Matthew 7:15

KJV

¶ Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

KJV (with Strong's)

Beware {G1161}{G4337} of {G575} false prophets {G5578}, which {G3748} come {G2064} to {G4314} you {G5209} in {G1722} sheep's {G4263} clothing {G1742}, but {G1161} inwardly {G2081} they are {G1526} ravening {G727} wolves {G3074}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Beware of the false prophets! They come to you wearing sheep's clothing, but underneath they are hungry wolves!

Berean Standard Bible

Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

American Standard Version

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 7:15, Jesus delivers a critical warning to His disciples, urging them to exercise extreme caution regarding false prophets. He vividly describes these deceptive individuals as those who present themselves outwardly with the harmless appearance of sheep, yet harbor an inner, predatory nature akin to ravening wolves, intent on spiritual destruction and exploitation. This verse serves as a foundational call to discernment, emphasizing that outward appearances can be profoundly misleading in the spiritual realm.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within the concluding section of Jesus' monumental [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Beatitudes and Kingdom Principles"), specifically in [Matthew 7](/matthew/7 "Matthew 7 - Warnings and Exhortations"). It immediately follows Jesus' teaching on the "narrow gate" and the "broad way" in [Matthew 7:13-14](/matthew/7-13-14 "Matthew 7:13-14 - The Narrow and Wide Gates"), which emphasizes the difficulty and exclusivity of the path to life. The warning against false prophets naturally flows from this, as these deceivers would lead people away from the narrow path onto the broad one. Furthermore, Matthew 7:15 sets the stage for the subsequent instruction on how to identify these false prophets "by their fruits" in [Matthew 7:16-20](/matthew/7-16-20 "Matthew 7:16-20 - Knowing Them by Their Fruits"), forming a cohesive unit of teaching on spiritual discernment and the nature of true and false discipleship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of prophets, both true and false, was deeply ingrained in the historical and cultural landscape of ancient Israel. Throughout the Old Testament, God repeatedly warned His people against false prophets who spoke in His name but led the people astray (e.g., [Deuteronomy 13:1-5](/deuteronomy/13-1-5 "Deuteronomy 13:1-5 - Warning Against False Prophets")). The imagery of sheep and wolves was also highly relatable to an agrarian society. Shepherds were common figures, and sheep were vulnerable animals often preyed upon by wolves, which were a constant threat to flocks. This vivid metaphor would have immediately conveyed the danger and destructive intent of these spiritual impostors to Jesus' audience. In the nascent Christian community, the threat of false teachers continued, as evidenced by warnings in the apostolic letters (e.g., [Acts 20:29-30](/acts/20-29-30 "Acts 20:29-30 - Paul's Warning to the Ephesian Elders") and [2 Peter 2:1-3](/2_peter/2-1-3 "2 Peter 2:1-3 - The Danger of False Teachers")).

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 7:15 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Sermon on the Mount and the broader Gospel of Matthew. The most prominent theme is **Spiritual Discernment**, highlighting the imperative for believers to be vigilant and critically evaluate those who claim spiritual authority. It underscores the theme of **Appearance vs. Reality**, revealing that outward piety or charisma can mask destructive intentions, a concept Jesus also touches on when discussing hypocrisy in [Matthew 6:1-18](/matthew/6-1-18 "Matthew 6:1-18 - Warnings Against Hypocrisy"). The verse also emphasizes the **Danger of Deception**, warning that false teachers pose a grave threat to the spiritual well-being of the community, aiming to exploit and mislead the flock rather than nourish it. This ties into the broader call for genuine righteousness and true discipleship that permeates the entire sermon, contrasting with superficial adherence or false teaching.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Beware (Greek, _proséchō'_):** This term (G4337) means "to hold the mind towards," implying active vigilance, attention, and caution. It is not a passive suggestion but an urgent command to be on guard, to pay heed, and to apply oneself to the task of discerning truth from falsehood. It demands an intentional and continuous state of watchfulness.
* **False prophets (Greek, _pseudoprophḗtēs'_):** This compound word (G5578) directly translates to "spurious prophet" or "pretended foreteller/religious impostor." It denotes individuals who falsely claim divine inspiration or authority, presenting themselves as messengers of God when in reality their claims are untrue and often intentionally deceptive. Their very identity is built on a lie regarding their spiritual source and mission.
* **Ravening (Greek, _hárpax'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to snatch" or "to seize," this adjective (G727) describes someone as "rapacious," "greedy," or "plundering." When applied to wolves, it emphasizes their predatory, violent, and destructive nature, highlighting their intent to exploit, devour, and scatter the flock for their own selfish gain, rather than to protect or nurture.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Beware of false prophets":** This opening imperative establishes the urgent tone and the central warning. Jesus commands His followers to be actively on guard against those who masquerade as God's spokespersons but are, in fact, deceivers. The spiritual welfare of the community depends on this vigilance.
* **"which come to you in sheep's clothing":** This clause vividly describes the deceptive outward presentation of these false prophets. They appear harmless, innocent, and perhaps even pious, blending in seamlessly with the true flock (the sheep). Their external appearance is designed to gain trust and avoid suspicion, masking their true nature and intentions.
* **"but inwardly they are ravening wolves":** The conjunction "but" introduces a stark contrast, revealing the terrifying reality behind the facade. Internally, their true nature is that of predatory, destructive wolves. They are not merely mistaken or misguided; they are driven by a rapacious, exploitative, and ultimately harmful agenda, seeking to devour and scatter the very flock they pretend to be part of.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 7:15 is rich in literary devices that amplify its urgent warning. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where "sheep's clothing" and "ravening wolves" are used to represent the outward appearance and inward reality of false prophets. The sheep symbolize the innocent, vulnerable flock (believers), while wolves symbolize dangerous, destructive predators. This creates a powerful **Juxtaposition** or **Antithesis**, sharply contrasting the benign exterior with the malevolent interior. The phrase "Beware of" functions as an **Imperative**, a direct command from Jesus, underscoring the critical importance of the warning. Furthermore, the entire verse employs **Symbolism**, where the clothing represents a deceptive disguise, and the animals represent distinct spiritual states and intentions. This vivid imagery makes the abstract concept of spiritual deception tangible and memorable for the audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The warning in Matthew 7:15 resonates deeply with the broader biblical narrative concerning the constant threat of spiritual deception and the imperative for believers to exercise discernment. Throughout Scripture, God's people are exhorted to distinguish between truth and error, genuine and counterfeit. This verse highlights that spiritual danger often comes not from obvious adversaries, but from within, disguised as allies. It underscores the theological truth that true spiritual authority is evidenced not by outward show or persuasive rhetoric, but by genuine character, sound doctrine, and a life that bears good fruit, aligned with God's revealed will. The Lord, as the Good Shepherd, warns His flock against those who would harm them, emphasizing the need for vigilance to protect the integrity of the faith and the well-being of the community.

