Matthew 24:23
Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.
Original Language Analysis
τότε
Then
G5119
τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
1 of 13
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
ἐάν
if
G1437
ἐάν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
2 of 13
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Between Jesus's prophecy and AD 70, Josephus catalogs numerous messianic pretenders who attracted followers with promises of deliverance: an Egyptian false prophet (mentioned in Acts 21:38), Theudas, and various zealot leaders during the revolt (AD 66-70). After AD 70, the pattern continued: Bar Kokhba (AD 132-135), acclaimed messiah by Rabbi Akiva. Throughout church history—Sabbatai Zevi, David Koresh, Sun Myung Moon—the pattern Jesus warned against has repeated.
Questions for Reflection
- Why are people especially vulnerable to false messiahs during times of crisis and suffering?
- How can believers maintain discernment when longing for Christ's return without falling into cynicism or date-setting?
- What specific characteristics should make any "messiah" claim immediately suspicious?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not (τότε ἐάν τις ὑμῖν εἴπῃ, Ἰδοὺ ὧδε ὁ Χριστός, ἤ, Ὧδε, μὴ πιστεύσητε)—The adverb τότε ("then") connects to the tribulation period. The interjection ἰδού (idou, "behold, lo") suggests urgency and attention-getting. False messiahs will claim location: "here" (ὧδε). The imperative μὴ πιστεύσητε ("believe not") commands skeptical resistance.
When suffering intensifies, desperate people grasp for deliverance—making them vulnerable to deception. During Jerusalem's siege, multiple zealot leaders promised divine intervention and military victory, leading thousands to stay in the city and perish. Jesus's warning anticipated this psychological vulnerability. The command "believe it not" doesn't mean general skepticism but specific discernment: the true Christ's return will be unmistakable (v. 27, "as lightning"), not localized rumors requiring investigation.