Matthew 24:23

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"At that time, if someone says to you, `Look! Here's the Messiah!' or, `There he is!' don't believe him.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 24:23, Jesus delivers a critical warning to His disciples within the broader context of the Olivet Discourse, cautioning them against believing any claims that He has appeared in a localized or secret manner. This verse underscores the pervasive deception that will precede His second coming, emphasizing the need for spiritual discernment and a clear understanding of the true nature of His glorious and universally visible return.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Jesus' extensive prophetic discourse known as the [Olivet Discourse](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24 - The Olivet Discourse"), delivered on the Mount of Olives in response to His disciples' questions about the destruction of the Temple and the signs of His coming and the end of the age ([Matthew 24:3](/matthew/24-3 "Matthew 24:3 - Disciples' Questions to Jesus")). Following His initial general warning against deception ([Matthew 24:4](/matthew/24-4 "Matthew 24:4 - Jesus' First Warning Against Deception")), and descriptions of various tribulations like wars, famines, and persecutions, Jesus narrows His focus in [Matthew 24:23-28](/matthew/24-23-28 "Matthew 24:23-28 - Warnings Against False Christs and Prophets") to specific, intense forms of deception concerning His personal presence. This particular warning sets the stage for His subsequent, unmistakable description of His true, universally visible return in [Matthew 24:27](/matthew/24-27 "Matthew 24:27 - The Unmistakable Nature of Christ's Return").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judea was a hotbed of messianic expectation, often intertwined with political aspirations for liberation from Roman rule. Numerous individuals had arisen claiming to be the Messiah or messianic figures, leading to various movements and uprisings. This environment made the populace susceptible to charismatic leaders and sensational claims. Jesus' warning in [Matthew 24:23](/matthew/24-23 "Matthew 24:23 - Warning Against False Claims") directly addresses this cultural predisposition, preparing His disciples for a future where false Christs would exploit such hopes, especially in times of distress and upheaval, such as the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, which Jesus had just predicted ([Matthew 24:2](/matthew/24-2 "Matthew 24:2 - Jesus Predicts the Temple's Destruction")).
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 24:23 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Olivet Discourse and the broader New Testament. The most prominent is the **Warning Against Deception**, which Jesus emphasizes repeatedly, urging His followers to exercise extreme spiritual discernment in the end times. This verse highlights the insidious nature of false claims about Christ's presence. Relatedly, it implicitly teaches about the **Nature of Christ's Second Coming**, contrasting the secretive, localized claims with the true, glorious, and universally visible return of the Son of Man, which will be unmistakable, like lightning flashing across the sky ([Matthew 24:27](/matthew/24-27 "Matthew 24:27 - The Visible Return of the Son of Man")). Finally, the verse introduces the theme of **False Christs and False Prophets**, a danger echoed throughout the New Testament, reminding believers to be grounded in the truth of God's Word rather than swayed by sensational or unbiblical assertions ([2 Peter 2:1](/2_peter/2-1 "2 Peter 2:1 - Warning About False Teachers")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lo (Greek, _idoú_):** This interjection, often translated "behold" or "see," is used to draw immediate and emphatic attention to something. In this context, it signifies a sensational, attention-grabbing declaration, as if someone is pointing to a specific location or person with an urgent, exclusive revelation. Jesus uses it to highlight the dramatic and deceptive nature of such false claims.
* **Christ (Greek, _Christós_):** Derived from the verb "to anoint," this term means "Anointed One" or "Messiah." It refers specifically to the promised deliverer and king of Israel, the central figure of God's redemptive plan. Jesus' warning is against those who would claim that this unique, divine figure has appeared in a specific, limited, or secret location, thereby usurping His true identity and mission.
* **believe (Greek, _pisteúō_):** This verb means "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing)," or "to credit." Coupled with the negation "not" (Greek, _mḗ_), Jesus issues a direct command to withhold belief or trust from such claims. It underscores the critical importance of discernment and adherence to revealed truth, rather than credulity towards deceptive assertions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then if any man shall say unto you,"**: This introductory clause sets the stage for a conditional warning. "Then" (G5119, _tóte_) indicates a future time, specifically within the context of the end-time events Jesus is describing. "If any man" (G1437, _eán_ G5100, _tìs_) suggests the possibility, even likelihood, of such claims arising from various individuals. The phrase "shall say unto you" (G2036, _épō_ G5213, _hymîn_) indicates a direct communication, likely a persuasive or authoritative declaration aimed at the disciples or future believers.
* **"Lo, here [is] Christ, or there;"**: This is the core deceptive claim Jesus warns against. "Lo" (G2400, _idoú_) highlights the sensational and attention-seeking nature of the assertion. The phrases "here" (G5602, _hōde_) and "or there" (G2228, _ḗ_ G5602, _hōde_) emphasize the localized, specific, and potentially secretive nature of the alleged appearance of Christ. These claims suggest that the Messiah has arrived in a particular place, implying a limited, perhaps exclusive, access to His presence or revelation, contrary to the universal and public nature of His true return.
* **"believe [it] not."**: This is Jesus' unequivocal command. "Believe it not" (G4100, _pisteúō_ G3361, _mḗ_) is an emphatic negative imperative, instructing His followers to absolutely reject such claims. It highlights the danger of these deceptions and the necessity of spiritual discernment. The command implies that these claims are fundamentally false and antithetical to the truth of His coming, which will not be a secret or localized event.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 24:23 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Admonition**, as Jesus issues a direct and emphatic command ("believe it not") to His disciples, signaling the critical importance of the warning. This is reinforced by **Antithesis**, implicitly contrasting the false, localized, and secretive claims of "here or there" with the true, universal, and undeniably public nature of His second coming, which He describes later as being like lightning flashing across the sky ([Matthew 24:27](/matthew/24-27 "Matthew 24:27 - The Lightning-Like Return")). The use of the interjection "Lo" (Greek: _idoú_) functions as a form of **Exclamation**, drawing immediate attention to the sensational and deceptive nature of the false claims. Furthermore, the verse serves as a powerful **Foreshadowing**, preparing the disciples for the widespread spiritual deception that would characterize the period leading up to His return, a theme consistently reiterated throughout the New Testament epistles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 24:23 is a profound theological statement on the nature of truth, divine revelation, and the character of Christ's return. It asserts that God's ultimate revelation in Christ will not be confined to secret gatherings or hidden locations but will be universally manifest. The warning against localized claims of Christ's presence underscores the importance of discerning between genuine divine activity and human-initiated deception, which often preys on sensationalism and exclusivity. Theologically, it reinforces the concept of God's sovereignty over history and prophetic fulfillment, assuring believers that Christ's return will occur according to His divine timetable and in a manner consistent with His revealed Word, not through human manipulation or false declarations. This necessitates a robust faith grounded in biblical truth rather than fleeting spiritual fads or charismatic personalities.

