King James Version

What Does Matthew 24:4 Mean?

Matthew 24:4 in the King James Version says “And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.”

Matthew 24:4 · KJV

Context

2

And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

3

And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately , saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

4

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

5

For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

6

And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

Read Matthew 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Take heed that no man deceive you (βλέπετε μή τις ὑμᾶς πλανήσῃ)—Jesus's first warning in the Olivet Discourse addresses deception (πλανάω, planaō—to lead astray, the root of our word "planet" for wandering stars). The imperative blepete (take heed, watch) demands vigilant discernment. Deception, not destruction, is presented as the primary danger for disciples navigating the end times.

This warning brackets the entire discourse (repeated in vv. 11, 24) and identifies spiritual discernment as essential for endurance. The passive voice ("be deceived") indicates vulnerability—deception happens to believers unless they actively guard against it. Paul later echoes this concern in 2 Thessalonians 2:3: "Let no man deceive you by any means."

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Historical & Cultural Context

Between AD 30-70, numerous messianic pretenders arose in Judea. Josephus catalogs several: Theudas (Acts 5:36), an Egyptian false prophet who led 30,000 to the Mount of Olives, and various zealot leaders promising deliverance. This was also the period when the apostolic church had to contend with early Gnostic heresies and Judaizers. The disciples needed this warning for their immediate future.

Reflection Questions

  1. What forms of religious deception are most prevalent in your cultural context today?
  2. How can believers develop the discernment necessary to recognize false teaching when it's often mixed with truth?
  3. Why does Jesus prioritize warning against deception even before warning about persecution?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
καὶ1 of 11

“And”

G2532

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

ἀποκριθεὶς2 of 11

“answered”

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

ὁ3 of 11
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς4 of 11

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

εἶπεν5 of 11

“and said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῖς6 of 11

“unto them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Βλέπετε7 of 11

“Take heed”

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

μή8 of 11

“that no”

G3361

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

τις9 of 11

“man”

G5100

some or any person or object

ὑμᾶς10 of 11

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

πλανήσῃ·11 of 11

“deceive”

G4105

to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)

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 24:4 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 24:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 John 4:1Jeremiah 29:82 Thessalonians 2:3Colossians 2:8Ephesians 5:6Mark 13:5-6

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