Matthew 24:11

What does Matthew 24:11 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 24:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 24:11 means

Amidst the persecution and internal strife, Jesus predicts, "And many false prophets shall arise, and shall lead many astray." Distinct from the false Christs mentioned earlier, these are individuals who claim to speak for God but spread deceptive messages. Their emergence adds another layer of spiritual danger, as they target the hearts and minds of believers, drawing them away from truth. This warning emphasizes the critical need for discernment and adherence to sound doctrine in times of intense theological confusion.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And many false prophets shall arise, and shall lead many astray.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And many false prophets shall arise, and shall lead many astray.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And a number of false prophets will come, causing error.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And many false prophets shall arise, and shall lead many astray;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And many false prophets shall rise and shall seduce many.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and many false prophets shall arise and shall mislead many;

Context

Building on the internal betrayals described in verse 10, this verse introduces another significant spiritual danger: the rise of false prophets. This threat, distinct from false Christs, further illustrates how believers can be led astray, providing a comprehensive view of the spiritual assaults during the tribulation and naturally leading to the discussion of declining love due to increasing iniquity.

v.10And then shall many stumble, and shall deliver up one another, and shall hate one another.

v.11This passage

v.12And because iniquity shall be multiplied, the love of the many shall wax cold.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 24:5

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

  • 1 Timothy 4:1

    But the Spirit saith expressly, that in later times some shall fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons,

  • 1 John 2:26

    These things have I written unto you concerning them that would lead you astray.

  • Acts 20:30

    and from among your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.

  • Revelation 19:20

    And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought the signs in his sight, wherewith he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast and them that worshipped his image: they two were cast alive into the lake of fire that burneth with brimstone:

  • Matthew 24:24

    For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

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