Matthew 24:4
And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀποκριθεὶς
answered
G611
ἀποκριθεὶς
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
2 of 11
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 11
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 11
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
μή
that no
G3361
μή
that no
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
8 of 11
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
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.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;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.Colossians 2:8Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.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.Ephesians 4:14That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;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.Luke 21:8And 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.Colossians 2:18Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
Historical Context
Between AD 30-70, numerous messianic pretenders arose in Judea. Josephus catalogs several: Theudas (Acts 5:36), an Egyptian false prophet who led 30,000 to the Mount of Olives, and various zealot leaders promising deliverance. This was also the period when the apostolic church had to contend with early Gnostic heresies and Judaizers. The disciples needed this warning for their immediate future.
Questions for Reflection
- What forms of religious deception are most prevalent in your cultural context today?
- How can believers develop the discernment necessary to recognize false teaching when it's often mixed with truth?
- Why does Jesus prioritize warning against deception even before warning about persecution?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Take heed that no man deceive you (βλέπετε μή τις ὑμᾶς πλανήσῃ)—Jesus's first warning in the Olivet Discourse addresses deception (πλανάω, planaō—to lead astray, the root of our word "planet" for wandering stars). The imperative blepete (take heed, watch) demands vigilant discernment. Deception, not destruction, is presented as the primary danger for disciples navigating the end times.
This warning brackets the entire discourse (repeated in vv. 11, 24) and identifies spiritual discernment as essential for endurance. The passive voice ("be deceived") indicates vulnerability—deception happens to believers unless they actively guard against it. Paul later echoes this concern in 2 Thessalonians 2:3: "Let no man deceive you by any means."