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Matthew 24:5

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

For {G1063} many {G4183} shall come {G2064} in {G1909} my {G3450} name {G3686}, saying {G3004}, I {G1473} am {G1510} Christ {G5547}; and {G2532} shall deceive {G4105} many {G4183}.

For many will come in my name, saying, `I am the Messiah!' and they will lead many astray.

For many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.

For many shall come in my name, saying, I am the Christ; and shall lead many astray.

Commentary

Matthew 24:5 (KJV)

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

Commentary

This verse is part of Jesus’ famous Olivet Discourse, where He answers His disciples' questions about the end times and the signs preceding the destruction of the Temple and His return. It is the very first warning Jesus gives regarding these future events, highlighting its importance.

Historical and Cultural Context: Jesus is speaking to His disciples privately on the Mount of Olives (Matthew 24:3). The Jewish people at this time were under Roman occupation and many eagerly awaited the Messiah, a political and spiritual deliverer. This fervent expectation created fertile ground for individuals to claim messianic identity.

Key Themes and Messages: The central theme is deception regarding the person and authority of Christ. Jesus warns that before the major signs of the end, there will be those who falsely claim to be the Messiah, using His authority ("in my name") or outright declaring His title ("I am Christ"). This underscores the constant danger of spiritual counterfeits and the need for discernment among believers.

Linguistic Insights: The word "Christ" comes from the Greek Christos, meaning "Anointed One," the equivalent of the Hebrew Messiah. To say "I am Christ" was a direct claim to this long-awaited identity. The word "deceive" is from the Greek planáō, meaning to lead astray, cause to wander, or err. It suggests causing people to stray from the truth or the right path.

Cross-references: This warning is echoed in the parallel accounts in Mark 13:6 and Luke 21:8. Jesus repeats a similar warning specifically about false Christs and false prophets later in this same discourse (Matthew 24:24). Other passages warn about false teachers and prophets: Matthew 7:15, 1 John 4:1.

Practical Application: This verse serves as a timeless warning. Believers must be vigilant and discerning. We should not be quick to follow individuals who make extraordinary claims about themselves or their authority, especially if their teachings or lives contradict the established truth of scripture. Testing everything against the Bible is crucial in avoiding 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

  • Matthew 24:11 (21 votes)

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

  • Matthew 24:24 (21 votes)

    For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

  • Jeremiah 14:14 (14 votes)

    Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.

  • 1 John 2:18 (13 votes)

    ¶ Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

  • Acts 8:9 (8 votes)

    But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:

  • Acts 8:10 (8 votes)

    To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.

  • Acts 5:36 (8 votes)

    For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.