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.

And {G1161} he said {G2036}, Take heed {G991} that ye be {G4105} not {G3361} deceived {G4105}: for {G1063} many {G4183} shall come {G2064} in {G1909} my {G3450} name {G3686}, saying {G3004},{G3754} I {G1473} am {G1510} Christ; and {G2532} the time {G2540} draweth near {G1448}: go ye {G4198} not {G3361} therefore {G3767} after {G3694} them {G846}.

He answered, “Watch out! Don’t be fooled! For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time has come!’ Don’t go after them.

Jesus answered, “See to it that you are not deceived. For many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them.

And he said, Take heed that ye be not led astray: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am he; and, The time is at hand: go ye not after them.

In Luke 21:8, Jesus issues a crucial warning to His disciples, forming an integral part of what is often referred to as the Olivet Discourse. This passage highlights His concern for their spiritual safety amidst future challenges.

Context

This verse is Jesus' immediate response to His disciples' questions about the signs of the end of the age and the destruction of the Temple (Luke 21:7). Before detailing specific events, Jesus prioritizes a warning against deception, indicating its pervasive nature and critical importance for believers. This echoes warnings found in parallel accounts such as Matthew 24:4 and Mark 13:5.

Key Themes

  • Warning Against Deception: The primary message is a strong caution to "take heed that ye be not deceived." Jesus emphasizes the active vigilance required to avoid being led astray.
  • The Rise of False Christs: Jesus predicts that "many shall come in my name, saying, I am [Christ]." This points to individuals who will falsely claim messianic identity or authority, attempting to mislead believers.
  • Urgency and Patience: The phrase "the time draweth near" conveys a sense of urgency regarding these deceptive events. However, the command "go ye not therefore after them" stresses the need for patience and discernment, rather than following every sensational claim.

Linguistic Insights

  • The KJV phrase "Take heed" translates the Greek word blepete (βλέπετε), an imperative verb meaning "watch out," "be careful," or "be on guard." It implies an active and conscious effort to observe and discern.
  • "Deceived" comes from the Greek planaō (πλανάω), which means "to wander," "to go astray," or "to be led into error." It highlights the danger of being led off the true path by false teachings or claims.
  • "In my name" signifies more than just using Jesus' name; it implies claiming His authority, identity, or representing Him falsely.

Practical Application

Luke 21:8 holds profound relevance for believers today. In an age of diverse spiritual claims and information overload, Jesus' warning against deception remains paramount. It calls for:

  • Biblical Literacy: A deep understanding of God's Word is essential to discern truth from error. Knowing the true Christ helps identify false ones.
  • Spiritual Discernment: Believers are called to exercise spiritual discernment, testing every spirit and teaching against the unchanging truth of God's Word.
  • Steadfastness: The instruction "go ye not therefore after them" encourages steadfastness in faith and a refusal to be swayed by sensational or unbiblical claims, even when they seem urgent or compelling. The urgency of this warning is underscored by the mention that 'the time draweth near,' a phrase that speaks to the ongoing expectation of Christ's return and the perilous times of the last days.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 John 4:1

    ¶ Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

  • Ephesians 5:6

    Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:3

    ¶ Let 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;

  • Mark 13:5

    ¶ And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any [man] deceive you:

  • Mark 13:6

    For many shall come in my name, saying, I am [Christ]; and shall deceive many.

  • 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.

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