* [Matthew 24:27](/matthew/24-27 "Matthew 24:27 - The Unmistakable Return of the Son of Man")
* [2 Thessalonians 2:9-12](/2_thessalonians/2-9-12 "2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 - The Deception of the Lawless One")
* [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In an age saturated with information, misinformation, and diverse spiritual claims, Matthew 24:23 remains profoundly relevant for believers today. Jesus' warning against sensational and localized claims about His presence serves as a timeless call to spiritual discernment. We are constantly bombarded with narratives, both secular and spiritual, that promise exclusive knowledge, hidden truths, or a "new" way to experience Christ. This verse reminds us that the true Christ, as revealed in Scripture, is not found in secret societies, obscure locations, or through charismatic leaders making extraordinary, unbiblical claims. Instead, our faith must be anchored in the historical Jesus Christ and the unchanging truth of His Word. Cultivating a deep understanding of biblical prophecy and the character of God is our best defense against deception, enabling us to test all claims against the plumb line of Scripture and to patiently await the glorious, unmistakable return of our Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I cultivate greater spiritual discernment to recognize and reject false claims about Christ or His presence in today's world?**
* **What are the primary sources of truth I rely on regarding Christ's person, work, and future return, and are they truly grounded in biblical revelation?**
* **In what ways might I be susceptible to sensational or exclusive spiritual claims, and how can I guard my heart against such deception?**

### FAQ
**Why does Jesus specifically warn against claims of Him being "here or there"?**

Answer: Jesus specifically warns against claims of Him being "here or there" to counter the idea that His second coming would be a localized, secret, or exclusive event. In the first century, many false messiahs arose, often gathering followers in specific locations or wilderness areas. Jesus' warning directly addresses this common form of deception, emphasizing that His true return will not be hidden, confined to a particular place, or accessible only to a select few. Instead, His return will be a universally visible and unmistakable event, as He later describes in [Matthew 24:27](/matthew/24-27 "Matthew 24:27 - The Unmistakable Return"), comparing it to lightning flashing across the sky. This warning protects believers from being misled by cults or movements that claim special access to Christ's presence or a secret revelation.

**Does this verse imply that believers should not look for signs of Christ's return?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that believers should not look for signs of Christ's return. Rather, it warns against believing *false* claims about His presence. Throughout the [Olivet Discourse](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24 - The Olivet Discourse"), Jesus actually provides numerous signs that will precede His return, such as wars, famines, earthquakes, and the persecution of believers ([Matthew 24:6-9](/matthew/24-6-9 "Matthew 24:6-9 - Signs of the End Times")). He even encourages His disciples to "learn the parable from the fig tree" ([Matthew 24:32](/matthew/24-32 "Matthew 24:32 - Parable of the Fig Tree")), indicating that they should discern the times. The warning in [Matthew 24:23](/matthew/24-23 "Matthew 24:23 - Warning Against False Christs") is specifically against deceptive claims of His *personal, localized presence*, not against observing the broader biblical signs that point to the nearness of His glorious, public return.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 24:23, while a warning against deception, ultimately points to the unique and glorious nature of Christ Himself. The very necessity of this warning underscores the profound truth that there is only one true Christ, the Son of God, whose identity and mission are clearly revealed in Scripture. False claims of "here is Christ, or there" are rendered impotent by the reality of the Incarnation, where the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Jesus' first coming was humble, yet public, fulfilling ancient prophecies. His second coming, to which this warning points, will be equally public, but gloriously triumphant, not a secret or localized event. This warning protects believers from diverting their hope and allegiance to any other figure or false revelation, continually directing their gaze to the one true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). It reminds us that the Christ we await is the same Jesus who ascended into heaven and will return in the same way He left—visibly and undeniably ([Acts 1:11](/acts/1-11 "Acts 1:11 - Jesus' Ascension and Promise to Return")), not in a hidden corner or a private revelation, but as King of kings and Lord of lords, whose coming every eye will see ([Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Every Eye Will See Him")).

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

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.