Matthew 24:4

¶ And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

And {G2532} Jesus {G2424} answered {G611} and said {G2036} unto them {G846}, Take heed {G991} that no {G3361} man {G5100} deceive {G4105} you {G5209}.

Yeshua replied: "Watch out! Don't let anyone fool you!

Jesus answered, “See to it that no one deceives you.

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man lead you astray.

Matthew 24:4 initiates Jesus' profound discourse on the end times, often referred to as the Olivet Discourse. This verse serves as a critical warning to His disciples and to all future believers.

Context

This verse directly responds to the disciples' questions in Matthew 24:3: "Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?" Jesus does not immediately give a timeline but instead issues a primary warning about the danger of deception. This sets the tone for the entire chapter, emphasizing the need for spiritual discernment amidst the complexities of the last days.

Key Themes

  • Warning Against Deception: Jesus' very first instruction regarding the future is a powerful caution against being misled. This highlights the pervasive nature of false teachings and spiritual trickery in the end times.
  • Vigilance and Discernment: The command "Take heed" (KJV) implies an active responsibility on the part of believers to be watchful, critical, and discerning of spiritual claims and signs.
  • Prophetic Urgency: By placing this warning at the forefront, Jesus underscores the gravity of the period leading up to His second coming and the end of the age.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Take heed" translates the Greek verb blepete (βλέπετε), which means "look, see, beware, perceive." It implies active observation and caution, not passive listening. The word "deceive" comes from the Greek planēsē (πλανήσῃ), from which we get our word "planet" (a wandering star). It means to cause to wander, lead astray, or mislead, often with the implication of error or delusion. This suggests that the deception will lead people away from truth and into error.

Related Scriptures

The warning here echoes similar cautions found throughout scripture, such as in 1 John 4:1, which urges believers to "try the spirits whether they are of God". The specific nature of this deception is further elaborated by Jesus in Matthew 24:11, where He warns of many false prophets who will arise and deceive many. This foundational warning is essential for understanding the rest of Jesus' prophetic discourse.

Practical Application

For believers today, Matthew 24:4 is a timeless call to spiritual alertness. In an age of diverse information and competing ideologies, this verse emphasizes the need to:

  • Study Scripture Diligently: A deep understanding of God's Word is the primary defense against error.
  • Exercise Discernment: Critically evaluate teachings and claims against biblical truth, rather than accepting them at face value.
  • Pray for Wisdom: Seek God's guidance to recognize and resist deceptive influences.
  • Guard Against Apostasy: Be aware that deception can lead even sincere individuals astray, underscoring the importance of remaining rooted in Christ.

Reflection

Jesus' initial warning in Matthew 24:4 is not meant to instill fear, but to equip believers with the wisdom necessary to navigate challenging times. It underscores the importance of a personal, discerning relationship with truth, guarding against any influence that would lead one away from the authentic Gospel and the person of Jesus Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

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.

  • 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.

  • 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;

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Mark 13:5

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

  • Mark 13:6

    For many shall come in my name, saying, I am [Christ]; and shall deceive many.

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