Bible Strands
Matthew 24:23
At that time, if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There He is!’ do not believe it.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus speaks to his disciples during a discourse on the end times, addressing the period of intense tribulation when false messianic claims will emerge. He warns them specifically about the moment when individuals will point to localized appearances of the Christ.
The words — ἰδοὺ (idou) translates literally as "behold" or "look," while εἴπῃ (eipē) means "may say" or "says." These terms frame the warning against accepting unverified claims of a specific messianic location.
The thread — This warning runs through Luke 21:8 regarding deception by many claiming his name, Luke 17:23 where he commands against chasing after claims of his location, and Deuteronomy 13:1 which addresses testing prophets who perform signs.
Why it lands — The text commands immediate rejection of any unverified claim pointing to a specific location for the Christ. It requires readers to refuse pursuit of false messianic signs and to maintain discernment rather than react to spectacle.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.
Cross-references
- Luke 21:8 Jesus answered, “See to it that you are not deceived. For many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them.
- Luke 17:23 People will tell you, ‘Look, there He is!’ or ‘Look, here He is!’ Do not go out or chase after them.
- Deuteronomy 13:1 If a prophet or dreamer of dreams arises among you and proclaims a sign or wonder to you,
- Mark 13:21 At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There He is!’ do not believe it.
- John 5:43 I have come in My Father’s name, and you have not received Me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will receive him.