Matthew 7:15
What does Matthew 7:15 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 7:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 7:15 means
Jesus issues a serious warning against 'false prophets,' individuals who appear harmless and spiritual ('sheep's clothing') but are, in reality, destructive and exploitative ('ravening wolves'). These false teachers aim to deceive and prey upon the flock rather than shepherd it. This verse introduces the critical need for spiritual discernment within the community, as not all who claim to speak for God are genuine. It calls for vigilance against those whose outward appearance masks sinister intentions, preparing the listener for the practical test of discerning these individuals.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Be on the watch for false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inside they are cruel wolves.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`But, take heed of the false prophets, who come unto you in sheep's clothing, and inwardly are ravening wolves.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Beware of false prophets, who come to you in the clothing of sheep, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but within are ravening wolves.
Context
Following the warning about the narrow and broad ways, this verse naturally addresses the danger of those who would lead people astray from the narrow path. It introduces the critical subject of false prophets, explaining why discernment is so vital when making the choice for life. This initial warning sets the stage for Jesus to provide a clear, practical method for identifying these deceptive individuals, which is elaborated in the verses that follow.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Micah 3:11
The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet they lean upon Jehovah, and say, Is not Jehovah in the midst of us? no evil shall come upon us.
- Zephaniah 3:3
Her princes in the midst of her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they leave nothing till the morrow.
- Jeremiah 23:13
And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied by Baal, and caused my people Israel to err.
- Matthew 16:11
How is it that ye do not perceive that I spake not to you concerning bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
- 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,
- 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:
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