Matthew 24:24

KJV

For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} there shall arise {G1453} false Christs {G5580}, and {G2532} false prophets {G5578}, and {G2532} shall shew {G1325} great {G3173} signs {G4592} and {G2532} wonders {G5059}; insomuch that {G5620}, if {G1487} it were possible {G1415}, they shall deceive {G4105} the very {G2532} elect {G1588}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For there will appear false Messiahs and false prophets performing great miracles -- amazing things! -- so as to fool even the chosen, if possible.

Berean Standard Bible

For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders that would deceive even the elect, if that were possible.

American Standard Version

For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 24:24 serves as a stark warning from Jesus Christ within His Olivet Discourse, alerting His disciples to the profound spiritual deception that will characterize the end times. He prophesies the emergence of counterfeit messiahs and false prophets who will possess the ability to perform astonishing signs and wonders. The power of their deceit will be so compelling that, if it were at all possible, even God's chosen ones, the elect, would be led astray, underscoring the severity of the coming spiritual battle and the divine protection afforded to true believers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a critical component of Jesus' eschatological discourse, known as 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")). Following predictions of general calamities like wars, famines, and earthquakes ([Matthew 24:6-7](/matthew/24-6-7 "Matthew 24:6-7 - Birth Pangs of the End")), Jesus shifts focus to the internal spiritual dangers, specifically religious deception. He first warns that "many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many" ([Matthew 24:5](/matthew/24-5 "Matthew 24:5 - Initial Warning of Deception")). Verse 24 intensifies this warning, describing a higher level of deception involving supernatural manifestations, making it an unprecedented challenge to faith, even for the most devout. This section emphasizes the crucial need for discernment amidst escalating spiritual falsehoods.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' warning about "false Christs" and "false prophets" resonated deeply with His Jewish audience, who were familiar with a history of messianic claimants and self-proclaimed prophets. Throughout the intertestamental period and into the first century, various individuals arose, claiming divine authority or messianic status, often leading popular movements or rebellions against Roman rule. Figures like Theudas and an Egyptian prophet, mentioned by Josephus and in [Acts 5:36-37](/acts/5-36-37 "Acts 5:36-37 - Gamaliel's Counsel"), exemplify this phenomenon. The expectation of a conquering Messiah was strong, making the populace susceptible to those who could perform impressive feats or offer political liberation. Jesus' warning subverts these expectations, indicating that true spiritual authority would not be found in outward displays of power by those who lead astray, but in adherence to His truth, even amidst miraculous counterfeits.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 24:24 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Olivet Discourse and the broader book of Matthew. The primary theme is **Eschatological Warning and Discernment**, emphasizing the need for believers to be vigilant and spiritually astute in the face of widespread deception in the last days. It highlights the **Nature of Spiritual Deception**, revealing that it will not always be obvious but will often masquerade as truth, even employing supernatural signs. This contrasts sharply with the genuine signs and wonders performed by Jesus, which validated His divine authority and message ([Matthew 11:4-5](/matthew/11-4-5 "Matthew 11:4-5 - Jesus' Works as Proof")). Furthermore, the verse underscores the **Security of the Elect**, affirming God's sovereign preservation of His chosen people against ultimate apostasy, even when faced with the most potent forms of evil. This theme echoes God's faithfulness to His covenant people throughout salvation history, as seen in the preservation of a remnant in the Old Testament ([Isaiah 1:9](/isaiah/1-9 "Isaiah 1:9 - Preservation of a Remnant")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **False Christs (Greek, _pseudóchristos'_):** Derived from _pseudēs_ (false, lying) and _Christos_ (Christ, Anointed One), this term denotes individuals who falsely claim to be the Messiah or the Anointed One of God. They are not merely mistaken, but intentionally deceptive, presenting themselves as the fulfillment of messianic prophecies to mislead people. Their claims are a direct counterfeit of Jesus' true identity and mission.
* **False Prophets (Greek, _pseudoprophḗtēs'_):** Composed of _pseudēs_ (false, lying) and _prophḗtēs_ (prophet), this term refers to those who pretend to speak on behalf of God or claim divine inspiration, but whose messages are not from God. They are spiritual impostors, often delivering messages that appeal to human desires or cultural trends, rather than divine truth. Their prophecies are deceptive, leading people away from God's genuine Word.
* **Deceive (Greek, _planáō'_):** This verb means "to cause to roam from safety, truth, or virtue; to lead astray, to err, to seduce, to wander." It vividly describes the effect of the false Christs and prophets: they cause people to deviate from the path of truth and righteousness, leading them into error and spiritual danger. The strong implication is not just intellectual error, but moral and spiritual wandering that results in being lost.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets":** This clause sets the stage for the intense spiritual conflict of the end times. Jesus predicts the emergence of two categories of deceivers: those who claim to be the Messiah (false Christs) and those who claim to speak for God (false prophets). The term "arise" (Greek, _egeírō_) suggests a sudden, active appearance, implying that these figures will not be passive but will actively present themselves and their deceptive claims to the world.
* **"and shall shew great signs and wonders;":** This critical phrase reveals the method of their deception. These false figures will not merely rely on persuasive words but will perform "great signs" (_sēmeia_) and "wonders" (_terata_). These are terms typically used in the New Testament to describe genuine miracles performed by God or His true messengers. The inclusion of "great" (_mégas_) emphasizes the impressive and convincing nature of these supernatural displays, making them incredibly difficult to distinguish from genuine divine acts for the undiscerning.
* **"insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.":** This final clause highlights the extreme potency of the deception. The phrase "insomuch that" (_hṓste_) indicates the consequence of their powerful signs and wonders. The conditional "if it were possible" (_ei dynatós_) is a rhetorical device emphasizing the *impossibility* of the elect being ultimately deceived. It does not suggest a theoretical possibility, but rather underscores the immense power of the deception while simultaneously affirming the absolute security and preservation of "the very elect" (_tous eklektous_) by God. The elect are God's chosen ones, whom He has sovereignly called and preserved for salvation.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 24:24 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, particularly in the phrase "if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." This is not meant to suggest that the elect *could* be deceived under certain circumstances, but rather to emphasize the *overwhelming power* of the deception that will be unleashed, so potent that it would deceive anyone *except* for God's divinely protected chosen ones. This rhetorical exaggeration heightens the sense of urgency and the gravity of the warning. The verse also functions as a powerful **Warning**, directly addressing the disciples and, by extension, all future believers, to be vigilant against spiritual counterfeits. The figures of "false Christs" and "false prophets" serve as **Symbolism** for the broader forces of spiritual darkness and deception that will oppose God's truth in the end times. Their "great signs and wonders" are a form of **Counterfeit Miracles**, mimicking genuine divine power to mislead, creating a stark **Contrast** between true divine activity and deceptive spiritual manifestations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 24:24 is a profound theological statement on the nature of spiritual warfare and God's sovereignty. It reveals that the enemy's tactics will include not just overt opposition but subtle, miraculous deception, designed to mimic divine power and lead people away from truth. Yet, it simultaneously affirms the unwavering security of God's elect, highlighting that divine preservation is stronger than any deceptive force. This verse underscores the importance of discerning the source of spiritual power and clinging to the revealed truth of God's Word, rather than being swayed by impressive but false displays. It teaches that God's plan for His people is unshakeable, even amidst the greatest spiritual turmoil.

