Luke 17:23

KJV

And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after [them], nor follow [them].

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they shall say {G2046} to you {G5213}, See {G2400} here {G5602}; or {G2228}, see {G2400} there {G1563}: go {G565} not {G3361} after {G565} them, nor {G3366} follow {G1377} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

People will say to you, ‘Look! Right here!’ or, ‘See! Over there!’ Don’t run off, don’t follow them,

Berean Standard Bible

People will tell you, ‘Look, there He is!’ or ‘Look, here He is!’ Do not go out or chase after them.

American Standard Version

And they shall say to you, Lo, there! Lo, here! go not away, nor follow after them:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 17:23 presents a crucial warning from Jesus to His disciples concerning the deceptive claims that would precede and accompany His future return as the Son of Man. This verse, embedded within a discourse on the nature of the Kingdom of God and the eschatological events, emphasizes the absolute necessity of spiritual discernment and steadfastness in the face of false reports and localized messianic claims, highlighting that His true coming will be a universally undeniable and visible event.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader discourse by Jesus on the coming of the Kingdom of God and the Son of Man, specifically following His pronouncements that the Kingdom does not come with observable signs or in a specific location (as stated in [Luke 17:20-21](/luke/17-20-21 "Luke 17:20-21 - The Kingdom of God is Within You")). Having clarified that the Kingdom is already present "within you" or "among you," Jesus pivots to address His future, visible return. He first laments the suffering He must endure ([Luke 17:25](/luke/17-25 "Luke 17:25 - The Son of Man Must Suffer")), then provides a stark contrast between His first, humble coming and His glorious, unmistakable Second Coming. The warning in [Luke 17:23](/luke/17-23 "Luke 17:23 - Warning Against False Claims of Christ's Return") serves as a critical prelude to the dramatic imagery of His return, which He compares to "lightning, that flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other" in [Luke 17:24](/luke/17-24 "Luke 17:24 - The Universal Visibility of Christ's Return"), underscoring its universal visibility and suddenness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judea was a volatile environment, rife with messianic expectations and political unrest under Roman occupation. Various individuals had emerged claiming to be the Messiah or prophetic figures, leading to movements and insurrections. The Jewish people, longing for deliverance, were susceptible to charismatic leaders who promised immediate liberation or the establishment of a visible, earthly kingdom. Jesus' warning in [Luke 17:23](/luke/17-23 "Luke 17:23 - Warning Against False Claims of Christ's Return") directly addresses this cultural susceptibility to false messiahs and localized spiritual movements. His caution against "See here; or, see there" would have resonated with the disciples, who were familiar with such claims and the tendency for people to gather around purported saviors in specific locations. This historical backdrop underscores the practical and urgent nature of Jesus' admonition, preparing His followers not only for His future return but also for the immediate challenges of spiritual deception.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and broader New Testament eschatology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Spiritual Discernment**, urging believers to exercise caution and wisdom in evaluating claims about Christ's presence or return. Secondly, it profoundly shapes the understanding of the **Nature of Christ's Return**, emphasizing that the Second Coming will not be a secret, localized, or ambiguous event, but rather a universally visible and undeniable manifestation of divine power and glory. This stands in stark contrast to the claims of false prophets, a theme echoed powerfully in [Matthew 24:23-27](/matthew/24-23-27 "Matthew 24:23-27 - Warnings Against False Claims of Christ's Return"). Thirdly, it speaks to the theme of **End-Times Preparedness**, not through chasing after signs or specific locations, but through steadfast faith and adherence to biblical truth. Finally, it reinforces the **Sovereignty of God** over eschatological events, ensuring that Christ's return will unfold according to His divine timing and manner, beyond human manipulation or prediction.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **say (Greek, _eréō'_):** From G2046, meaning "to utter, i.e. speak or say." In this context, it signifies the verbal pronouncements or declarations that will be made by deceptive individuals. The verb implies a direct communication, making the warning immediate and personal to the disciples.
