TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Mark 13:5–13. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Our Lord Jesus, in reply to their question, sets himself, not so much to satisfy their curiosity as to direct their consciences; leaves them still in the dark concerning the times and seasons, which the father has kept in his own power, and which it was not for them to know; but gives them the cautions which were needful, with reference to the events that should now shortly come to pass.
I.They must take heed that they be not deceived by the seducers and imposters that should now shortly arise (Mar 13:5, Mar 13:6); "Take heed lest any man deceive you, lest, having found the true Messiah, you lose him again in the crowd of pretenders, or be inveigled to embrace others in rivalship with him. Many shall come in my name (not in the name of Jesus), but saying, I am the Christ, and so claiming the dignities which I only an entitled to." After the Jews had rejected the true Christ, they were imposed upon, and so exposed by many false Christs, but never before; those false Christs deceived many; Therefore take heed lest they deceive you. Note, When many are deceived, we should thereby be awakened to look to ourselves.
II.They must take heed that they be not disturbed at the noise of wars, which they should be alarmed with, Mar 13:7, Mar 13:8.
Sin introduced wars, and they come from men's lusts. But at some times the nations are more distracted and wasted with wars than at other times; so it shall be now; Christ was born into the world when there was a general peace, but soon after he went out of the world there were general wars; Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And what will become of them then who are to preach the gospel to every nation? Inter arma silent leges - Amidst the clash of arms, the voice of law is not heard. "But be not troubled at it." 1. "Let it be no surprise to you; you are bid to expect it, and such things must needs be, for God has appointed them, in order to further accomplishment of his purposes, and by the wars of the Jews" (which Josephus has given us a large account of) "God will punish the wickedness of the Jews." 2. "Let it be no terror to you, as if your interest were in danger of being overthrown, or your work obstructed by these wars; you have no concern in them, and therefore need not be apprehensive of any damage by them." Note, Those that despise the smiles of the world, and do not court and covet them, may despise the frowns of the world, and need not fear them. If we seek not to rise with them that rise in the world, why should we dread falling with them that fall in the world? 3. "Let it not be looked upon as an omen of the approaching period of the world, for the end is not yet, Mar 13:7. Think not that these wars will bring the world to a period; no, there are other intermediate counsels to be fulfilled betwixt that end and the end of all things, which are designed to prepare you for the end, but not to hasten it out of due time." 4. "Let it not be looked upon as if in them God has done his worst; no, he has more arrows in his quiver, and they are ordained against the persecutors; be not troubled at the wars you shall hear of, for they are but the beginnings of sorrows, and therefore, instead of being disturbed at them, you ought to prepare for worse; for there shall also be earthquakes in divers places, which shall bury multitudes in the ruins of their own houses, and there shall be famines, by which many of the poor shall perish for want of bread, and troubles and commotions; so that there shall be no peace to him that goes out or comes in. The world shall be full of troubles, but be not ye troubled; without are fightings, within are fears, but fear not ye their fear." Note, The disciples of Christ, if it be not their own fault, may enjoy a holy security and serenity of mind, when all about them is in the greatest disorder.
III.They must take heed that they be not drawn away from Christ, and from their duty to him, by the sufferings they should meet with for Christ's sake. Again, he saith, "Take heed to yourselves, Mar 13:9. Though you may escape the sword of war, better than some of your neighbours, because you interest not yourselves in the public quarrels, yet be not secure; you will be exposed to the sword of justice more than others, and the parties that contend with one another, will unite against you. Take heed therefore lest you deceive yourselves with the hopes of outward prosperity, and such a temporal kingdom as you have been dreaming of, when it is through many tribulations that you must enter into the kingdom of God. Take heed lest you needlessly expose yourselves to trouble, and pull it upon your own head. Take heed what you say and do, for you will have many eyes upon you." Observe,
1.What the trouble is which they must expect.
(1.)They shall be hated of all men; trouble enough! The thoughts of being hated are grievous to a tender spirit, and the fruits of that hatred must needs be a constant vexation; those that are malicious, will be mischievous. It was not for any thing amiss in them, or done amiss by them, that they were hated, but for Christ's name sake, because they were called by his name, called upon his name, preached his name, and wrought miracles in his name. The world hated them because he loved them.
