King James Version

What Does Matthew 7:22 Mean?

Matthew 7:22 in the King James Version says “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? a... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

Matthew 7:22 · KJV


Context

20

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

21

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

24

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Many will claim Christian profession ('Lord, Lord'), even claiming to prophesy, cast out demons, and do mighty works in Jesus's name—yet be rejected as workers of iniquity. Religious activity, even supernatural activity, doesn't prove salvation. Only those who do the Father's will enter heaven.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This terrifying warning addresses false professors who have all the externals of Christianity—correct language, miraculous works, public ministry—yet lack genuine relationship with Christ. Judas Iscariot exemplifies this: he performed miracles with the Twelve but betrayed Jesus.

Reflection Questions

  1. What religious activities or experiences are you tempted to trust in place of genuine obedience and relationship with Christ?
  2. How can you ensure your faith is authentic relationship with Jesus, not just religious performance?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
πολλὰς1 of 27

Many

G4183

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

ἐροῦσίν2 of 27

will say

G2046

an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say

μοι3 of 27

to me

G3427

to me

ἐν4 of 27

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἐκείνῃ5 of 27

that

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

τῇ6 of 27
G3588

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

ἡμέρᾳ7 of 27

day

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

κύριε8 of 27

Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

κύριε9 of 27

Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

οὐ10 of 27

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

τῷ11 of 27
G3588

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

σῷ12 of 27

in thy

G4674

thine

ὀνόματι13 of 27

name

G3686

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

προεφητεύσαμεν,14 of 27

have we

G4395

to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office

καὶ15 of 27

and

G2532

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

τῷ16 of 27
G3588

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

σῷ17 of 27

in thy

G4674

thine

ὀνόματι18 of 27

name

G3686

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

δαιμόνια19 of 27

devils

G1140

a daemonic being; by extension a deity

ἐξεβάλομεν20 of 27

have cast out

G1544

to eject (literally or figuratively)

καὶ21 of 27

and

G2532

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

τῷ22 of 27
G3588

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

σῷ23 of 27

in thy

G4674

thine

ὀνόματι24 of 27

name

G3686

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

δυνάμεις25 of 27

wonderful works

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

πολλὰς26 of 27

Many

G4183

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

ἐποιήσαμεν27 of 27

done

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)


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 7:22 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 Matthew 7:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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