* [2 Thessalonians 2:9-10](/2_thessalonians/2-9-10 "2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 - The Lawless One's Deception")
* [Revelation 13:13-14](/revelation/13-13-14 "Revelation 13:13-14 - The Beast and False Prophet's Signs")
* [John 10:27-29](/john/10-27-29 "John 10:27-29 - Jesus' Sheep Are Secure")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 24:24 offers a timeless and urgent call to spiritual vigilance for believers in every age, especially as we observe the proliferation of diverse spiritual claims and the ease with which information (and misinformation) spreads. It compels us to cultivate a deep and abiding relationship with the truth of God's Word, allowing it to be the ultimate plumb line for all spiritual experiences and teachings. We are challenged to move beyond superficial assessments of spiritual phenomena and to develop a robust discernment, rooted in the Holy Spirit's guidance and a thorough understanding of biblical doctrine. Our security is not in our own intellectual prowess or ability to detect every lie, but in God's sovereign power to preserve His elect. Therefore, the application is not merely about identifying error, but about anchoring ourselves so firmly in Christ that we become impervious to the most sophisticated deceptions, trusting in His promise to keep us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' warning about "great signs and wonders" performed by deceivers challenge my assumptions about spiritual authenticity?**
* **In what ways can I actively cultivate discernment in my own life, especially regarding spiritual teachings and experiences?**
* **What does the phrase "if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect" reveal about God's faithfulness and my security in Christ?**
* **How does understanding this verse motivate me to deepen my knowledge of Scripture and my reliance on the Holy Spirit?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "false Christs" and "false prophets" Jesus warns about?**

