Matthew Chapter 24 · Verse 5
For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
Original Language Analysis
πολλοὺς
many
G4183
πολλοὺς
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
1 of 15
(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 #:
2 of 15
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 #:
3 of 15
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ἐπὶ
in
G1909
ἐπὶ
in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
4 of 15
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 #:
5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀνόματί
name
G3686
ὀνόματί
name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
6 of 15
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
λέγοντες,
saying
G3004
λέγοντες,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Matthew 24:24For 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.Matthew 24:11And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.Jeremiah 14:14Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.1 John 2:18Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.Jeremiah 23:25I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed.Revelation 13:8And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.Jeremiah 23:21I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.John 5:43I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
Historical Context
First-century Palestine saw numerous messianic movements. Bar Kokhba ("Son of the Star") led the Jewish revolt of AD 132-135 and was proclaimed messiah by Rabbi Akiva. Before AD 70, Simon bar Giora and John of Gischala led messianic pretenders. The pattern continued through history: Sabbatai Zevi (17th century), multiple cult leaders, and modern false messiahs all demonstrate this prophecy's ongoing relevance.
Questions for Reflection
- How can someone claim to come "in Jesus's name" while actually opposing Christ's teaching?
- What distinguishes legitimate Christian leadership from false messiahs who claim special revelation or authority?
- Why are "many" susceptible to deception even when Jesus clearly warned about it?
Analysis & Commentary
For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ (πολλοὶ γὰρ ἐλεύσονται ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματί μου λέγοντες, Ἐγώ εἰμι ὁ Χριστός)—The deception is two-fold: false messiahs come both
The emphatic egō eimi ("I am") echoes Jesus's own divine self-designation. The word Χριστός (Christos) means "Anointed One," translating Hebrew Mashiach (Messiah).
And shall deceive many (πλανήσουσιν πολλούς)—The repetition of "many" (πολλοί) is sobering: many deceivers will mislead many followers. This isn't a fringe problem but a widespread apostasy affecting the masses. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 describes the same phenomenon: people accumulating teachers who tickle ears rather than speak truth.