TRV
Translation
Complete Jewish Bible
For many will come in my name, saying, `I am the Messiah!' and they will lead many astray.
Berean Standard Bible
For many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.
American Standard Version
For many shall come in my name, saying, I am the Christ; and shall lead many astray.
World English Bible Messianic
For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will lead many astray.
Geneva Bible (1599)
For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ, and shall deceiue many.
Young's Literal Translation
for many shall come in my name, saying, I am the Christ, and they shall lead many astray,
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In the KJVVerse 23,963 of 31,102
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Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers . Public domain.
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DidacheAD 100
The Didache, Chapter 16
Watch for your life's sake. Let not your lamps be quenched, nor your loins unloosed; but be ye ready, for ye know not the hour in which our Lord cometh. But often shall ye come together, seeking the things which are befitting to your souls: for the whole time of your faith will not profit you, if ye be not made perfect in the last time. For in the last days false prophets and corrupters shall be multiplied, and the sheep shall be turned into wolves, and love shall be turned into hate; for when lawlessness increaseth, they shall hate and persecute and betray one another, and then shall appear the world-deceiver as Son of God, and shall do signs and wonders, and the earth shall be delivered into his hands, and he shall do iniquitous things which have never yet come to pass since the beginning. Then shall the creation of men come into the fire of trial, and many shall be made to stumble and shall perish; but they that endure in their faith shall be saved from under the curse itself. And then shall appear the signs of the truth; first, the sign of an out-spreading in heaven; then the sign of the sound of the trumpet; and the third, the resurrection of the dead; yet not of all, but as it is said: The Lord shall come and all His saints with Him. Then shall the world see the Lord coming upon the clouds of heaven.
Origen of Alexandria (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 253
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
They that are deceived are many, because wide is the gate that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. (Mat. 7:13.) This one thing is enough to detect the Antichrists and seducers that they shall say, I am Christ, which Christ Himself is no where read to have said: for the works of God, and the word which He taught, and His power, were enough to produce belief that He is Christ. For every discourse which professes to expound Scripture faithfully, and has not the truth, is Antichrist. For the truth is Christ, that which feigns itself to be the truth is Antichrist. So also all virtues are Christ, all that feigns itself to be virtue is Antichrist; for Christ has in Himself in truth all manner of good for the edification of men, but the devil has forged resemblances of the same for the deceiving of the saints. We have need therefore of God to help us, that none deceive us, neither word nor power. It is a bad thing to find any one erring in his course of life; but I esteem it much worse not to think according to the most true rule of Scripture.
Hilary of Poitiers (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 367
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
And because the questions of the disciples are threefold, they are separated by different times and meanings. That concerning the destruction of the city is first answered, and is then confirmed by truth of doctrine, that no seducer might prevail with the ignorant.
Apostolic ConstitutionsAD 380
Apostolic Constitutions (Book VII), Section 2, XXXII
For in the last days false prophets shall be multiplied, and such as corrupt the word; and the sheep shall be changed into wolves, and love into hatred: for through the abounding of iniquity the love of many shall wax cold. For men shall hate, and persecute, and betray one another. And then shall appear the deceiver of the world, the enemy of the truth, the prince of lies, [2 Thessalonians 2:3-12] whom the Lord Jesus "shall destroy with the spirit of His mouth, who takes away the wicked with His lips; and many shall be offended at Him. But they that endure to the end, the same shall be saved. And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven;" [Isaiah 11:4; Matthew 24:1-51] and afterwards shall be the voice of a trumpet by the archangel; and in that interval shall be the revival of those that were asleep. And then shall the Lord come, and all His saints with Him, with a great concussion above the clouds, with the angels of His power, [Matthew 16:27] in the throne of His kingdom, to condemn the devil, the deceiver of the world, and to render to every one according to his deeds. "Then shall the wicked go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous shall go into life eternal," [Matthew 25:46] to inherit those things "which eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, such things as God has prepared for them that love Him;" [1 Corinthians 2:9] and they shall rejoice in the kingdom of God, which is in Christ Jesus.
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on the Gospel of Matthew 75
Therefore did they come unto Him privately, as it was of such matters they meant to inquire. For they were in travail to know the day of His coming, because of their eager desire to behold that glory, which is the cause of countless blessings. And these two things do they ask him, when shall these things be? that is, the overthrow of the temple; and, what is the sign of thy coming? But Luke saith, the question was one concerning Jerusalem, as though they were supposing that then is His coming. And Mark saith, that neither did all of them ask concerning the end of Jerusalem, but Peter and John, as having greater freedom of speech.
