Matthew 24:23

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

Then {G5119} if {G1437} any man {G5100} shall say {G2036} unto you {G5213}, Lo {G2400}, here {G5602} is Christ {G5547}, or {G2228} there {G5602}; believe {G4100} it not {G3361}.

"At that time, if someone says to you, `Look! Here's the Messiah!' or, `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.

Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is the Christ, or, Here; believe it not.

Matthew 24:23 is a crucial warning from Jesus within His Olivet Discourse, a significant prophecy delivered to His disciples about the end times and His second coming. This verse specifically cautions against believing false claims about His presence.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' detailed response to His disciples' questions concerning the destruction of the Temple and the signs of His return and the end of the age (Matthew 24:3). Before this verse, Jesus warns about general deceptions, wars, famines, and persecutions. Here, He narrows His focus to a specific type of deception: individuals claiming that the Christ (Messiah) has appeared in a secret or localized manner. This warning follows His earlier admonition to "Take heed that no man deceive you" (Matthew 24:4), setting the stage for the intense deception that would characterize the period leading up to His return.

Key Themes

  • Warning Against Deception: The primary message is an emphatic "believe it not." Jesus stresses the importance of spiritual discernment in the face of widespread falsehoods. This warning is particularly relevant for those seeking to understand the signs of the end times.
  • The Nature of Christ's Second Coming: This verse implicitly teaches that Christ's true return will not be a private, localized, or hidden event. It contrasts sharply with the secretive claims Jesus warns against. His actual coming will be unmistakable and universally visible, as described in later verses (Matthew 24:27).
  • False Christs and Prophets: Jesus anticipates the rise of individuals who will falsely claim to be Christ or to have special revelation about His presence. This theme is echoed throughout the New Testament, emphasizing the need for believers to be grounded in truth.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "Lo, here [is] Christ, or there" translates the Greek `idou hōde ho Christos ē ekei`. The word `idou` (often translated "behold" or "lo") is an interjection used to draw attention, signifying someone pointing out or making a sensational claim. The term `Christos` (Christ) means "Anointed One" or "Messiah," referring to the promised deliverer. Jesus' warning is against those who would claim to have found the Messiah in a specific, limited location, implying a secret or exclusive revelation.

Practical Application

Matthew 24:23 remains profoundly relevant today. In an age of diverse spiritual movements and claims, believers must exercise extreme caution and discernment.

  • Beware of Sensational Claims: Do not be swayed by individuals or groups who claim to have found a "new Christ," a hidden revelation, or who point to a specific person or place as the manifestation of Christ's presence.
  • Know the Scriptures: A firm understanding of biblical prophecy regarding Christ's second coming is the best defense against deception. The Bible clearly states that His return will be a glorious, unmistakable event, visible to all (Revelation 1:7).
  • Focus on Jesus Christ of the Bible: Our faith should be anchored in the historical and biblical Jesus Christ, not in any novel or localized interpretations. The true Christ is found in His Word and through His Spirit, not in secret gatherings or hidden locations.
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.

  • 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.

  • 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,

  • Deuteronomy 13:3

    Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

  • Mark 13:21

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

  • John 5:43

    I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.

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