Audio Crossref Comment Greek
Verse (Click for Chapter)
New International Version
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.New Living Translation
“Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.English Standard Version
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.Berean Standard Bible
Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.Berean Literal Bible
Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.King James Bible
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.New King James Version
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.New American Standard Bible
“Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.NASB 1995
“Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.NASB 1977
“Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.Legacy Standard Bible
“Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.Amplified Bible
“Beware of the false prophets, [teachers] who come to you dressed as sheep [appearing gentle and innocent], but inwardly are ravenous wolves.Christian Standard Bible
“Be on your guard against false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves.Holman Christian Standard Bible
“Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves.American Standard Version
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.Contemporary English Version
Watch out for false prophets! They dress up like sheep, but inside they are wolves who have come to attack you. English Revised Version
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Beware of false prophets. They come to you disguised as sheep, but in their hearts they are vicious wolves.Good News Translation
"Be on your guard against false prophets; they come to you looking like sheep on the outside, but on the inside they are really like wild wolves. International Standard Version
"Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are savage wolves. Majority Standard Bible
Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.NET Bible
"Watch out for false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are voracious wolves.New Heart English Bible
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.Webster's Bible Translation
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.Weymouth New Testament
"Beware of the false teachers--men who come to you in sheep's fleeces, but beneath that disguise they are ravenous wolves.World English Bible
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
But take heed of the false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing, and inwardly are ravenous wolves.Berean Literal Bible
Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.Young's Literal Translation
'But, take heed of the false prophets, who come unto you in sheep's clothing, and inwardly are ravening wolves.Smith's Literal Translation
And hold from false prophets which come in to you in sheep's dresses, but within they are rapacious wolves.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in the clothing of sheep, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Catholic Public Domain Version
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.New American Bible
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves.New Revised Standard Version
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Be careful of false prophets who come to you in lamb’s clothing, but within they are ravening wolves.Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Beware of false Prophets who come to you in lambs' clothing, but from within they are plundering wolves.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but within are ravenous wolves.Godbey New Testament
Take heed then of false prophets, who come to you in the garb of sheep, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.Mace New Testament
Beware of false prophets, who to outward appearance are sheep, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.Weymouth New Testament
"Beware of the false teachers--men who come to you in sheep's fleeces, but beneath that disguise they are ravenous wolves.Worrell New Testament
Audio Bible
Context
A Tree and its Fruit
14But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it. 15Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?…
Cross References
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.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.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 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.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.Ezekiel 22:28
Her prophets whitewash these deeds by false visions and lying divinations, saying, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says,’ when the LORD has not spoken.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.1 Timothy 4:1-2
Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, / influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron.Micah 3:5
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:Romans 16:17-18
Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them. / For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.2 Timothy 3:5
having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these!Zechariah 13:3
And if anyone still prophesies, his father and mother who bore him will say to him, ‘You shall not remain alive, because you have spoken falsely in the name of the LORD.’ When he prophesies, his father and mother who bore him will pierce him through.Jude 1:4
For certain men have crept in among you unnoticed—ungodly ones who were designated long ago for condemnation. They turn the grace of our God into a license for immorality, and they deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.Isaiah 30:10
They say to the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us the truth! Speak to us pleasant words; prophesy illusions.1 Kings 22:22-23
And he replied, ‘I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets.’ ‘You will surely entice him and prevail,’ said the LORD. ‘Go and do it.’ / So you see, the LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouths of all these prophets of yours, and the LORD has pronounced disaster against you.”
Treasury of Scripture
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Beware.
Matthew 10:17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;
Matthew 16:6,11 Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees…
Mark 12:38 And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,
false.
Matthew 24:4,5,11,24,25 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you…
Deuteronomy 13:1-3 If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, …
Isaiah 9:15,16 The ancient and honourable, he is the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail…
which.
Zechariah 13:4 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the prophets shall be ashamed every one of his vision, when he hath prophesied; neither shall they wear a rough garment to deceive:
Mark 12:38-40 And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces, …
Romans 16:17,18 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them…
are.
Isaiah 56:10,11 His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber…
Ezekiel 22:25 There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof.
Micah 3:5 Thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that make my people err, that bite with their teeth, and cry, Peace; and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him.
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Matthew 7
1. Do Not Judge
7. Ask, Seek, Knock
13. Enter through the Narrow Gate
15. A Tree and Its Fruit
24. The Wise and the Foolish Builders
28. Jesus ends his sermon, and the people are astonished.
Berean Study Bible
Beware
The Greek word used here is "προσέχετε" (prosechete), which means to be cautious or to take heed. This is a strong admonition from Jesus, urging His followers to be vigilant and discerning. In the historical context, the early church faced many challenges from false teachings, and this warning remains relevant today. The call to "beware" is a reminder to Christians to be spiritually alert and to test all teachings against the truth of Scripture.
of false prophets
The term "false prophets" comes from the Greek "ψευδοπροφήτες" (pseudoprophētēs). These are individuals who claim to speak for God but are actually deceivers. Throughout biblical history, false prophets have led people astray, from the time of the Old Testament to the New Testament church. The conservative Christian perspective emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine and the dangers of being led away from the truth by those who distort God’s Word.
