Mark 13:21

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

And {G2532} then {G5119} if {G1437} any man {G5100} shall say {G2036} to you {G5213}, Lo {G2400}, here {G5602} is Christ {G5547}; or {G2228}, lo {G2400}, he is there {G1563}; believe {G4100} him not {G3361}:

"At that time, if anyone says to you, `Look! Here's the Messiah!' or, `See, there he is!' -- don't believe him!

At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There He is!’ do not believe it.

And then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is the Christ; or, Lo, there; believe it not:

Mark 13:21 (KJV)

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

Commentary

This verse is part of Jesus' discourse on the Mount of Olives (the Olivet Discourse) where he is warning his disciples about the signs of the end times and the destruction of the temple. Specifically, he is cautioning them against deception that will arise during this period of tribulation and expectation.

The phrase "Lo, here [is] Christ; or, lo, [he is] there" refers to claims that the Messiah (Greek: Christos, meaning "Anointed One") is present in a particular, localized, or secret place. Jesus gives a direct and strong command: "believe [him] not".

Key Themes:

  • Warning Against False Messiahs: Jesus predicts and warns against people who will falsely claim that Christ is present in a specific location.
  • The Public Nature of Christ's Return: The necessity of this warning implies that Christ's true coming will not be a hidden or localized event that requires special knowledge to find, but rather a universally visible one (as described in later verses like Mark 13:26).
  • Discernment: Believers are instructed to exercise caution and discernment regarding sensational claims about Christ's presence or return.

Context & Significance: In times of upheaval, distress, or religious fervor, people can be susceptible to following individuals who claim special revelation or access to Christ. Jesus' clear instruction serves as a vital safeguard against such deceptive movements and false messianic claims that attempt to gather followers based on secret or localized appearances.

This warning is also found in parallel passages in the other synoptic gospels, emphasizing its importance (Matthew 24:23; Luke 17:23). Matthew adds that these false figures may even perform great signs and wonders to deceive (Matthew 24:24).

Practical Application: This verse teaches us to be wary of any teaching or movement that points to a hidden, secret, or localized manifestation of Christ's return or presence. Christ's true coming will be unmistakable and visible to all who are looking for him.

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.

  • Matthew 24:23

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

  • Matthew 24:25

    Behold, I have told you before.

  • 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 24:5

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

  • Luke 17:23

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

  • Luke 17:24

    For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one [part] under heaven, shineth unto the other [part] under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.

  • Deuteronomy 13:1

    ¶ If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder,

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