Matthew 7:22

KJV

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

KJV (with Strong's)

Many {G4183} will say {G2046} to me {G3427} in {G1722} that {G1565} day {G2250}, Lord {G2962}, Lord {G2962}, have we {G4395} not {G3756} prophesied {G4395} in thy {G4674} name {G3686}? and {G2532} in thy {G4674} name {G3686} have cast out {G1544} devils {G1140}? and {G2532} in thy {G4674} name {G3686} done {G4160} many {G4183} wonderful works {G1411}?

Complete Jewish Bible

On that Day, many will say to me, `Lord, Lord! Didn't we prophesy in your name? Didn't we expel demons in your name? Didn't we perform many miracles in your name?'

Berean Standard Bible

Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’

American Standard Version

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out demons, and by thy name do many mighty works?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 7:22 delivers a profound and sobering warning from Jesus Christ, positioned within His climactic Sermon on the Mount. This verse unveils a future eschatological moment when many who engaged in impressive religious activities—prophesying, casting out demons, and performing miracles—will confidently appeal to Christ, only to be tragically rejected. It starkly exposes the perilous chasm between outward spiritual performance and genuine, saving relationship with and obedient submission to the Lordship of Jesus, underscoring that even divinely empowered works are insufficient without true knowledge of and adherence to God's will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 7:22 is a pivotal declaration embedded within the concluding section of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, specifically within the broader warning against false spiritual security (Matthew 7:13-27). It immediately follows the crucial statement in [Matthew 7:21](/matthew/7-21 "Matthew 7:21 - Doing the Will of the Father"), which clarifies that mere verbal acknowledgment of Jesus as "Lord" is insufficient for entering the Kingdom of Heaven; rather, it is the one who "doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven" who will enter. The verse also builds upon the preceding warning about [false prophets](/matthew/7-15-20 "Matthew 7:15-20 - Warning Against False Prophets"), emphasizing that true spiritual authority and authenticity are discerned by "fruits," not just by miraculous displays. This entire passage culminates in the parable of the [wise and foolish builders](/matthew/7-24-27 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders"), powerfully illustrating that genuine discipleship is founded upon hearing and obeying Jesus' words, not merely performing religious acts.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judaism, the performance of miracles, exorcisms, and prophetic utterances were widely recognized as signs of divine favor and authority. Prophets like Elijah and Elisha performed mighty works, and the expectation of a Messiah who would perform signs was prevalent. Jesus Himself performed numerous miracles, which validated His claims. Therefore, for individuals to claim such powerful acts "in thy name" would have been seen as compelling evidence of their spiritual legitimacy. However, Jesus' warning challenges this prevailing assumption, indicating that even genuine spiritual manifestations could exist apart from a saving relationship with God. The concept of a "Day of Judgment" was a well-established eschatological expectation in Jewish thought, referring to a future time when God would render a final verdict on humanity, separating the righteous from the wicked. Jesus here applies this traditional concept to His own role as judge, highlighting the personal accountability of each individual before Him.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes woven throughout the Sermon on the Mount and the broader Gospel of Matthew. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **True vs. False Discipleship**, distinguishing between outward religious performance and genuine inner transformation and obedience. Secondly, it highlights the **Sovereignty of Christ as Judge**, presenting Jesus not merely as a teacher but as the ultimate arbiter of eternal destiny, capable of discerning true faith from superficial religiosity. Thirdly, the passage emphasizes the **Primacy of Obedience to God's Will** over mere spiritual gifts or impressive works. While the works themselves may be legitimate and even divinely empowered, their efficacy for salvation is nullified without a foundational relationship of obedient submission to the Father's will, as articulated in [Matthew 7:21](/matthew/7-21 "Matthew 7:21 - Doing the Will of the Father"). Finally, it introduces the solemn theme of **Eschatological Accountability**, pointing to a future "day" when all will stand before Christ, and hidden motives and true spiritual states will be revealed, echoing warnings found in passages like [Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Day (Greek, _hēméra'_):** This term, G2250, refers to a specific period, often defined by context. In the phrase "in that day," it carries significant eschatological weight, denoting a future, decisive moment of divine reckoning or judgment. It is the day when Christ will sit as judge, and all will be held accountable for their lives and relationship with Him. This is not merely a generic future day, but "that" specific, appointed day of final revelation and consequence.
* **Prophesied (Greek, _prophēteúō'_):** Derived from G4395, this word signifies speaking under divine inspiration, foretelling events, or exercising the prophetic office. The individuals' claim to have "prophesied" indicates they believed they were channeling divine messages or speaking on God's behalf, a highly esteemed spiritual gift in both Old and New Testaments. Their assertion implies a genuine belief in their spiritual authority and connection to God.
* **Wonderful works (Greek, _dýnamis'_):** This term, G1411, translated as "wonderful works" in the KJV, literally means "power," "might," or "miraculous power." It specifically refers to acts of supernatural ability, miracles, or mighty deeds. The use of this word suggests that these individuals were not necessarily faking their spiritual manifestations but were performing actual, powerful, and perhaps even divinely enabled acts. The issue is not the authenticity of the works themselves, but the spiritual state and relationship of the one performing them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Many will say to me in that day,"**: This opening clause sets a sobering tone, immediately establishing the context of a future judgment. "Many" (Greek: _polýs_) indicates a significant number, underscoring the widespread nature of self-deception regarding spiritual standing. "In that day" points to a specific, decisive moment of reckoning, often understood as the Day of Judgment or Christ's second coming, when all will stand before Him.
* **"Lord, Lord,"**: The repetition of "Lord" (Greek: _kýrios_) signifies an earnest, perhaps desperate, appeal or a profound acknowledgment of Jesus' authority and divine status. It suggests that these individuals outwardly recognized Jesus as Master and God, yet this verbal confession, even when fervent, proves insufficient without genuine obedience and relationship.
* **"have we not prophesied in thy name?"**: This is the first of three rhetorical questions, expressing a confident, almost indignant, appeal to their spiritual accomplishments. "Prophesied in thy name" means they claimed to have spoken under divine inspiration, using Jesus' authority, perhaps even delivering messages that were genuinely from God.
* **"and in thy name have cast out devils?"**: The second rhetorical question continues the appeal to powerful spiritual deeds. "Cast out devils" (Greek: _ekbállō daimónion_) refers to exorcisms, a clear demonstration of supernatural power over evil spirits. Performing such acts "in thy name" implies invoking Jesus' authority and power to achieve these results.
* **"and in thy name done many wonderful works?"**: The final rhetorical question broadens the scope to "many wonderful works" (Greek: _polýs dýnamis_), encompassing a wide range of miraculous or mighty deeds. The repeated phrase "in thy name" across all three questions is critical, indicating that their actions were outwardly associated with Jesus and His authority, yet this association did not equate to an intimate, saving relationship.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, particularly the emphatic "Lord, Lord," which highlights the earnestness, yet ultimate futility, of their appeal. The repeated phrase "in thy name" (three times) underscores the outward claim of association with Jesus' authority, contrasting sharply with the lack of true internal connection. **Rhetorical Questions** ("have we not prophesied...?", "have we not cast out...?", "have we not done...?") are used by the accused to express their confident self-justification, creating dramatic irony as the audience knows their claims will be refuted. This sets up a powerful **Juxtaposition** between their self-perception of spiritual success and Jesus' impending rejection. There is also an element of **Irony**, as those who performed mighty works in Jesus' name are precisely the ones Jesus claims He "never knew," revealing a profound disconnect between spiritual gifting and saving grace. Finally, the use of **Hyperbole** with "many" (G4183, _polýs_) emphasizes the sheer volume and impressive nature of their supposed accomplishments, making their eventual rejection all the more shocking and cautionary.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 7:22 serves as a stark theological warning against the dangers of religious performance without genuine relationship and obedience to Christ. It reveals that spiritual gifts and miraculous works, even when authentic and performed "in Jesus' name," do not inherently guarantee salvation or a true relationship with God. The core issue is not the legitimacy of the works themselves, but the absence of a personal, intimate knowledge of Christ ("I never knew you" in [Matthew 7:23](/matthew/7-23 "Matthew 7:23 - Jesus' Rejection of the Lawless")) and a life committed to doing the Father's will ([Matthew 7:21](/matthew/7-21 "Matthew 7:21 - Doing the Will of the Father")). This passage challenges any notion that salvation can be earned through spiritual accomplishments or that outward religiosity can substitute for inward transformation and heartfelt submission to Jesus' Lordship. It underscores the biblical truth that salvation is by grace through faith, leading to a life of obedience, rather than by works as a means to earn divine favor.