* **See (Greek, _idoú'_):** From G2400, an imperative meaning "behold, lo, see." This word functions as an attention-grabbing interjection, often used to introduce something significant or surprising. Here, it highlights the deceptive nature of the claims, as they will be presented with urgency and an appeal to immediate observation, drawing people's attention to a false localized presence.
* **follow (Greek, _diṓkō'_):** From G1377, meaning "to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute." While often translated "follow," its root meaning of "pursue" or "press forward" suggests a more active and potentially zealous adherence. Jesus' command "nor follow them" prohibits not just passive observation but active engagement and allegiance to these false movements, warning against being drawn into their sphere of influence or adopting their teachings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall say to you":** This opening clause immediately establishes the context of a future warning. The indefinite "they" refers to those who will arise with false claims about Christ's presence or return. Jesus is preparing His disciples for a specific type of deception that will target them directly.
* **"See here; or, see there:":** This is the core of the deceptive claim. The repeated imperative "See" (_idoú_) emphasizes the urgency and localized nature of the false reports. It suggests that deceivers will attempt to point to a specific geographical spot or a secret gathering as the place where Christ's presence or return can be found. This highlights the contrast with the true, universally visible nature of His coming.
* **"go not after [them], nor follow [them].":** This is Jesus' unequivocal command, a double negative in the Greek (mḗ apérchomai... mēdé diṓkō) that conveys a strong prohibition. "Go not after them" (apérchomai) implies not being led astray or drawn away by their claims, while "nor follow them" (diṓkō) speaks to not pursuing or adhering to their movements or teachings. It's a call to spiritual steadfastness and discernment, warning against any form of allegiance to these false messianic or prophetic movements.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 17:23 employs several potent literary devices to convey Jesus' urgent warning. The most prominent is **Imperative Mood**, seen in the repeated "See here; or, see there" (idoú hōde; ē idoú ekeî) and the subsequent "go not after [them], nor follow [them]." This direct command structure underscores the critical importance of the message and demands immediate obedience from the disciples. The phrase "See here; or, see there" also functions as **Antithesis** or **Contrast**, setting up a clear opposition between localized, secretive claims and the universally visible, undeniable nature of Christ's true return, which is further elaborated in the subsequent verses. The use of **Repetition** ("See here; or, see there") emphasizes the pervasive and alluring nature of such false claims, highlighting how they might attempt to pinpoint Christ's presence in various specific locations. Finally, the overall tone is one of **Warning**, serving as a prophetic caution against spiritual deception that would arise in the future, instructing believers on how to navigate such misleading pronouncements.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 17:23 serves as a foundational text for understanding the nature of Christ's Second Coming and the necessity of spiritual vigilance. Theologically, it asserts that the return of the Son of Man will not be a clandestine event, accessible only to a select few or confined to a specific geographical location. Instead, it will be a public, unmistakable, and glorious manifestation, akin to lightning flashing across the sky. This truth safeguards believers against the allure of sensationalism and the dangers of false prophets who prey on eschatological curiosity or anxiety. It calls the church to a posture of discernment, grounding its hope and understanding of future events firmly in the clear, consistent teaching of Scripture rather than in human speculation or deceptive claims. The warning ensures that true faith is rooted in the character of God and the revealed Word, rather than in signs and wonders that can be manipulated or counterfeited.

