδώσουσιν
shall betray
G3860
παραδώσουσιν
shall betray
Strong's:
G3860
Word #:
7 of 10
to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Mark 13:12Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.Luke 21:16And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.Mark 4:17And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.Matthew 11:6And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.Matthew 13:21Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.Matthew 10:21And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.2 Timothy 4:16At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.2 Timothy 4:10For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.Matthew 13:57And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.2 Timothy 1:15This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
Historical Context
During Roman persecutions, some Christians became traditores ("handers-over"), betraying fellow believers to save themselves—the origin of our word "traitor." The Donatist controversy arose over whether to readmit these apostates. In AD 70, historian Josephus records Jews betraying each other during Jerusalem's siege. Modern parallels include believers in China, North Korea, and Iran facing family betrayal when converting to Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- What pressures in contemporary culture tempt believers toward compromise or apostasy?
- How can churches build resilience and authentic community that withstands persecution rather than fracturing?
- What distinguishes temporary stumbling (which happens to genuine believers) from the permanent apostasy Jesus describes here?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And then shall many be offended (καὶ τότε σκανδαλισθήσονται πολλοί)—The verb σκανδαλίζω (skandalizō) means to cause to stumble or fall away—the source of our word "scandal." In persecution's crucible, many (πολλοί) will apostatize, proving their faith was superficial (see the Parable of the Sower: seed among thorns, Matthew 13:20-21). This isn't backsliding but wholesale abandonment.
And shall betray one another, and shall hate one another (καὶ ἀλλήλους παραδώσουσιν καὶ μισήσουσιν ἀλλήλους)—The reciprocal pronoun allēlous ("one another") appears twice, intensifying the horror: not outsiders betraying believers, but believers betraying each other. Families will fracture (Matthew 10:21), communities implode. This describes not persecution from without but disintegration from within—the church cannibalizing itself under pressure.