King James Version

What Does Matthew 24:10 Mean?

Matthew 24:10 in the King James Version says “And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. — study this verse from Matthew chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

Matthew 24:10 · KJV


Context

8

All these are the beginning of sorrows.

9

Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.

10

And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

11

And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

12

And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And then shall many be offended (καὶ τότε σκανδαλισθήσονται πολλοί)—The verb σκανδαλίζω (skandalizō) means to cause to stumble or fall away—the source of our word "scandal." In persecution's crucible, many (πολλοί) will apostatize, proving their faith was superficial (see the Parable of the Sower: seed among thorns, Matthew 13:20-21). This isn't backsliding but wholesale abandonment.

And shall betray one another, and shall hate one another (καὶ ἀλλήλους παραδώσουσιν καὶ μισήσουσιν ἀλλήλους)—The reciprocal pronoun allēlous ("one another") appears twice, intensifying the horror: not outsiders betraying believers, but believers betraying each other. Families will fracture (Matthew 10:21), communities implode. This describes not persecution from without but disintegration from within—the church cannibalizing itself under pressure.

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Historical & Cultural Context

During Roman persecutions, some Christians became traditores ("handers-over"), betraying fellow believers to save themselves—the origin of our word "traitor." The Donatist controversy arose over whether to readmit these apostates. In AD 70, historian Josephus records Jews betraying each other during Jerusalem's siege. Modern parallels include believers in China, North Korea, and Iran facing family betrayal when converting to Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. What pressures in contemporary culture tempt believers toward compromise or apostasy?
  2. How can churches build resilience and authentic community that withstands persecution rather than fracturing?
  3. What distinguishes temporary stumbling (which happens to genuine believers) from the permanent apostasy Jesus describes here?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
καὶ1 of 10

And

G2532

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

τότε2 of 10

then

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

σκανδαλισθήσονται3 of 10

be offended

G4624

to entrap, i.e., trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure)

πολλοὶ4 of 10

shall many

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

καὶ5 of 10

And

G2532

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

ἀλλήλους·6 of 10

one another

G240

one another

παραδώσουσιν7 of 10

shall betray

G3860

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit

καὶ8 of 10

And

G2532

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

μισήσουσιν9 of 10

shall hate

G3404

to detest (especially to persecute); by extension, to love less

ἀλλήλους·10 of 10

one another

G240

one another


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 24:10 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 Matthew 24:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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