What then saith He? "Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ, and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that ye be not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet."
For since they felt as being told of vengeance falling on others when hearing of that which was to be brought upon Jerusalem and as though they were to be out of the turmoils, and were dreaming of good things only, and looked for these to befall them quite immediately; for this cause He again foretells to them grievous things, making them earnest, and commanding them on two grounds to watch, so as neither to be seduced by the deceit of them that would beguile them, nor to be overpowered by the violence of ills that should overtake them.
John Chrysostom (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 407
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
They asked Him in private, because they were great things about which they were going to ask Him. They wished to know the day of His coming, for the vehement desire they had to see His glory.
Luke speaks of one enquiry, that concerning Jerusalem, as though the disciples supposed that Christ's coming should be then, and the end of the world should be when Jerusalem should be destroyed. Whereas Mark does not state them all to have asked concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, but Peter, James, John, and Andrew, as having more bold and free speech with Christ.
His first answer is neither concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, nor concerning His second coming, but concerning the evils which were to be immediately encountered.
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on the Gospel of Matthew 75
"For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ, and shall deceive many."
For the war, saith He, shall be twofold that of the deceivers, and that of the enemies, but the former far more grievous, as coming upon them in the confusion and turmoils, and when men were terrified and troubled. For indeed great was the storm then, when the Roman power was beginning to flourish, and cities were taken, and camps and weapons were set in motion, and many were readily believed.
Jerome (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 420
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
They ask Him three things. First, The time of the destruction of Jerusalem, saying, Tell us when shall these things be? Secondly, The time of Christ's coming, saying, And what shall be the sign of Thy coming? Thirdly, The time of the consummation of this world, saying, And of the end of the world?
One of them of whom The speaks was Simon of Samaria, of whom we read in the Acts of the Apostles, that he gave himself out to be the great Power, leaving these things written in his worksa among others, I am the Word of God, I am the Almighty, I am all things of God. The Apostle John also in his Epistle, Ye have heard that Antichrist shall come; even now there are many Antichrists. (1 John 2:18.) I suppose all heresiarchs to be Antichrists, and under the name of Christ to teach those things which are contrary to Christ. No wonder if we see some led away by such teachers, when the Lord has said, And shall deceive many.
JeromeAD 420
Commentary on Matthew
(Verse 5.) For many will come in my name, saying: I am the Christ, and they will deceive many. One of them is Simon the Samaritan, whom we read about in the Acts of the Apostles, who claimed to be a great power of God (Acts 8). Leaving these things aside, he also wrote among other things in his own volumes: I am the word of God, I am beautiful, I am the Paraclete, I am omnipotent, I am all things of God. But even the apostle John speaks in his epistle: You have heard that the Antichrist is coming, now many antichrists are already here (1 John 2:18). I believe that all heresiarchs are Antichrists, and they teach under the name of Christ those things which are contrary to Christ. It is not surprising if we see some being led astray by them, since the Lord has said: And many will be led astray.
Remigius of Rheims (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 533
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
The Lord continuing His walk arrives at Mount Olivet, having by the way foretold the destruction of the temple to those disciples who had shown and commended the buildings. When they had reached the Mount they came to Him, asking Him further of this.
For Mount Olivet has no unfruitful trees, but olives, which supply light to dispel darkness, which give rest to the weary, health to the sick. And sitting on Mount Olivet over against the temple, the Lord discourses of its destruction, and the destruction of the Jewish nation, that even by His choice of a situation He might show, that abiding still in the Church He condemns the pride of the wicked.