(2.)Their own relations shall betray them, those to whom they were most nearly allied, and on whom therefore they depended for protection; "They shall betray you, shall inform against you, and be your prosecutors." If a father has a child that is a Christian, he shall become void of natural affection, it shall be swallowed up in bigotry, and he shall betray his own child to the persecutors, as if he were a worshipper of other gods, Deu 13:6-10.
(3.)Their church-rulers shall inflict their censures upon them; "You shall be delivered up to the great Sanhedrim at Jerusalem, and to the inferior courts and consistories in other cities, and shall be beaten in the synagogues with forty stripes at a time, as offenders against the law which was read in the synagogue." It is no new thing for the church's artillery, through the treachery of its officers, to be turned against some of its best friends.
(4.)Governors and kings shall use their power against them. Because the Jews have not power to put them to death, they shall incense the Roman powers against them, as they did Herod against James and Peter; and they shall cause you to be put to death, as enemies to the empire. They must resist unto blood, and still resist.
2.What they shall have to comfort themselves with, in the midst of these great and sore troubles.
(1.)That the work they were called to should be carried on and prosper, notwithstanding all this opposition which they should meet with in it (Mar 13:10); "The gospel shall, for all this, be published among all nations, and before the destruction of Jerusalem the sound of it shall go forth into all the earth; not only through all the nation of the Jews, but to all the nations of the earth." It is comfort to those who suffer for the gospel, that, though they may be crushed and borne down, the gospel cannot; it shall keep its ground, and carry the day.
(2.)That their sufferings, instead of obstructing their work, should forward it; "Your being brought before governors and kings shall be for a testimony of them (so some read it, Mar 13:9); it shall give you an opportunity of preaching the gospel to those before whom you are brought as criminals, to whom otherwise you could not have access." Thus St. Paul's being brought before Felix, and Festus, and Agrippa, and Nero, was a testimony to them concerning Christ and his gospel. Or, as we read it, It shall be for a testimony against them, against both the judges and the prosecutors, who pursue those with the utmost rage that appear, upon examination, to be not only innocent but excellent persons. The gospel is a testimony to us concerning Christ and heaven. If we receive it, it will be a testimony for us: it will justify and save us; if not, it will be a testimony against us in the great day.
(3.)That, when they were brought before kings and governors for Christ's sake, they should have special assistance from heaven, to plead Christ's cause and their own (Mar 13:11); "Take no thought before-hand what he shall speak, be not solicitous how to address yourselves to great men, so as to obtain their favour; your cause is just and glorious, and needs not be supported by premeditated speeches and harangues; but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, whatsoever shall be suggested to you, and put into your minds, and into your mouths" (pro re nat - on the spur of the occasion), "that speak ye, and fear not the success of it, because it is off-hand, for it is not ye that speak, purely by the strength of your own wisdom, consideration, and resolution, but it is the Holy Ghost." Note, Those whom Christ calls out to be advocates for him, shall be furnished with full instructions: and when we are engaged in the service of Christ, we may depend upon the aids of the Spirit of Christ.
(4.)That heaven at last would make amends for all; "You will meet with a great deal of hardship in your way, but have a good heart on it, your warfare will be accomplished, and your testimony finished, and he that shall endure to the end, the same shall be saved," Mar 13:13. Perseverance gains the crown. The salvation here promised is more than a deliverance from evil, it is an everlasting blessedness, which shall be an abundant recompence for all their services and sufferings. All this we have, Mat 10:17, etc.
Historical interpretation
Nine Centuries of Reception
7 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
Christ is truth. Antichrist falsifies truth. Christ is wisdom. Antichrist deftly simulates wisdom. All genuine excellences have a correspondence with Christ. All pretended virtues correspond with Antichrist. For each variety of good which Christ embodies in himself to build up the faithful, the demonic will find a way of mimicking in appearance to deceive the faithful.
That, moreover, is absurd, that they do not think it is to be inquired who was the person that baptized, for the reason that he who has been baptized may have obtained grace by the invocation of the Trinity, of the names of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Then this will be the wisdom which Paul writes is in those who are perfected. But who in the Church is perfect and wise who can either defend or believe this, that this bare invocation of names is sufficient to the remission of sins and the sanctification of baptism; since these things are only then of advantage, when both he who baptizes has the Holy Spirit, and the baptism itself also is not ordained without the Spirit? But, say they, he who in any manner whatever is baptized without, may obtain the grace of baptism by his disposition and faith, which doubtless is ridiculous in itself, as if either a wicked disposition could attract to itself from heaven the sanctification of the righteous, or a false faith the truth of believers. But that not all who call on the name of Christ are heard, and that their invocation cannot obtain any grace, the Lord Himself manifests, saying, "Many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ, and shall deceive many." Because there is no difference between a false prophet and a heretic. For as the former deceives in the name of God or Christ, so the latter deceives in the sacrament of baptism. Both strive by falsehood to deceive men's wills.