* [Matthew 24:23-27](/matthew/24-23-27 "Matthew 24:23-27 - Warnings Against False Claims of Christ's Return")
* [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")
* [2 Peter 3:10](/2_peter/3-10 "2 Peter 3:10 - The Day of the Lord Will Come Like a Thief")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' warning in Luke 17:23 remains profoundly relevant for believers in every generation, particularly in an age characterized by rapid information dissemination and a proliferation of spiritual claims. The call to "go not after [them], nor follow [them]" is a timeless directive to exercise profound spiritual discernment. In a world where new spiritual movements, prophetic declarations, and sensational interpretations of end-time events frequently emerge, believers are challenged to critically evaluate all claims against the unchanging truth of God's Word. This verse encourages us to cultivate a mature faith that is not easily swayed by charismatic personalities or extraordinary claims, but rather is anchored in the clear, consistent biblical description of Christ's return as a universally visible and undeniable event. Our focus should be on living faithfully, being prepared through spiritual readiness and obedience, rather than chasing after signs or localized predictions. It reminds us that true readiness for Christ's return is found in abiding in Him, not in pursuing speculative or deceptive paths.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' warning against "See here; or, see there" challenge our tendency to seek sensational or localized spiritual experiences today?**
* **What practical steps can believers take to cultivate spiritual discernment and avoid being misled by false claims about Christ's return or other spiritual matters?**
* **How does understanding the universal and unmistakable nature of Christ's Second Coming influence our daily walk and our hope for the future?**

### FAQ
**Why would people claim "See here; or, see there" about Christ's return?**

Answer: Such claims typically arise from a desire to gain followers, establish a new movement, or capitalize on people's longing for the Messiah or the end of the age. Historically, false prophets and messianic figures have often pointed to specific locations (e.g., a wilderness, a secret chamber) where they claim a special manifestation or presence of God or the Messiah. Jesus' warning anticipates these attempts to localize or privatize His return, which will be a public and universal event. These claims often appeal to a sense of exclusivity or special knowledge, drawing people away from the clear biblical teaching.

**What does "go not after [them], nor follow [them]" mean practically for believers today?**

Answer: This command means that believers should not be swayed by, investigate, or align themselves with any claims that contradict the biblical description of Christ's return. Practically, this involves:
* **Discerning Scripture:** Grounding oneself deeply in what the Bible clearly teaches about the Second Coming (e.g., [Matthew 24:27](/matthew/24-27 "Matthew 24:27 - The Coming of the Son of Man is Like Lightning")).
* **Avoiding Sensationalism:** Not chasing after every new prophecy, vision, or localized "appearance" of Christ that emerges.
* **Testing the Spirits:** As [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits") advises, critically evaluating all spiritual claims, especially those that promise secret knowledge or contradict established biblical truth.
* **Steadfastness:** Remaining faithful to the true Gospel and the historic Christian understanding of Christ's return, rather than being drawn into speculative or deceptive movements.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 17:23, while a warning against deception, powerfully points to the unique and glorious nature of Christ's true identity and ultimate triumph. Jesus, the Son of Man, is not a localized deity or a secret figure to be found in hidden places. His first coming, though humble, culminated in His public crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, witnessed by many ([Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9-11 "Acts 1:9-11 - The Ascension of Jesus")). This verse foreshadows His Second Coming, which will be equally, if not more, public and unmistakable. He is the Lord of all creation, and when He returns, "every eye will see him" ([Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Every Eye Will See Him")). This universal visibility underscores His sovereignty and divine authority, contrasting sharply with the limited, deceptive claims of false messiahs. The warning to "go not after [them], nor follow [them]" is a call to remain faithful to the one true Christ, whose return is guaranteed and whose character is consistently revealed in Scripture. Our hope is not in a hidden Christ, but in the glorious King who promised to return for His own, just as He said, "I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also" ([John 14:3](/john/14-3 "John 14:3 - Jesus Promises His Return")). Thus, the verse, by warning against the false, magnifies the truth of who Christ is and how He will ultimately fulfill His redemptive plan.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 21:8

And 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.

Matthew 24:23

Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here [is] Christ, or there; believe [it] not.

Matthew 24:26

Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, [he is] in the secret chambers; believe [it] not.

Luke 17:21

Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

Mark 13:21

And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here [is] Christ; or, lo, [he is] there; believe [him] not:

Mark 13:23

But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.