What Does Luke 17:23 Mean?

And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them. Jesus warns against deception during the disciples' longing for His return. The phrase they shall say to you (ἐροῦσιν ὑμῖν, erousin hymin) identifies false teachers who will claim special knowledge of Christ's location. See here; or, see there (ἰδοὺ ἐκεῖ, ἰδοὺ ὧδε, idou ekei, idou hōde—"Behold there! Behold here!") mimics urgent announcements of Messiah's secret appearance.

Jesus' command is unambiguous: go not after them, nor follow them (μὴ ἀπέλθητε μηδὲ διώξητε, mē apelthēte mēde diōxēte—"do not go away nor pursue"). The double prohibition emphasizes complete avoidance—don't even investigate such claims. Why? Because Christ's return won't be secret or localized (v. 24)—it will be unmistakable, visible to all simultaneously, like lightning illuminating the entire sky.

This warning addresses persistent church temptation: every generation produces false christs and false prophets (Matthew 24:23-26, Mark 13:21-23). From first-century Zealot messiahs to modern cult leaders claiming to be Christ returned, the pattern continues. Jesus' warning protects against wasting energy chasing deceptions. True disciples don't need insider information about secret appearances—Christ's return will be public, glorious, and unmistakable (Acts 1:11, Revelation 1:7). Until then, we wait patiently, living faithfully, refusing to be distracted by sensational claims.