Matthew 24:24
New International Version
For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

New Living Translation
For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones.

English Standard Version
For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

Berean Standard Bible
For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible.

Berean Literal Bible
For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will give great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

New American Standard Bible
For false christs and false prophets will arise and will provide great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.

NASB 1995
“For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.

NASB 1977
“For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.

Legacy Standard Bible
For false christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

Amplified Bible
For false Christs and false prophets will appear and they will provide great signs and wonders, so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect (God’s chosen ones).

Christian Standard Bible
For false messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
False messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

American Standard Version
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

Contemporary English Version
False messiahs and false prophets will come and work great miracles and signs. They will even try to fool God's chosen ones.

English Revised Version
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
False messiahs and false prophets will appear. They will work spectacular, miraculous signs and do wonderful things to deceive, if possible, even those whom God has chosen.

Good News Translation
For false Messiahs and false prophets will appear; they will perform great miracles and wonders in order to deceive even God's chosen people, if possible.

International Standard Version
because false messiahs and false prophets will appear and display great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

Majority Standard Bible
For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible.

NET Bible
For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

New Heart English Bible
For there will arise false Christs, and false prophets, and they will show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the chosen ones.

Webster's Bible Translation
For false Christs will arise, and false prophets, and will show great signs and wonders; so that, if it were possible, they would deceive the very elect.

Weymouth New Testament
For there will rise up false Christs and false prophets, displaying wonderful signs and prodigies, so as to deceive, were it possible, even God's own People.

World English Bible
For false christs and false prophets will arise, and they will show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the chosen ones.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for there will arise false Christs, and false prophets, and they will give great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, also the chosen.

Berean Literal Bible
For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will give great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.

Young's Literal Translation
for there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and they shall give great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, also the chosen.

Smith's Literal Translation
For false Christs, and false prophets, shall be raised up, and give great signs and wonders; so as to deceive, if possible, also the chosen.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For there shall arise false Christs and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch as to deceive (if possible) even the elect.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For there will arise false Christs and false prophets. And they will produce great signs and wonders, so much so as to lead into error even the elect (if this could be).

New American Bible
False messiahs and false prophets will arise, and they will perform signs and wonders so great as to deceive, if that were possible, even the elect.

New Revised Standard Version
For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce great signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For there will rise false Christs and lying prophets, and they will show signs and great wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the chosen ones.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For false Messiahs will arise and Prophets of lies, and they will give great signs so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For false Christs and false prophets will arise, and will show great signs and wonders, so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

Godbey New Testament
for false Christs and false prophets will rise up, and give great signs and wonders; so as to deceive even the elect, if possible.

Haweis New Testament
for false Messiahs and false prophets shall arise, and give out great signs and wonders; so as to deceive, if it were possible, even the elect.

Mace New Testament
for there shall arise false Messiahs, and false prophets, and shall shew such astonishing miracles and prodigies, as to deceive, if that can do it, the very converts themselves.

Weymouth New Testament
For there will rise up false Christs and false prophets, displaying wonderful signs and prodigies, so as to deceive, were it possible, even God's own People.

Worrell New Testament
for there will arise false Christs and false prophets; and they will give great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

Worsley New Testament
for there shall rise up false Christs, and false prophets, who shall shew great signs and prodigies, so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Abomination of Desolation
23At that time, if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There He is!’ do not believe it. 24For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders that would deceive even the elect, if that were possible. 25See, I have told you in advance.…

Cross References
2 Thessalonians 2:9-12
The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder, / and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them. / For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie, ...

Revelation 13:13-14
And the second beast performed great signs, even causing fire from heaven to come down to earth in the presence of the people. / Because of the signs it was given to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived those who dwell on the earth, telling them to make an image to the beast that had been wounded by the sword and yet had lived.

Deuteronomy 13:1-3
If a prophet or dreamer of dreams arises among you and proclaims a sign or wonder to you, / and if the sign or wonder he has spoken to you comes about, but he says, “Let us follow other gods (which you have not known) and let us worship them,” / you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. For the LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Mark 13:22
For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible.

1 John 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.

2 Peter 2:1
Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.

Revelation 19:20
But the beast was captured along with the false prophet, who on its behalf had performed signs deceiving those who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. Both the beast and the false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur.

Jeremiah 23:16
This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.

1 Timothy 4:1
Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons,

Acts 20:29-30
I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. / Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them.

