Matthew 24:24
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Original Language Analysis
ἐγερθήσονται
there shall arise
G1453
ἐγερθήσονται
there shall arise
Strong's:
G1453
Word #:
1 of 18
to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ψευδοπροφῆται
false prophets
G5578
ψευδοπροφῆται
false prophets
Strong's:
G5578
Word #:
5 of 18
a spurious prophet, i.e., pretended foreteller or religious impostor
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δώσουσιν
shall shew
G1325
δώσουσιν
shall shew
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
7 of 18
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
σημεῖα
signs
G4592
σημεῖα
signs
Strong's:
G4592
Word #:
8 of 18
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
μεγάλα
great
G3173
μεγάλα
great
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
9 of 18
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὥστε
insomuch that
G5620
ὥστε
insomuch that
Strong's:
G5620
Word #:
12 of 18
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
πλανῆσαι,
they shall deceive
G4105
πλανῆσαι,
they shall deceive
Strong's:
G4105
Word #:
13 of 18
to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)
δυνατόν,
it were possible
G1415
δυνατόν,
it were possible
Strong's:
G1415
Word #:
15 of 18
powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Mark 13:22For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.Matthew 24:11And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.Matthew 7:15Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.Matthew 24:5For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.2 Peter 3:17Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.Deuteronomy 13:1If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder,Revelation 19:20And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.1 John 5:18We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.John 6:37All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.John 6:39And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
Historical Context
First-century Palestine saw many wonder-workers. Josephus describes an Egyptian prophet who promised to make Jerusalem's walls fall (like Jericho). Simon Magus (Acts 8:9-24) "bewitched" Samaritans with sorcery. Elymas the sorcerer opposed Paul (Acts 13:6-11). Later, Montanism claimed new revelation. Throughout history, false teachers have used miracles—whether demonic counterfeits (Exodus 7:11, 2 Thessalonians 2:9) or psychological manipulation—to validate false claims. Modern examples include cultic healers and prosperity gospel signs-and-wonders movements that contradict Scripture.
Questions for Reflection
- If signs and wonders don't authenticate truth, what does (hint: Scripture and consistency with apostolic teaching)?
- How should believers respond to genuine-seeming miracles performed by those teaching false doctrine?
- What does the phrase "if it were possible" teach about the security of true believers?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders (ἐγερθήσονται γὰρ ψευδόχριστοι καὶ ψευδοπροφῆται καὶ δώσουσιν σημεῖα μεγάλα καὶ τέρατα)—The compound ψευδόχριστοι (pseudochristoi, "false Christs") and ψευδοπροφῆται ("false prophets") appear together. Critically, they perform σημεῖα μεγάλα καὶ τέρατα ("great signs and wonders")—the same credentials that authenticated Moses (Exodus 7:3), Jesus (John 4:48), and the apostles (Acts 2:43). Signs don't guarantee truth.
Insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect (ὥστε πλανῆσαι, εἰ δυνατόν, καὶ τοὺς ἐκλεκτούς)—The phrase εἰ δυνατόν ("if possible") assumes impossibility: the elect (eklektous, chosen ones) cannot ultimately be deceived unto damnation (John 10:28-29, Romans 8:29-30). Yet the warning indicates deception will be so sophisticated it would deceive the elect if that were possible—revealing how convincing false signs can be. God's preserving grace, not human discernment alone, keeps the elect secure.