Answer: The "false Christs" are individuals who will emerge claiming to be the Messiah, the Anointed One of God, in a deceptive attempt to draw followers away from the true Christ. They are counterfeits of Jesus himself. The "false prophets" are those who claim to speak for God or to have divine revelation, but whose messages are not from God and lead people astray. Both categories are spiritual impostors, aiming to mislead people through their false claims and teachings, often appealing to human desires or religious fervor. They represent the ultimate spiritual deception in the end times, as described in [2 Peter 2:1](/2_peter/2-1 "2 Peter 2:1 - False Teachers Among You").

**What kind of "great signs and wonders" will they perform, and how can they be distinguished from genuine miracles?**

Answer: The "great signs and wonders" refer to supernatural acts, seemingly miraculous displays of power that will be incredibly convincing. These are not mere tricks or illusions, but genuine supernatural manifestations, though their source is not divine. They are "lying wonders" ([2 Thessalonians 2:9](/2_thessalonians/2-9 "2 Thessalonians 2:9 - Lawless One's Lying Wonders")) performed by the power of Satan. They can be distinguished from genuine miracles not by their outward appearance or power, but by their *source* and *message*. True miracles glorify God and confirm His truth as revealed in Scripture, always pointing to Christ. False miracles, however impressive, will ultimately lead people away from the biblical Christ and His revealed Word, promoting a false gospel or a different Jesus ([Galatians 1:8-9](/galatians/1-8-9 "Galatians 1:8-9 - Warning Against False Gospels")). Discernment requires testing the spirits and their teachings against the unchanging truth of God's Word ([1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")).

**Why does Jesus say "if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect"? Does this mean the elect *could* be deceived?**

Answer: The phrase "if it were possible" is a rhetorical device, a strong hyperbole, emphasizing the *extreme power* and convincing nature of the deception. It does not imply that it is actually possible for the truly elect to be ultimately deceived and fall away from salvation. Instead, it highlights that the deception will be so profound that *if* the elect were not divinely protected, they *would* succumb. This statement underscores God's sovereign preservation of His chosen people. The "elect" are those whom God has chosen for salvation, and He guarantees their perseverance and security in Christ ([John 6:37](/john/6-37 "John 6:37 - All the Father Gives Will Come to Jesus")). Their security rests not on their own strength or discernment, but on the faithfulness and power of God to preserve them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 24:24 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself as the singular, true Messiah and the embodiment of divine truth, standing in stark contrast to the deceptive figures He warns against. While false Christs will arise, Jesus is the [only true Christ](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life"), the 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")). He is the one whose signs and wonders truly validated His divine authority and saving mission, not to deceive, but to reveal God's kingdom and bring healing and redemption ([Acts 2:22](/acts/2-22 "Acts 2:22 - Jesus' Miracles as Divine Attestation")). Furthermore, the warning about the deception of the elect points directly to Christ's role as their Shepherd and Preserver. Jesus assures His followers that [His sheep hear His voice, and He knows them, and they follow Him](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - Jesus' Sheep Hear His Voice"), and that [no one can snatch them out of His hand or His Father's hand](/john/10-28-29 "John 10:28-29 - No One Can Snatch Them"). Thus, the "impossibility" of the elect being deceived is a testament to Christ's power, faithfulness, and the security found in Him alone. He is the ultimate safeguard against all spiritual falsehood, and true believers are kept by His power through faith ([1 Peter 1:5](/1_peter/1-5 "1 Peter 1:5 - Kept by God's Power")).

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

2 Thessalonians 2:9

[Even him], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

2 Thessalonians 2:11

And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

Mark 13:22

For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if [it were] possible, even the elect.

Revelation 13:13

And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,

Revelation 13:14

And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by [the means of] those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.

Matthew 24:11

And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

2 Peter 2:1

¶ But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.