King James Version

What Does Mark 13:22 Mean?

Mark 13:22 in the King James Version says “For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even ... — study this verse from Mark chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 13:22 · KJV


Context

20

And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.

21

And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:

22

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

23

But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.

24

But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
False Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders—the Greek pseudochristoi (ψευδόχριστοι, 'false messiahs') and pseudoprophētai (ψευδοπροφῆται, 'false prophets') describe deceivers claiming divine authority. They will perform sēmeia kai terata (σημεῖα καὶ τέρατα, 'signs and wonders')—supernatural phenomena authenticating their claims. Satan empowers false signs (2 Thessalonians 2:9; Revelation 13:13-14).

To seduce, if it were possible, even the elect—the purpose is deception. The Greek pros to apoplanān (πρὸς τὸ ἀποπλανᾶν, 'toward the deceiving') indicates intentional seduction. If it were possible, even the elect (Greek ei dynaton kai tous eklektous, εἰ δυνατὸν καὶ τοὺς ἐκλεκτούς)—the counterfactual conditional implies impossibility. The elect cannot be ultimately deceived because God preserves them (John 10:28-29). Yet the attempt is so convincing that only divine preservation prevents success. This warns against trusting miraculous signs as authentication—truth rests on Scripture conformity, not supernatural phenomena.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Early church faced false teachers performing signs: Simon Magus (Acts 8:9-24) amazed people with sorcery; Bar-Jesus resisted Paul (Acts 13:6-12); sons of Sceva attempted exorcisms (Acts 19:13-16). Church history records ongoing deception: medieval wonder-workers, charismatic excess, modern faith healers, New Age channelers. Not all supernatural phenomena are divine—Satan counterfeits (Exodus 7:11, Egyptian magicians; Matthew 7:22-23, false workers of miracles). Discernment requires: (1) conformity to Scripture (Isaiah 8:20), (2) proper Christology (1 John 4:1-3), (3) godly fruit (Matthew 7:16), (4) Spirit's witness. The doctrine of elect's perseverance assures believers: though deception is sophisticated, God preserves His own. False signs may deceive temporarily, but genuine faith endures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can false teachers perform genuine supernatural signs—and why aren't miracles sufficient authentication of truth?
  2. What does 'if it were possible, even the elect' teach about God's preservation of believers despite sophisticated deception?
  3. How should Christians evaluate miraculous claims—what criteria distinguish divine signs from false wonders?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
ἐγερθήσονται1 of 18

shall rise

G1453

to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from

γὰρ2 of 18

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ψευδόχριστοι3 of 18

false Christs

G5580

a spurious messiah

καὶ4 of 18

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ψευδοπροφῆται5 of 18

false prophets

G5578

a spurious prophet, i.e., pretended foreteller or religious impostor

καὶ6 of 18

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

δώσουσιν7 of 18

shall shew

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

σημεῖα8 of 18

signs

G4592

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

καὶ9 of 18

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τέρατα10 of 18

wonders

G5059

a prodigy or omen

πρὸς11 of 18

to

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὸ12 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀποπλανᾶν13 of 18

seduce

G635

to lead astray (figuratively); passively, to stray (from truth)

εἰ14 of 18

if

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δυνατόν15 of 18

it were possible

G1415

powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible

καὶ16 of 18

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τοὺς17 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐκλεκτούς18 of 18

the elect

G1588

select; by implication, favorite


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 13:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 13:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study