Devine Scripture

Matthew 24:23

What does Matthew 24:23 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 24:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 24:23 means

During this intense period of tribulation, Jesus again warns against deception: "Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is the Christ, or, Here; believe it not." This repeats the caution from verse 5 but places it specifically within the context of the Great Tribulation, when people will be desperate for deliverance. The urgency and desperation of the times will make people particularly susceptible to false claims, hence the explicit command not to be swayed by such pronouncements. Disciples must remain vigilant.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is the Christ, or, Here; believe it not.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is the Christ, or, Here; believe it not.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then if any man says to you, See, here is the Christ, or, Here; do not put faith in him;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`Then if any one may say to you, Lo, here <FI>is<Fi> the Christ! or here! ye may not believe;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then if any man shall say to you, Lo here is Christ, or there: do not believe him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Then if any one say to you, Behold, here is the Christ, or here, believe [it] not.

Context

This verse directly follows the discussion of the shortened tribulation, immediately returning to the theme of deception but now intensifying it within the context of the 'great tribulation.' It serves as a necessary reiteration of the warning against false Christs, providing a direct lead-in to the expanded description of their powerful signs and wonders in the next verse.

v.22And except those days had been shortened, no flesh would have been saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.

v.23This passage

v.24For 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.

Cross references

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

  • John 5:43

    I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.

  • Mark 13:21

    And then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is the Christ; or, Lo, there; believe it not:

  • Luke 21:8

    And he said, Take heed that ye be not led astray: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am he; and, The time is at hand: go ye not after them.

  • Luke 17:23

    And they shall say to you, Lo, there! Lo, here! go not away, nor follow after them:

  • Deuteronomy 13:1

    If there arise in the midst of thee a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and he give thee a sign or a wonder,

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