They come to you
This phrase indicates the proactive nature of false prophets. They do not wait for people to seek them out; instead, they actively infiltrate communities of believers. This suggests a deliberate and strategic effort to deceive. Historically, false teachers have often emerged within the church, making it crucial for believers to be discerning and grounded in Scripture.
in sheep’s clothing
The imagery of "sheep’s clothing" is powerful, as it suggests an outward appearance of innocence and harmlessness. Sheep are often used in the Bible to symbolize purity and the people of God. False prophets disguise themselves to blend in with true believers, making it difficult to discern their true nature. This calls for wisdom and discernment, as appearances can be deceiving.
but inwardly
The contrast between outward appearance and inward reality is stark. The Greek word "ἔσωθεν" (esōthen) emphasizes the internal nature of these false prophets. While they may appear righteous, their hearts and intentions are corrupt. This highlights the biblical principle that God looks at the heart, not just outward appearances (1 Samuel 16:7).
they are ravenous wolves
The metaphor of "ravenous wolves" is striking and conveys the danger and destructiveness of false prophets. Wolves are natural predators of sheep, and their presence among the flock is a threat to its safety. The Greek word "ἅρπαγες" (harpages) suggests a greedy and rapacious nature. This imagery underscores the destructive impact false prophets can have on the spiritual well-being of believers. From a conservative Christian perspective, this serves as a call to protect the integrity of the faith and to guard against those who would seek to devour the flock through false teachings.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
(15) Beware of false prophets.--The sequence again is below the surface. How was the narrow way to be found? Who would act as guide? Many would offer their help who would simply lead men to the destruction which they sought to escape. Such teachers, claiming authority as inspired, there had been in the days of Isaiah and Jeremiah, and there would be again. The true gift of prophecy is always followed by its counterfeit. Even at the time when our Lord was speaking, the influence of such men as Judas of Galilee (Acts 5:37), Theudas, and other popular leaders, was still fresh in men's memories.
Which come to you in sheep's clothing.--The illustration implies something like the conception of the wolf disguising himself as a sheep in order to gain entrance into the fold. So far a special feature is added to the general allegory of John 10:12 and Acts 20:29. It is possible, though not, I think, probable, that there may be some allusion to the "rough garments," the "sheep-skins and goat-skins" of Hebrews 11:37, worn by false prophets of the hermit or ascetic type.
Pulpit Commentary
Verses 15-23. - Matthew only in this form, though most of the separate verses have much matter common to other passages; viz.: vers. 16, 18, parallel with Luke 6:43, 44, cf. also infra, Matthew 12:33; ver. 19, cf. Matthew 3:10; ver. 21, cf. Luke 6:46; ver. 22, cf. Luke 13:26; ver. 23, parallel with Luke 13:27. (For the connexion of these verses, cf. ver. 13, note.) Verse 15. - Matthew only. Beware. The warning against being led from the right entrance and the right way is all the more emphatic for there being no adversative particle in the true text. Beware of false prophets. The whole class of them (τῶν). Not, observe, "false teachers" (2 Peter 2:1), as though these persons only falsely interpreted fundamental truths, but "false prophets," as falsely claiming to bring messages from God. They claim to bring from God the true message of salvation, but their claim is false. These were doubtless found, at the time that our Lord spoke the words, especially among the Pharisees; but when St. Matthew recorded them, chiefly among Christians, either on the Jewish or on the Gnostic side (Colossians 2:8; 1 Timothy 6:20, 21; cf. also 1 John 4:1 and 'Did.,' § 12.). Which; qualitative (οἵτινες); seeing that they. Come unto you in sheep's clothing. In, as it were, the skins of sheep (ἐν ἐνδύμασι προβάτων), professing simplicity and gentleness, and (for, perhaps, this thought is also included) claiming to be members of God's true flock. Externally they are all this, but at heart they are something very different. But inwardly they are ravening wolves. The thought of "ravening" (ἅρπαγες) is of both violence and greed. These false prophets are not merely wicked at heart and opposed to the truth, but they wish to injure you, and that for their own gain (cf Galatians 6:13). "Of the ravenousness of wolves among the Jewes, take these two examples besides others. The elders proclaimed a fast in their cities upon this occasion, because the wolves had devoured two little children beyond Jordan. More than three hundred sheep of the sons of Judah ben Shamoe were torn by wolves" (Lightfoot, 'Hor. Hebr.;' cf. Ezekiel 34:4, on false shepherds). Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Beware
Προσέχετε (Prosechete)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4337: From pros and echo; to hold the mind towards, i.e. Pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to.
of
ἀπὸ (apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.
false prophets.
ψευδοπροφητῶν (pseudoprophētōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 5578: From pseudes and prophetes; a spurious prophet, i.e. Pretended foreteller or religious impostor.
[They]
οἵτινες (hoitines)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3748: Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever.
come
ἔρχονται (erchontai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2064: To come, go.
to
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.
you
ὑμᾶς (hymas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.
in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.
sheep’s
προβάτων (probatōn)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 4263: A sheep. Probably neuter of a presumed derivative of probaino; something that walks forward, i.e., a sheep.
clothing,
ἐνδύμασιν (endymasin)
Noun - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1742: A garment, raiment, clothing. From enduo; apparel.
but
δέ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.
inwardly
ἔσωθεν (esōthen)
Adverb
Strong's 2081: From eso; from inside; also used as equivalent to eso.
they are
εἰσιν (eisin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.
ravenous
ἅρπαγες (harpages)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 727: Rapacious, ravenous; a robber, an extortioner. From harpazo; rapacious.
wolves.
λύκοι (lykoi)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3074: A wolf, of perhaps a jackal; often applied to persons of wolfish proclivities. Perhaps akin to the base of leukos; a wolf.
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