Matthew 7:15
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Original Language Analysis
Προσέχετε
G4337
Προσέχετε
Strong's:
G4337
Word #:
1 of 17
(figuratively) to hold the mind (3563 implied) towards, i.e., pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to
ἀπὸ
of
G575
ἀπὸ
of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
3 of 17
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ψευδοπροφητῶν
false prophets
G5578
ψευδοπροφητῶν
false prophets
Strong's:
G5578
Word #:
5 of 17
a spurious prophet, i.e., pretended foreteller or religious impostor
οἵτινες
which
G3748
οἵτινες
which
Strong's:
G3748
Word #:
6 of 17
which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same
ἔρχονται
come
G2064
ἔρχονται
come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
7 of 17
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
8 of 17
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
προβάτων
sheep's
G4263
προβάτων
sheep's
Strong's:
G4263
Word #:
12 of 17
something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)
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.Matthew 24:11And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.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.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.Jude 1:4For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.Micah 3:11The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us.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.Luke 6:26Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.2 Timothy 3:13But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.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;
Historical Context
Israel's history included many false prophets who told people what they wanted to hear (Jeremiah 23). The early church faced false teachers promoting legalism (Judaizers) and libertinism (Gnostics). Every age faces wolves in sheep's clothing.
Questions for Reflection
- What false teachings are popular today that sound good but contradict biblical truth?
- How can you develop discernment to recognize false teachers while remaining humble and teachable?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
False prophets appear harmless (sheep's clothing) but are destructive (ravening wolves). They infiltrate the flock, speaking pleasant lies rather than hard truth. Jesus warns vigilance—not everyone who claims to speak for God actually does. Test the teachers; examine their fruit.