* [Luke 13:25-27](/luke/13-25-27 "Luke 13:25-27 - The Narrow Door and the Master's Rejection")
* [1 Corinthians 13:1-3](/1_corinthians/13-1-3 "1 Corinthians 13:1-3 - Love is Greater Than Gifts")
* [Titus 1:16](/titus/1-16 "Titus 1:16 - Professing God but Denying Him by Works")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 7:22 compels every individual, especially those engaged in Christian service, to deeply examine the foundation of their faith and the motivation behind their spiritual activities. It serves as a powerful mirror, reflecting back the potential for self-deception where outward religious fervor and impressive accomplishments might mask an absence of true, saving relationship with Jesus Christ. This verse forces us to ask: Is my faith rooted in genuine, obedient submission to Christ's Lordship, or am I merely performing spiritual acts, however sincere they may feel, as a means to gain approval or secure a place in heaven? The warning is not against spiritual gifts or service, but against relying on them as a substitute for a transformed heart and a life consistently seeking to do the Father's will. It calls us away from a performance-based spirituality towards a relational one, where knowing Christ intimately and obeying Him out of love are paramount. This passage urges us to build our spiritual house on the solid rock of Christ's words, hearing them and doing them, rather than on the shifting sands of our own perceived accomplishments.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What is the true foundation of my assurance of salvation? Is it my spiritual activities, or my personal, obedient relationship with Jesus Christ?**
* **How do I define "doing the will of my Father which is in heaven" in my daily life? Am I actively pursuing it, or am I prioritizing other forms of religious expression?**
* **Am I prone to spiritual pride, believing my service or gifts make me more righteous or acceptable to God?**
* **In what ways might I be prioritizing outward religious performance over inward transformation and genuine intimacy with Christ?**