Even if such men were slain in confession of the Name, that stain is not even washed away by blood: the inexpiable and grave fault of discord is not even purged by suffering. He cannot be a martyr who is not in the Church; he cannot attain unto the kingdom who forsakes that which shall reign there. Christ gave us peace; He bade us be in agreement, and of one mind. He charged the bonds of love and charity to be kept uncorrupted and inviolate; he cannot show himself a martyr who has not maintained brotherly love. Paul the apostle teaches this, and testifies, saying, "And though I have faith, so that I can remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I give all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity is magnanimous; charity is kind; charity envieth not; charity acteth not vainly, is not puffed up, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; loveth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things Charity never falleth." "Charity," says he, "never faileth." For she will ever be in the kingdom, she will endure for ever in the unity of a brotherhood linked to herself. Discord cannot attain to the kingdom of heaven; to the rewards of Christ, who said, "This is my commandment that ye love one another even as I have loved you: " he cannot attain who has violated the love of Christ b faithless dissension. He who has not charity has not God. The word of the blessed Apostle John is: "God," saith he, "is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God dwelleth in him." They cannot dwell with God who would not be of one mind in God's Church. Although they burn, given up to flames and fires, or lay down their lives, thrown to the wild beasts, that will not be the crown of faith, but the punishment of perfidy; nor will it be the glorious ending of religious valour, but the destruction of despair. Such a one may be slain; crowned he cannot be. He professes himself to be a Christian in such a way as the devil often feigns himself to be Christ, as the Lord Himself forewarns us, and says, "Many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ, and shall deceive many." As he is not Christ, although he deceives in respect of the name; so neither can he appear as a Christian who does not abide in the truth of His Gospel and of faith.
As to wars, when has the earth not been scourged by them at different periods and places? To pass over remote history, when the barbarians were everywhere invading Roman provinces in the reign of Gallienus, how many of our brothers who were then alive do we think could have believed that the end was near, since this happened long after the ascension of the Lord! Thus, we do not know what the nature of those signs will be when the end is really near at hand, if these present ones have not been so foretold that they should at least be understood in the church. Certainly, there are two nations and two kingdoms, namely, one of Christ, the other of the devil.
(Epist. cxcix. 9.) In answer to the disciples, the Lord tells them of things which were from that time forth to have their course; whether He meant the destruction of Jerusalem which occasioned their question, or His own coming through the Church, (in which He ever comes even unto the end, for we know that He comes in His own, when His members are born day by day,) or the end itself, in which He will appear to judge the quick and the dead.
(ubi sup.) Because the Lord, when some were praising the buildings of the temple, had plainly answered that all these were to be destroyed, the disciples privately enquired about the time and the signs of the destruction which was foretold; wherefore it is said: And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, Tell us when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled. The Lord sits upon the mount of Olives, over against the temple, when He discourses upon the ruin and destruction of the temple, so that even His bodily position may be in accordance with the words which He speaks, pointing out mystically that, abiding in peace with the saints, He hates the madness of the proud. For the mount of Olives marks the fruitful sublimity of the Holy Church.
(ubi sup.) For many came forward, when destruction was hanging over Jerusalem, saying that they were Christs, and that the time of freedom was now approaching. Many teachers of heresy also arose in the Church even in the time of the Apostles; and many Antichrists came in the name of Christ, the first of whom was Simon Magus, to whom the Samaritans, as we read in the Acts of the Apostles, listened, saying, This man is the great power of God: wherefore also it is added here, And shall deceive many. (Acts 8:10) Now from the time of the Passion of our Lord there ceased not amongst the Jewish people, who chose the seditious robber and rejected Christ the Saviour, either external wars or civil discord; wherefore it goes on: And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled. And when these come, the Apostles are warned not to be afraid, or to leave Jerusalem and Judæa, because the end was not to come at once, nay was to be put off for forty years. And this is what is added: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet, that is, the desolation of the province, and the last destruction of the city and temple. It goes on: For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
(ubi sup.) Now it is on record that this literally took place at the time of the Jewish rebellion. But kingdom against kingdom, the pestilence of those whose word spreads as a canker, dearth of the word of God, the commotion of the whole earth, and the separation from the true faith, may all rather be understood of heretics who, by fighting one against the other, bring about the triumph of the Church.
