Devine Scripture

Mark 13:6

What does Mark 13:6 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 13:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 13:6 means

Jesus elaborated on the nature of deceit by warning that many would come claiming His authority, falsely asserting, "I am he." These individuals would present themselves as the Messiah or as having a special divine commission, thereby leading many astray. History attests to numerous such figures who have emerged claiming messianic or prophetic roles, drawing followers with their persuasive words and false promises. Jesus' warning highlights the sophisticated and personal nature of spiritual deception, which often masquerades as truth.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Many shall come in my name, saying, I am he; and shall lead many astray.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Many shall come in my name, saying, I am he; and shall lead many astray.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

People will come in my name, saying, I am he; and a number will be turned from the true way.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for many shall come in my name, saying--I am <FI>he<Fi> , and many they shall lead astray;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For many shall come in my name saying, I am he: and they shall deceive many.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For many shall come in my name, saying, It is I, and shall mislead many.

Context

Continuing from the general warning against deception in verse 5, this verse provides a specific example of how that deception will manifest: false Christs. This detail immediately clarifies the nature of the danger, preparing the disciples for the appearance of imposters. It establishes the initial spiritual threat before Jesus moves on to describe broader worldly disturbances like wars and natural disasters, positioning false teaching as a primary peril.

v.5And Jesus began to say unto them, Take heed that no man lead you astray.

v.6This passage

v.7And when ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars, be not troubled: these things must needs come to pass; but the end is not yet.

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.

  • Jeremiah 23:21

    I sent not these prophets, yet they ran: I spake not unto them, yet they prophesied.

  • Matthew 24:23

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

  • Jeremiah 14:14

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

  • Acts 5:36

    For before these days rose up Theudas, giving himself out 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 dispersed, and came to nought.

  • 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.

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