Mark 13:5

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} Jesus {G2424} answering {G611} them {G846} began {G756} to say {G3004}, Take heed {G991} lest {G3361} any {G5100} man deceive {G4105} you {G5209}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua began speaking to them: "Watch out! Don't let anyone fool you!

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus began by telling them, “See to it that no one deceives you.

American Standard Version

And Jesus began to say unto them, Take heed that no man lead you astray.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 13:5 initiates the profound Olivet Discourse, where Jesus, in response to His disciples' questions about the end times, issues an immediate and paramount warning against deception. This verse sets the foundational tone for the entire discourse, emphasizing that vigilance against false teachings and misleading influences is the primary prerequisite for navigating the complexities and challenges that will precede His return and the culmination of the age.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 13:5 serves as the critical opening statement of Jesus' extended prophetic discourse, often referred to as the Olivet Discourse. The preceding verses (Mark 13:1-4) establish the immediate backdrop: Jesus and His disciples have just left the magnificent Jerusalem Temple, which prompts the disciples to comment on its grandeur. Jesus' startling prophecy of the Temple's complete destruction (Mark 13:2) then leads Peter, James, John, and Andrew to privately ask Him on the Mount of Olives, "Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?" (Mark 13:4). Jesus' very first response to their inquiry, before detailing any specific signs, is a stern warning about deception, thereby highlighting its foundational importance for understanding all subsequent prophetic revelations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The disciples, as first-century Jews, lived under Roman occupation and harbored strong messianic expectations, often envisioning a political deliverer who would restore Israel's earthly kingdom. The Jerusalem Temple was not merely a building but the spiritual and national heart of Judaism, symbolizing God's presence and Israel's identity. Jesus' prophecy of its destruction would have been profoundly shocking and culturally destabilizing. Their questions about "when these things will be" and "the sign" reflect a common apocalyptic worldview of the time, which anticipated clear indicators of the end of one age and the dawn of a new, messianic era. This context underscores the disciples' vulnerability to misinterpretations and false hopes, making Jesus' warning against deception particularly pertinent.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 13:5 introduces several crucial themes that permeate not only the rest of [the Olivet Discourse](/mark/13 "Mark 13 - The Olivet Discourse") but also the broader New Testament eschatology. The most prominent theme is **Vigilance Against Deception**, which Jesus places at the forefront of His teaching on the end times. This imperative calls for active spiritual discernment, urging believers to critically evaluate all teachings and movements. It also highlights the theme of **Eschatological Preparedness**, suggesting that true readiness for future events, including the Lord's return, begins with safeguarding one's mind and faith from error. This theme is echoed in Paul's warnings about the "man of lawlessness" in [2 Thessalonians 2:3](/2_thessalonians/2-3 "2 Thessalonians 2:3 - The Apostasy and the Man of Lawlessness") and John's call to "test the spirits" in [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Take heed (Greek, _blépō_):** This verb, often translated as "to see," "to look," or "to beware," is used here in the imperative mood, signifying a direct command. It implies an active, conscious, and deliberate effort to observe, be watchful, and guard against danger. It's not a passive observation but a proactive stance of spiritual alertness.
* **deceive (Greek, _planáō_):** Derived from the root of the word "planet" (meaning "wanderer"), this verb means "to cause to roam," "to lead astray," "to delude," or "to err." In a spiritual context, it refers to being led away from truth, from the right path, or from sound doctrine. It suggests a subtle, often alluring, misguidance that can result in spiritual wandering or error, rather than overt, easily identifiable falsehood.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus answering them began to say":** This clause sets the authoritative tone for the discourse. Jesus' response is not a casual remark but a deliberate, formal teaching initiated in direct answer to His disciples' earnest questions. The phrase "began to say" indicates the commencement of a significant and extended discourse, underscoring the weight and importance of what follows.
* **"Take heed lest any man deceive you":** This is the core imperative and the central warning of the verse. It is a direct command to the disciples (and, by extension, to all believers) to be acutely aware and on guard. The phrase "lest any man deceive you" highlights the danger of human agents—whether false prophets, false teachers, or even well-meaning but misguided individuals—who could lead one astray from the truth concerning the signs and events of the end times. This warning is placed first, indicating its foundational importance for navigating the complexities of eschatological understanding.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 13:5 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood** ("Take heed"), which conveys a direct, urgent command, underscoring the critical importance of Jesus' warning. This is not a suggestion but a non-negotiable directive. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as this initial caution sets the stage for the numerous warnings against false Christs and false prophets that Jesus will elaborate on throughout the rest of [Mark 13](/mark/13 "Mark 13 - The Olivet Discourse"). Furthermore, the entire statement functions as a **Proleptic Warning**, a caution given in advance of the events it describes, preparing the disciples for the spiritual challenges they (and future generations) would face.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jesus' initial warning against deception in Mark 13:5 is profoundly theological, establishing a critical theme that runs throughout biblical revelation: the ongoing spiritual battle between truth and error. It underscores God's concern for His people's discernment and their steadfastness in sound doctrine, especially in times of eschatological tension. This verse implies that spiritual maturity includes the ability to distinguish between genuine revelation and deceptive counterfeits, recognizing that the enemy's primary strategy is often to sow confusion and lead believers astray. It highlights the necessity of anchoring one's faith in the unwavering truth of God's Word and the person of Christ, who is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")). The warning also emphasizes human responsibility in actively guarding one's mind and heart against misleading influences, rather than passively awaiting divine intervention.