Ezekiel 13:6-9
They see false visions and speak lying divinations. They claim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ when the LORD did not send them; yet they wait for the fulfillment of their message. / Haven’t you seen a false vision and spoken a lying divination when you proclaim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ even though I have not spoken? / Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Because you have uttered vain words and seen false visions, I am against you, declares the Lord GOD. ...

2 Corinthians 11:13-15
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. / And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. / It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions.

Isaiah 8:19-20
When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists who whisper and mutter, shouldn’t a people consult their God instead? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? / To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.

Micah 3:5-7
This is what the LORD says: “As for the prophets who lead My people astray, who proclaim peace while they chew with their teeth, but declare war against one who puts nothing in their mouths: / Therefore night will come over you without visions, and darkness without divination. The sun will set on these prophets, and the daylight will turn black over them. / Then the seers will be ashamed and the diviners will be disgraced. They will all cover their mouths because there is no answer from God.”

John 5:43
I have come in My Father’s name, and you have not received Me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will receive him.


Treasury of Scripture

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

there.

Matthew 24:5,11
For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many…

2 Peter 2:1-3
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction…

2 Peter 3:17
Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

and shall.

Deuteronomy 13:1
If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder,

2 Thessalonians 2:9-11
Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, …

Revelation 13:13,14
And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, …

insomuch.

John 6:37,39
All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out…

John 10:28-30
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand…

Romans 8:28-39
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose…

if.

Mark 13:22
For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.

Acts 20:16
For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.

Romans 12:18
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

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Appear Arise Astray Chosen Christs Deceive Displaying Elect God's Great Insomuch Lead Miracles Mislead Ones Perform Possible Prodigies Prophets Rise Saints Shew Show Signs Tricked Wonderful Wonders
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Appear Arise Astray Chosen Christs Deceive Displaying Elect God's Great Insomuch Lead Miracles Mislead Ones Perform Possible Prodigies Prophets Rise Saints Shew Show Signs Tricked Wonderful Wonders
Matthew 24
1. Jesus foretells the destruction of the temple;
3. what and how great calamities shall be before it;
29. the signs of his coming to judgment.
36. And because that day and hour are unknown,
42. we ought to watch like good servants, expecting our Master's coming.














For false Christs and false prophets will appear
This phrase warns of individuals who claim to be the Messiah or speak on behalf of God but are not genuine. Historically, false messiahs have arisen, especially during times of turmoil, such as the Jewish-Roman wars. The term "false prophets" recalls Old Testament warnings against those who lead Israel astray (Deuteronomy 13:1-5). In the New Testament, Jesus warns of these figures as a sign of the end times (Matthew 7:15). The appearance of such figures is a recurring theme in apocalyptic literature, emphasizing vigilance and discernment.

and perform great signs and wonders
The ability to perform signs and wonders is often associated with divine authority, as seen in the ministries of Moses (Exodus 7:8-12) and Jesus (John 2:11). However, this phrase indicates that miraculous acts can also be used deceitfully. In the context of the early church, the apostles warned against being swayed by such displays (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10). The emphasis is on the need for spiritual discernment, as not all supernatural acts are from God.

to deceive even the elect
The "elect" refers to those chosen by God, a concept rooted in the Old Testament's depiction of Israel as God's chosen people (Isaiah 45:4). In the New Testament, it extends to all believers in Christ (Romans 8:33). The potential deception of the elect underscores the power and subtlety of these false figures. It serves as a caution to believers to remain steadfast in their faith and grounded in Scripture (Ephesians 6:11-17).

if that were possible
This phrase suggests a level of divine protection over the elect, implying that while deception is a real threat, God's sovereignty ultimately prevails. It reassures believers of their security in Christ (John 10:28-29). The conditional nature of the statement highlights the tension between human vulnerability and divine preservation, encouraging believers to rely on God's strength and wisdom.

Persons / Places / Events
1. False Christs
Individuals who claim to be the Messiah or anointed one, leading people astray with their deceptive claims.

2. False Prophets
Those who falsely claim to speak on behalf of God, often performing signs and wonders to validate their deception.

3. The Elect
Believers chosen by God, who are warned to be vigilant against deception.

4. Signs and Wonders
Miraculous acts performed by false prophets and false Christs to deceive people.

5. Deception
The act of misleading or causing someone to believe something that is not true, especially in a spiritual context.
Teaching Points
Vigilance Against Deception
Believers must remain vigilant and discerning, testing all teachings against the truth of Scripture.

Understanding the Elect
Recognize that while the elect are secure in Christ, they are still called to be watchful and discerning.