But before answering their question, He strengthens their minds that they may not be deceived, wherefore there follows: And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you? And this He says, because when the sufferings of the Jews began, some arose professing to be teachers, wherefore there follows: For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
That is, the Romans against the Jews, which Josephus relates happened before the destruction of Jerusalem. For when the Jews refused to pay tribute, the Romans arose, in anger; but because at that time they were merciful they took indeed their spoils, but did not destroy Jerusalem. What follows shows that God fought against the Jews, for it is said, And there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines.
Continue studying Mark 13:6 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
CNTR CollationThe earliest Greek manuscripts of this verse, collated letter by letter.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Mark 13:6 serves as a stark warning from Jesus within the Olivet Discourse, prophesying the emergence of numerous false messianic figures who will claim divine authority, specifically identifying themselves as "Christ." These deceivers will leverage their counterfeit claims to mislead and lead astray a significant number of people, underscoring the critical need for discernment among believers in the face of spiritual fraud.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is an integral part of the Olivet Discourse, Jesus' extensive prophetic teaching delivered on the Mount of Olives to His disciples. It directly follows the disciples' inquiry about the signs of His coming and the end of the age (Mark 13:3-4), and Jesus' initial admonition to "see that no one deceives you" (Mark 13:5). Mark 13:6 then immediately elaborates on the first specific sign of deception: the rise of false Christs. This warning sets the tone for the subsequent prophecies concerning wars, famines, earthquakes, and persecutions, establishing deception as a primary characteristic of the end times. The structure of the discourse emphasizes the progressive intensification of these signs, with false messiahs appearing early and persistently.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the 1st century Judea, the expectation of the Messiah was deeply ingrained in Jewish culture, fueled by centuries of prophetic anticipation and exacerbated by Roman occupation. Various individuals had, throughout history and up to Jesus' time, claimed messianic roles or gathered followings, often leading to political or religious uprisings. Figures like Theudas (mentioned in Acts 5:36) and Judas the Galilean (mentioned in Acts 5:37) exemplify this phenomenon. Jesus' warning in Mark 13:6 taps into this cultural predisposition for a deliverer, cautioning His followers that many would exploit this longing for personal gain, claiming the revered title of "Christ" (Messiah) to amass power and influence, thereby deceiving the vulnerable.
Key Themes
The central theme in Mark 13:6 is deception, particularly spiritual deception arising from false claims to messianic identity. Jesus highlights the danger of those who would come "in my name," signifying a counterfeit authority or even a direct usurpation of His identity, ultimately leading many astray. This ties into the broader theme of discernment, urging believers to be vigilant and critically evaluate all spiritual claims against the truth. The verse also introduces eschatological signs, presenting the proliferation of false messiahs as a significant indicator of the unfolding events leading to the end of the age, a theme consistent with other warnings found in Matthew 24 and Luke 21. The emphasis on "many" being deceived underscores the pervasive and widespread nature of this particular threat.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word signifies a large number or quantity. In this context, it emphasizes the widespread nature of the deception, indicating that not just a few, but a significant multitude of people will be led astray by these false claims. It highlights the scale of the challenge Jesus' followers would face.
This verb means to come or go, often with the implication of appearing or arriving. Here, it denotes the active emergence and presence of these deceivers in the world, not as a passive phenomenon, but as an intentional movement of false prophets and messiahs seeking to gain followers.
Derived from a root meaning "to wander" or "to roam," this word means to cause to go astray, to lead into error, or to delude. It speaks to the active process of misleading someone from truth, safety, or virtue. The use of this strong verb underscores the serious spiritual danger posed by these false Christs, as they will actively divert people from the true path.
Verse Breakdown
"For many shall come in my name,"
This clause immediately follows Jesus' general warning against deception, specifying the primary means by which it will manifest. The phrase "in my name" (ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματί μου, epi tō onomati mou) is crucial. It does not necessarily mean they will claim to be sent by Jesus, but rather that they will claim to be Jesus or to embody His messianic identity and authority. They will appropriate the very title and role of the Christ for themselves, presenting a counterfeit.
