King James Version

What Does Matthew 24:23 Mean?

Matthew 24:23 in the King James Version says “Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.”

Matthew 24:23 · KJV

Faith

Context

21

For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

22

And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.

23

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

24

For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

25

Behold, I have told you before.

Read Matthew 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not (τότε ἐάν τις ὑμῖν εἴπῃ, Ἰδοὺ ὧδε ὁ Χριστός, ἤ, Ὧδε, μὴ πιστεύσητε)—The adverb τότε ("then") connects to the tribulation period. The interjection ἰδού (idou, "behold, lo") suggests urgency and attention-getting. False messiahs will claim location: "here" (ὧδε). The imperative μὴ πιστεύσητε ("believe not") commands skeptical resistance.

When suffering intensifies, desperate people grasp for deliverance—making them vulnerable to deception. During Jerusalem's siege, multiple zealot leaders promised divine intervention and military victory, leading thousands to stay in the city and perish. Jesus's warning anticipated this psychological vulnerability. The command "believe it not" doesn't mean general skepticism but specific discernment: the true Christ's return will be unmistakable (v. 27, "as lightning"), not localized rumors requiring investigation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Between Jesus's prophecy and AD 70, Josephus catalogs numerous messianic pretenders who attracted followers with promises of deliverance: an Egyptian false prophet (mentioned in Acts 21:38), Theudas, and various zealot leaders during the revolt (AD 66-70). After AD 70, the pattern continued: Bar Kokhba (AD 132-135), acclaimed messiah by Rabbi Akiva. Throughout church history—Sabbatai Zevi, David Koresh, Sun Myung Moon—the pattern Jesus warned against has repeated.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why are people especially vulnerable to false messiahs during times of crisis and suffering?
  2. How can believers maintain discernment when longing for Christ's return without falling into cynicism or date-setting?
  3. What specific characteristics should make any "messiah" claim immediately suspicious?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
τότε1 of 13

“Then”

G5119

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

ἐάν2 of 13

“if”

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

τις3 of 13

“any man”

G5100

some or any person or object

ὑμῖν4 of 13

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

εἴπῃ5 of 13

“shall say”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Ἰδού,6 of 13

“Lo”

G2400

used as imperative lo!

Ὧδε,7 of 13

“here”

G5602

in this same spot, i.e., here or hither

ὁ8 of 13
G3588

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

Χριστός,9 of 13

“is Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

ἤ,10 of 13

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

Ὧδε,11 of 13

“here”

G5602

in this same spot, i.e., here or hither

μὴ12 of 13

“it not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

πιστεύσητε·13 of 13

“believe”

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

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 24:23 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 24:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 21:8Luke 17:23-24Deuteronomy 13:1-3Mark 13:21John 5:43

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