* [Acts 20:29](/acts/20-29 "Acts 20:29 - Paul's Warning About Wolves")
* [2 Peter 2:1](/2_peter/2-1 "2 Peter 2:1 - False Teachers Among You")
* [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' warning in Matthew 7:15 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, perhaps even more so in an age saturated with information and diverse spiritual claims. The call to "beware" is an active summons to cultivate spiritual discernment, recognizing that deception often comes cloaked in appealing forms. This requires a deep familiarity with the true Shepherd's voice as found in [God's Word](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-Breathed"), enabling us to recognize counterfeits. We are challenged to look beyond charisma, popularity, or eloquent speech, and instead, to examine the "fruit" of a teacher's life and doctrine – do their teachings align with the whole counsel of Scripture, and does their character reflect the humility, love, and integrity of Christ? Our spiritual safety and the health of the church depend on our willingness to apply this critical discernment, protecting ourselves and others from those who would exploit or mislead.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I actively cultivate spiritual discernment in my daily life and in evaluating spiritual teachings?**
* **What are the specific "fruits" (as mentioned in the subsequent verses) that I should look for in spiritual leaders and teachings to determine their authenticity?**
* **In what ways might "sheep's clothing" manifest in contemporary spiritual contexts, and how can I guard against such subtle deceptions?**

### FAQ
**How can I practically identify a "false prophet" or deceptive spiritual influence in my life today?**

Answer: Identifying a false prophet or deceptive spiritual influence requires a two-pronged approach, rooted in Jesus' own teaching. First, **examine their "fruits"** as Jesus instructs in [Matthew 7:16-20](/matthew/7-16-20 "Matthew 7:16-20 - Knowing Them by Their Fruits"). This means observing their character, lifestyle, and the practical outcomes of their ministry. Do they exhibit genuine love, humility, integrity, and self-control, or are there signs of greed, pride, manipulation, or immorality? Do their followers become more Christ-like, or are they led into division, legalism, or spiritual bondage? Second, and most critically, **test their message against the authoritative truth of Scripture**. Does their teaching align with the [full counsel of God's Word](/acts/20-27 "Acts 20:27 - Paul's Proclamation of the Whole Counsel of God")? False teachers often distort or deny core biblical doctrines, introduce new "revelations" that contradict established truth, or focus excessively on peripheral issues. A true messenger of God will always point people to Christ and His Word, not to themselves or novel doctrines.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 7:15, while a stern warning, finds its ultimate fulfillment and solution in Jesus Christ, the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd"). He is the one who truly cares for His flock, laying down His life for the sheep, in stark contrast to the "ravening wolves" who seek to devour them. His warning against false prophets is an act of His pastoral love, designed to protect His vulnerable sheep from spiritual harm. Unlike the deceivers who come in disguise, Jesus came in truth and light, revealing the Father perfectly and embodying the very character He calls His followers to discern. Through His atoning sacrifice, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") disarmed the powers of deception, and through the indwelling of His Holy Spirit, believers are empowered with the very discernment needed to recognize and resist these spiritual predators. The presence of false prophets underscores the reality of a spiritual battle, a battle ultimately won by Christ, who promises that [no one will snatch His sheep out of His hand](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch My Sheep"). Thus, this warning ultimately drives us to cling more closely to the true Shepherd, whose voice we are called to know and follow.

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

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 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.

2 Peter 2:3

¶ And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

Matthew 24:11

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

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.

Mark 13:23

But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.

Acts 20:29

For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.