Theophylact of OhridAD 1107
Many, He says, will come declaring themselves to be Christs. For Dositheus the Samaritan said, "I am that prophet foretold by Moses" (Dt. 18:18); and Simon the Samaritan called himself the great power of God.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Matthew 24:5 serves as Jesus' initial and foundational warning within the Olivet Discourse, alerting His disciples to the pervasive deception that will characterize the period leading up to His return. He prophesies that many individuals will emerge, falsely claiming messianic identity by invoking His authority or explicitly declaring themselves to be "the Christ," thereby leading a multitude of people astray from the truth. This verse underscores the critical importance of spiritual discernment and vigilance against counterfeit spiritual claims in the end times.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Jesus employs several literary devices in this concise warning. The primary device is Foreshadowing, as He predicts future events that will precede His return, setting the stage for the detailed signs to follow. The statement itself functions as a direct Warning, a crucial admonition to His disciples (and by extension, to all future believers) to be vigilant against specific forms of spiritual danger. The use of "many" (G4183, polýs) can be seen as a form of Generalization or Hyperbole to emphasize the pervasive nature and scale of the deception, rather than a precise numerical count. There is also an element of Irony, as those who come "in my name" (claiming to represent or embody Christ) are, in fact, diametrically opposed to Him, serving as agents of spiritual falsehood. This creates a stark Contrast between the true Messiah and the deceptive imposters.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 24:5 is foundational to understanding the biblical emphasis on discernment and the reality of spiritual warfare. Theologically, it highlights the unique and singular identity of Jesus as the Christ, against whom all other claims are false and deceptive. The warning about "false Christs" underscores the constant threat of spiritual counterfeits that seek to undermine the true gospel and lead believers astray from the authentic person and work of Jesus. This deception is not merely intellectual error but a spiritual wandering that can have eternal consequences, emphasizing the importance of grounding one's faith firmly in the revealed truth of Scripture and the Holy Spirit's guidance. The prevalence of such deception is presented as a characteristic sign of the end times, demanding vigilance and a deep, abiding knowledge of the true Christ.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' warning in Matthew 24:5 remains profoundly relevant for believers in every generation, serving as a timeless call to spiritual vigilance. In an age saturated with information and diverse spiritual claims, the danger of being led astray by those who present themselves as authoritative spiritual figures, or even as the embodiment of divine truth, is ever-present. This verse compels us to cultivate a deep familiarity with the authentic character, teachings, and mission of Jesus as revealed in the Scriptures. It challenges us to test all spirits and claims against the unwavering standard of God's Word, rather than relying on charisma, emotional appeal, or extraordinary signs. Our protection against deception lies not in fear, but in a robust and discerning faith that is rooted in the truth of Christ, empowering us to recognize and reject anything that deviates from His gospel.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "in my name" mean here?
Answer: When Jesus says "in my name," it signifies more than simply uttering or invoking His name. It refers to claiming His authority, representing His character, or even asserting His identity. These false Christs will present themselves as having the backing, power, or even the very essence of Jesus, thereby leveraging the reverence and expectation associated with the true Messiah to gain followers and deceive. It implies a usurpation of His unique divine prerogative and mission.
Are these "false Christs" literal individuals claiming to be Jesus, or can it be broader?
Answer: Primarily, Jesus is warning about literal individuals who will emerge and explicitly claim the title and identity of the "Christ" or "Messiah." History has seen many such claimants. However, the principle extends more broadly to any teaching, movement, or spiritual leader that subtly or overtly displaces the true Christ, diminishes His unique role, or claims a false "anointing" that leads people away from the biblical Jesus. The core danger is the substitution of the authentic Christ with a counterfeit. This warning is echoed in Matthew 24:24, which speaks of "false Christs, and false prophets" who will "shew great signs and wonders."
How does this warning about false Christs relate to other warnings about false prophets or teachers in the Bible?
Answer: The warning about "false Christs" is a specific and highly significant subset of the broader biblical warnings against false prophets and teachers. False prophets claim to speak for God or deliver new revelations, while false teachers distort established doctrines. False Christs, however, go a step further: they claim the ultimate identity of the Anointed One, the Messiah Himself. This makes their deception particularly potent and dangerous, as it strikes at the very core of who Jesus is and what He accomplished. All three categories (false Christs, false prophets, false teachers) are agents of spiritual deception, leading people astray from the truth of God's Word, as seen in passages like Matthew 7:15 and 1 John 4:1.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The warning in Matthew 24:5 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the singular, unrepeatable, and utterly unique identity of Jesus as the true Messiah. While many will come claiming to be "Christ," Jesus alone embodies the fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecies concerning the Anointed One (Luke 24:44). He is not merely a Christ, but the Christ, the Son of the living God, as confessed by Peter in Matthew 16:16. His authority is not claimed but inherent, demonstrated through His miraculous life, atoning death, and victorious resurrection (Romans 1:4). The very existence of false Christs highlights the preciousness and exclusivity of the true Christ, whose coming was marked by humility and sacrifice, not by self-proclamation and deception. The ultimate defense against these counterfeits is a steadfast faith in the one who truly is "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6), the only name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). Thus, this warning ultimately magnifies the unparalleled glory and sufficiency of Jesus Christ, the one true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.