Devine Scripture

Mark 13:22

What does Mark 13:22 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 13:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 13:22 means

Jesus further elaborated on the nature of these deceivers, stating that "there shall arise false Christs and false prophets." These individuals would not only make false claims but would also perform "signs and wonders" (miraculous deeds) in an attempt to authenticate their deceptive messages. The purpose of these counterfeit miracles would be to "lead astray, if possible, the elect." This underscores the powerful and convincing nature of end-time deception, requiring believers to rely on truth rather than outward displays, and highlights God's ultimate protection over His chosen.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

for there shall arise false Christs and false prophets, and shall show signs and wonders, that they may lead astray, if possible, the elect.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

for there shall arise false Christs and false prophets, and shall show signs and wonders, that they may lead astray, if possible, the elect.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Because there will be false Christs and false prophets, and they will give signs and wonders in the hope of turning even the saints from the true way.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for there shall rise false Christs and false prophets, and they shall give signs and wonders, to seduce, if possible, also the chosen;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For there will rise up false Christs and false prophets: and they shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce (if it were possible) even the elect.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For false Christs and false prophets will arise, and give signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

Context

This verse builds on the warning against false Christs in verse 21, adding the dimension of "false prophets" and specifying that they will perform "signs and wonders." It reveals the deeper insidious nature of this deception, which appeals through counterfeit miracles. This detailed caution about powerful, misleading displays sets the stage for Jesus' concluding exhortation to vigilance, which emphasizes the need to remember His clear warnings, as seen in the subsequent verse.

v.21And then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is the Christ; or, Lo, there; believe it not:

v.22This passage

v.23But take ye heed: behold, I have told you all things beforehand.

Cross references

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

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:8

    And then shall be revealed the lawless one, whom the Lord Jesus shall slay with the breath of his mouth, and bring to nought by the manifestation of his coming;

  • Matthew 7:15

    Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.

  • Revelation 13:13

    And he doeth great signs, that he should even make fire to come down out of heaven upon the earth in the sight of men.

  • Revelation 13:8

    And all that dwell on the earth shall worship him, every one whose name hath not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb that hath been slain.

  • 1 John 2:26

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

  • 2 Timothy 2:19

    Howbeit the firm foundation of God standeth, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his: and, Let every one that nameth the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.

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