Matthew 7:22
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Original Language Analysis
πολλὰς
Many
G4183
πολλὰς
Many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
1 of 27
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ἐροῦσίν
will say
G2046
ἐροῦσίν
will say
Strong's:
G2046
Word #:
2 of 27
an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say
ἐκείνῃ
that
G1565
ἐκείνῃ
that
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
5 of 27
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέρᾳ
day
G2250
ἡμέρᾳ
day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
7 of 27
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
κύριε
Lord
G2962
κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
8 of 27
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
κύριε
Lord
G2962
κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
9 of 27
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀνόματι
name
G3686
ὀνόματι
name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
13 of 27
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
προεφητεύσαμεν,
have we
G4395
προεφητεύσαμεν,
have we
Strong's:
G4395
Word #:
14 of 27
to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀνόματι
name
G3686
ὀνόματι
name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
18 of 27
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
21 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀνόματι
name
G3686
ὀνόματι
name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
24 of 27
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
δυνάμεις
wonderful works
G1411
δυνάμεις
wonderful works
Strong's:
G1411
Word #:
25 of 27
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
Cross References
2 Timothy 1:12For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.John 11:51And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;Numbers 24:4He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:2 Timothy 4:8Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.Isaiah 2:17And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.Isaiah 2:11The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.Matthew 24:36But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.Matthew 7:21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.Matthew 25:11Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.1 Thessalonians 5:4But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
Historical Context
This terrifying warning addresses false professors who have all the externals of Christianity—correct language, miraculous works, public ministry—yet lack genuine relationship with Christ. Judas Iscariot exemplifies this: he performed miracles with the Twelve but betrayed Jesus.
Questions for Reflection
- What religious activities or experiences are you tempted to trust in place of genuine obedience and relationship with Christ?
- How can you ensure your faith is authentic relationship with Jesus, not just religious performance?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Many will claim Christian profession ('Lord, Lord'), even claiming to prophesy, cast out demons, and do mighty works in Jesus's name—yet be rejected as workers of iniquity. Religious activity, even supernatural activity, doesn't prove salvation. Only those who do the Father's will enter heaven.