The Role of Signs and Wonders
Not all miraculous signs are from God; discernment is needed to distinguish between true and false miracles.

The Importance of Scripture
Grounding oneself in the Word of God is essential to avoid being led astray by false teachings.

Community and Accountability
Engaging in a community of believers provides support and accountability in discerning truth from deception.(24) Shall shew great signs and wonders.--Simon Magus (Acts 8:9-11) and Elymas (Acts 13:6) may be taken as representative instances of these false claimants to supernatural powers. So "signs and lying wonders" are the notes of the coming of the Wicked One, in whom the mystery of iniquity shall receive its full development (2Thessalonians 2:9). But for the warning thus given, even the "elect"--i.e., the Christians of Judaea and Jerusalem--might have been carried away by the current of popular delusions.

Verse 24. - False Christs. He shows the nature of the dangers to which believers will be subject. He does not confine his view to Jewish history; he foretells the appearance of pretenders who shall assume the part of Christ, and blasphemously assert that they are Messiah. False prophets. Without assuming the name of Christ, many impostors shall be found who, professing to be inspired or lawful teachers, shall lead hearers into false doctrine, or claim to possess a new revelation, or something additional and supplemental to the eternal gospel. Such was Mohammed; such were the founders of Buddhism, Mormonism, and other so called religions, who based their views on special revelation given from heaven for the purpose of improving the existing faith or introducing a new one. Shall show (δώσουσι, shall give, as Acts 2:19) great signs and wonders. Two usual terms for miracles, the former regarding rather the evidence afforded by them, the latter the element of the marvellous inherent in them (comp John 4:48; Acts 2:22; Acts 7:36 etc.). That such men did work actual miracles, or what were regarded as such, cannot be reasonably doubted. Satan was on their side, and, as far as he was permitted, confirmed their teaching by supernatural assistance. St. Paul testifies that such should be the action of the antichrist, "whose coming is after the working of Satan, with all power and signs and lying wonders" (2 Thessalonians 2:9; comp. Revelation 13:13, 14). Many of these wonders may have been effectuated by natural forces unknown to the majority of men, and therefore considered as superhuman; others may have been derived from the spiritual world, but necessarily from that realm thereof which is under the control of evil demons. Whatever may have been their source, they were displayed in support of lies and errors, and had a certain success. Insomuch that if it were possible, they shall deceive (ὤστε πλανῆσαι εἰ δυνατὸν) the very (καὶ, even) elect. The Authorized Version seems to make our Lord imply that such seduction was absolutely impossible. The translation ought to run, as in the Revised Version, so as to lead astray, if possible even the elect, signifying the difficulty, not the impossibility, of drawing them away from the truth. "The elect" are Christians, true followers of Jesus, and members of his Church. These may fall from the faith, for they are not yet finally safe, and on that chance Satan builds; but as long as they rest on Christ, looking to him for guidance and protection, trying the spirits by the Word of God and by the truths which they have learned in creed and worship, they stand firm against the strongest temptations.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
For
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

false Christs
ψευδόχριστοι (pseudochristoi)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5580: A false Christ, pretended Messiah. From pseudes and Christos; a spurious Messiah.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

false prophets
ψευδοπροφῆται (pseudoprophētai)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5578: From pseudes and prophetes; a spurious prophet, i.e. Pretended foreteller or religious impostor.

will appear
ἐγερθήσονται (egerthēsontai)
Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1453: (a) I wake, arouse, (b) I raise up. Probably akin to the base of agora; to waken, i.e. Rouse.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

perform
δώσουσιν (dōsousin)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1325: To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.

great
μεγάλα (megala)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3173: Large, great, in the widest sense.

signs
σημεῖα (sēmeia)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4592: Neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of semaino; an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

wonders
τέρατα (terata)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5059: A wonder, portent, marvel. Of uncertain affinity; a prodigy or omen.

that
ὥστε (hōste)
Conjunction
Strong's 5620: So that, therefore, so then, so as to. From hos and te; so too, i.e. Thus therefore.

would deceive
πλανῆσαι (planēsai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 4105: To lead astray, deceive, cause to wander. From plane; to roam.

even
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

the
τοὺς (tous)
Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

elect,
ἐκλεκτούς (eklektous)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1588: From eklegomai; select; by implication, favorite.

if
εἰ (ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

that were possible.
δυνατὸν (dynaton)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1415: (a) of persons: powerful, able, (b) of things: possible. From dunamai; powerful or capable; neuter possible.


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