"saying, I am Christ;"
This is the direct, audacious claim of the deceivers. The Greek "ἐγώ εἰμι ὁ Χριστός" (egō eimi ho Christos) is a powerful self-declaration. "I am" (egō eimi) echoes divine declarations (e.g., John 8:58), lending a false sense of divine authority to their claim. "Christ" (ho Christos) is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew "Messiah," meaning "Anointed One." These individuals will directly assert themselves as the long-awaited deliverer, the true Messiah, thereby challenging Jesus' unique identity.
"and shall deceive many."
This final clause states the inevitable outcome of such false claims. The verb "deceive" (πλανάω, planáō) implies leading astray from truth or proper conduct. The repetition of "many" emphasizes the widespread and effective nature of this deception. It's a sobering warning that despite the clear truth, a significant number of people will fall victim to these spiritual imposters.
Literary Devices
Mark 13:6 primarily employs Prophecy as its overarching literary device, delivering a foretelling of future events concerning the end times. Within this prophetic statement, Foreshadowing is evident, as Jesus warns of a recurring danger that will persist throughout history until His return. The phrase "I am Christ" utilizes Direct Speech, giving the reader a vivid and immediate sense of the false claims that will be made. Furthermore, there is an element of Irony in that those who claim to come "in my name" (implying authority or representation of Christ) are, in fact, diametrically opposed to His truth and mission, actively working to "deceive many."
Theological and Thematic Connections
Mark 13:6 is a foundational warning about the nature of spiritual deception in the last days, emphasizing that the enemy's strategy often involves mimicry and counterfeit claims to messianic authority. This verse underscores the unique and singular identity of Jesus as the true Christ, against whom all other claims are fraudulent. The proliferation of false Christs highlights humanity's inherent vulnerability to charismatic leaders and compelling narratives, especially when hope for deliverance is high. Theologically, it reinforces the importance of discerning truth from falsehood, grounding faith not in sensational claims but in the revealed Word of God and the authentic person of Jesus Christ. This warning serves as a call to spiritual vigilance and a reminder that the path of discipleship requires constant adherence to the genuine gospel.
Reflection and Application
Mark 13:6 calls believers to a profound level of spiritual discernment and steadfastness in their faith. In an age saturated with diverse spiritual claims, self-proclaimed prophets, and new-age movements, Jesus' warning is more relevant than ever. It compels us to critically evaluate every teaching, every claim of divine authority, and every path to salvation against the unchanging truth of Scripture and the authentic character of Jesus Christ. Our defense against deception lies not in fear, but in a deep, personal knowledge of the true Shepherd's voice. We are to be rooted in biblical truth, guided by the Holy Spirit, and committed to the community of believers who uphold sound doctrine. This verse reminds us that spiritual maturity involves not just knowing what we believe, but also understanding why we believe it, and being able to distinguish the genuine from the counterfeit.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does Jesus mean by "come in my name"?
When Jesus says "many shall come in my name," it signifies more than just claiming to be a follower or representative of Jesus. The phrase "in my name" (ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματί μου, epi tō onomati mou) in this context implies that these individuals will usurp Jesus' unique identity and authority. They will claim to be the Messiah, the Christ, or to possess His unique messianic power and role. This is a direct challenge to Jesus' exclusive claim as the Son of God and the only Savior, as seen in passages like John 14:6. They are not merely speaking about Christ, but presenting themselves as Christ, or as the ultimate fulfillment of messianic hope.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Mark 13:6, while a warning against counterfeits, implicitly magnifies the singular and authentic identity of Jesus as the true Christ. The very existence of false Christs testifies to the profound human longing for a Messiah, a longing that only Jesus truly fulfills. While many will come claiming "I am Christ," Jesus alone is the "I AM" (as He declared in John 8:58, echoing God's self-revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:14). He is the one foretold by the prophets (e.g., Isaiah 9:6-7), the one whose life, death, and resurrection perfectly align with the divine plan for salvation. The deception warned against in Mark 13:6 highlights the necessity of clinging to the genuine article: the historical Jesus, who is also the resurrected Lord. His unique identity as the Son of God (John 1:14), the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), and the only mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5) stands in stark contrast to any imposter. Thus, this warning ultimately serves to deepen our appreciation for the unparalleled truth and exclusivity of Christ's person and work.