### FAQ
**What does "in that day" refer to in Matthew 7:22?**

Answer: "In that day" (Greek: _hēméra_) refers to a specific, future eschatological event, commonly understood as the Day of Judgment or the return of Christ. It is the decisive moment when Jesus will sit as judge, and all humanity will stand before Him to give an account. This phrase signals a time of ultimate reckoning and divine evaluation, where hidden motives and the true nature of one's relationship with God will be fully revealed. It underscores the seriousness and finality of Christ's verdict on those who claim to know Him but do not truly obey His will.

**Does this verse mean that spiritual gifts like prophecy or casting out demons are inherently bad or should be avoided?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that spiritual gifts are bad or should be avoided. In fact, the New Testament affirms the importance and value of spiritual gifts for the building up of the church (e.g., [1 Corinthians 12:4-11](/1_corinthians/12-4-11 "1 Corinthians 12:4-11 - Diversity of Spiritual Gifts")). The issue in Matthew 7:22 is not the legitimacy or power of the gifts themselves, but the spiritual state and relationship of the person exercising them. Jesus' warning highlights that even genuine spiritual manifestations, performed "in His name" and perhaps empowered by God for His purposes, do not automatically equate to a saving relationship with Christ or a life lived in obedience to the Father's will. The danger lies in relying on the performance of these gifts as a substitute for true faith, love, and submission to Jesus' Lordship.

**How can someone perform "wonderful works" in Jesus' name and still be rejected by Him?**

Answer: This is a profound paradox revealed in the verse. The ability to perform miracles, prophesy, or cast out demons does not necessarily signify a personal, saving relationship with Jesus Christ. The text implies that these works, though done "in thy name," were not done out of a heart of genuine love, obedience, and submission to Christ's will. It's possible that the power was real, perhaps even permitted by God for His broader purposes (e.g., to demonstrate His power to others), but the individuals themselves lacked the intimate knowledge of Christ that defines true discipleship. As [Matthew 7:23](/matthew/7-23 "Matthew 7:23 - Jesus' Rejection of the Lawless") reveals, the ultimate rejection is based on Jesus' declaration, "I never knew you," indicating a lack of personal relationship and a life characterized by lawlessness, despite their impressive deeds. This underscores that salvation is not earned by works, but is a gift received through faith, leading to a life of obedience and true knowledge of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 7:22, with its chilling warning, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' dual role as the ultimate standard of righteousness and the compassionate yet righteous Judge. The "Lord, Lord" cry of those rejected underscores that true discipleship is not merely an intellectual acknowledgment or even a powerful performance in His name, but an intimate, transformative relationship with Jesus Himself. He is the very "will of my Father which is in heaven" personified, the one who perfectly embodied obedience and submission, and thus He is the only true foundation upon which a life of genuine faith can be built. The tragic declaration, "I never knew you," reveals that ultimate salvation hinges on being truly known by Christ, which implies a reciprocal relationship of faith, love, and obedience to Him. This passage therefore points to Christ as the sole means of salvation, not merely as a source of power for miraculous works. It compels us to look beyond our own spiritual accomplishments to His perfect work on the cross, recognizing that our righteousness is found not in our deeds, but in Him alone ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Ultimately, Matthew 7:22 is a call to surrender to Jesus as Lord, not just in word, but in the deepest recesses of our being, allowing Him to transform us from the inside out, so that when "that day" comes, we will be welcomed by the One who truly knows us, because we have truly known Him ([John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life is Knowing God")).

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 13:25

When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:

Luke 13:27

But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all [ye] workers of iniquity.

1 Corinthians 13:1

¶ Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become [as] sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

1 Corinthians 13:2

And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

Malachi 3:17

And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.

Malachi 3:18

Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

Hebrews 6:4

For [it is] impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,