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Mark 13:5

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

And {G1161} Jesus {G2424} answering {G611} them {G846} began {G756} to say {G3004}, Take heed {G991} lest {G3361} any {G5100} man deceive {G4105} you {G5209}:

Yeshua began speaking to them: "Watch out! Don't let anyone fool you!

Jesus began by telling them, “See to it that no one deceives you.

And Jesus began to say unto them, Take heed that no man lead you astray.

Commentary

Context of Mark 13:5

Mark 13:5 marks the critical opening of what is commonly known as the Olivet Discourse, Jesus' significant prophetic teaching given on the Mount of Olives. His disciples had just marveled at the grandeur of the Jerusalem Temple, prompting Jesus to declare its impending destruction (Mark 13:1-2). In response, Peter, James, John, and Andrew privately asked Him about the timing of these events and the signs that would precede them (Mark 13:3-4). Jesus' immediate answer, beginning with "Take heed lest any man deceive you," establishes a primary warning against deception as a foundational theme for understanding the signs of the end times and His second coming.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Warning Against Deception: The central message is a stern caution against being led astray. Jesus emphasizes that deception will be a prominent feature, particularly in the period leading up to significant prophetic fulfillments. This warning is not just about overt lies but subtle misguidance that can lead believers away from truth.
  • Vigilance and Discernment: The imperative "Take heed" calls for active spiritual alertness and discernment. Believers are urged to be watchful, critically evaluate teachings, and hold fast to sound doctrine. This theme resonates with other New Testament calls for spiritual sobriety and watchfulness.
  • Preparation for the Future: By placing this warning first, Jesus implies that preparedness for future events, including His return and the challenges of the end times, begins with safeguarding oneself against false teachings and movements.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "Take heed" translates the Greek verb blepete (βλέπετε), which means "to see," "to look at," or "to beware." It's a strong imperative, signifying a command to be watchful, to pay close attention, and to be on guard. It implies a conscious and deliberate effort to observe and avoid danger. The word "deceive" comes from the Greek planēsē (πλανήσῃ), from which we get our word "planet" (wandering star). It means "to lead astray," "to cause to wander," or "to delude." This suggests not just intellectual error but a spiritual wandering from the path of truth.

Related Scriptures

This warning is echoed in parallel accounts in the Synoptic Gospels, such as Matthew 24:4 and Luke 21:8. The theme of deception, particularly concerning false Christs and false prophets, continues throughout Mark 13 (e.g., Mark 13:21-22). Paul also warns against deception in the last days in 2 Thessalonians 2:3, and John exhorts believers to "test the spirits" because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Practical Application

Jesus' initial warning in Mark 13:5 remains profoundly relevant for believers today. In an age of abundant information and diverse ideologies, the call to "take heed lest any man deceive you" underscores the need for sound biblical literacy and spiritual discernment.

  • Study the Word: Knowing the truth of God's Word is the primary defense against error. A deep understanding of Scripture helps identify teachings that deviate from biblical truth.
  • Discern False Teachings: Be cautious of teachings, movements, or individuals that claim new revelations contradicting established biblical doctrine, or those that elevate personal experience above the authority of Scripture.
  • Rely on the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit guides believers into all truth (John 16:13) and provides discernment.
  • Maintain Humility: A humble spirit is open to correction and less susceptible to the pride that can lead to deception.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ephesians 5:6 (6 votes)

    Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

  • Colossians 2:8 (6 votes)

    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.

  • Jeremiah 29:8 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:3 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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;

  • Luke 21:8 (2 votes)

    And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am [Christ]; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.

  • 1 John 4:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:33 (2 votes)

    Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.