King James Version

What Does Matthew 24:5 Mean?

Matthew 24:5 in the King James Version says “For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 24:5 · KJV

Context

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.

7

For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

Read Matthew 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ (πολλοὶ γὰρ ἐλεύσονται ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματί μου λέγοντες, Ἐγώ εἰμι ὁ Χριστός)—The deception is two-fold: false messiahs come both (1) in Jesus's name (claiming his authority) and (2) claiming to be Christ themselves. The emphatic egō eimi ("I am") echoes Jesus's own divine self-designation. The word Χριστός (Christos) means "Anointed One," translating Hebrew Mashiach (Messiah).

And shall deceive many (πλανήσουσιν πολλούς)—The repetition of "many" (πολλοί) is sobering: many deceivers will mislead many followers. This isn't a fringe problem but a widespread apostasy affecting the masses. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 describes the same phenomenon: people accumulating teachers who tickle ears rather than speak truth.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Palestine saw numerous messianic movements. Bar Kokhba ("Son of the Star") led the Jewish revolt of AD 132-135 and was proclaimed messiah by Rabbi Akiva. Before AD 70, Simon bar Giora and John of Gischala led messianic pretenders. The pattern continued through history: Sabbatai Zevi (17th century), multiple cult leaders, and modern false messiahs all demonstrate this prophecy's ongoing relevance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can someone claim to come "in Jesus's name" while actually opposing Christ's teaching?
  2. What distinguishes legitimate Christian leadership from false messiahs who claim special revelation or authority?
  3. Why are "many" susceptible to deception even when Jesus clearly warned about it?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
πολλοὺς1 of 15

“many”

G4183

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

γὰρ2 of 15

“For”

G1063

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

ἐλεύσονται3 of 15

“shall come”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ἐπὶ4 of 15

“in”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῷ5 of 15
G3588

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

ὀνόματί6 of 15

“name”

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

μου7 of 15

“my”

G3450

of me

λέγοντες,8 of 15

“saying”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Ἐγώ9 of 15

“I”

G1473

i, me

εἰμι10 of 15

“am”

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)

ὁ11 of 15
G3588

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

Χριστός,12 of 15

“Christ”

G5547

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

καὶ13 of 15

“and”

G2532

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

πολλοὺς14 of 15

“many”

G4183

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

πλανήσουσιν15 of 15

“shall 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 24:5 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 24:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 24:11Matthew 24:24Jeremiah 14:141 John 2:18Acts 5:36-37Acts 8:9-10

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