* [Matthew 24:4](/matthew/24-4 "Matthew 24:4 - Jesus Warns of Deception")
* [Luke 21:8](/luke/21-8 "Luke 21:8 - Jesus' Warning Against Deception")
* [2 Thessalonians 2:3](/2_thessalonians/2-3 "2 Thessalonians 2:3 - The Apostasy and the Man of Lawlessness")
* [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' initial warning in Mark 13:5 remains acutely relevant for believers in every generation, particularly in an age characterized by an overwhelming influx of information and diverse ideologies. The imperative to "take heed lest any man deceive you" calls for an active, ongoing posture of spiritual discernment and critical engagement with all teachings and claims. It reminds us that our faith journey is not passive but requires intentional effort to guard the truth. This means cultivating a deep familiarity with the Scriptures, allowing God's Word to be the plumb line against which all other ideas are measured. It also necessitates reliance on the Holy Spirit, who guides believers into all truth and equips them with the discernment needed to identify and resist error. Furthermore, it encourages humility, recognizing our own susceptibility to deception and remaining open to correction from the community of faith. In a world where truth is often relativized, Jesus' warning compels us to cling firmly to objective truth revealed in Him and His Word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or faith are you most susceptible to subtle forms of deception?**
* **What practical steps can you take to "take heed" and cultivate greater spiritual discernment in your daily walk?**
* **How does a deep knowledge of God's Word serve as your primary defense against misleading teachings?**

### FAQ
**Why is Jesus' first warning in the Olivet Discourse about deception, rather than specific events or tribulations?**

Answer: Jesus places the warning against deception first because it is foundational to understanding and navigating all subsequent prophetic events. If one is deceived, they are ill-equipped to correctly interpret the signs, endure the tribulations, or remain faithful until the end. Deception undermines discernment, distorts truth, and can lead believers astray from the path of righteousness and into false hope or despair. It is the primary spiritual vulnerability that must be addressed before any other instruction can be effectively received and applied. This emphasizes that spiritual readiness begins with a firm grasp of truth and an active guard against error, making it the most crucial starting point for His disciples.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 13:5, though a warning against deception, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself as the embodiment of Truth. Deception is fundamentally a deviation from Christ, who declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")). The warning to "take heed lest any man deceive you" implicitly points to the necessity of remaining rooted in Christ's teachings and His very person. False Christs and false prophets, whom Jesus warns about later in [Mark 13](/mark/13 "Mark 13 - The Olivet Discourse"), are deceptive precisely because they offer an alternative to the true Christ and His gospel. Therefore, safeguarding against deception is, at its core, a call to cling steadfastly to Jesus, the faithful and true witness ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness")). His life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate reality against which all false claims are exposed. To be undeceived is to be centered on Him, for in Him "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge in Christ")).

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

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.

Colossians 2:8

Beware 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.

Jeremiah 29:8

¶ For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that [be] in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed.

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;

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.

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.

1 Corinthians 15:33

Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.