New Testament
Luke 21:8
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus warns his followers to be cautious and not to be misled by false messengers.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
He said, "Be careful not to be deceived. Many will come in my name, saying, 'I am Christ,' and 'The time is near.' Do not follow them."
And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus warns his followers to be cautious and not to be misled by false messengers. He emphasizes that many will come claiming to be the Messiah or to have knowledge about the end times, urging people to follow them. This warning highlights the importance of discernment in faith, as there will be individuals who exploit the hope and fears of others for their own gain. Jesus stresses that believers should not be swayed by these claims, as the true signs of His return will be unmistakable. The message encourages vigilance and a strong foundation in true teachings, rather than being easily influenced by charismatic figures or misleading information. Explore related deception.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 21:8 to your life
To apply this teaching, individuals should strengthen their understanding of their faith through scripture and community. Regularly engaging with trusted sources and spiritual leaders can help discern truth from falsehood. Staying grounded in personal beliefs will protect against being misled by those who claim to have special knowledge or authority.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 21:8 mean?
Luke 21:8 means that Jesus is warning his followers to be cautious of false prophets who will claim to be the Messiah or predict the end times. He emphasizes the need for discernment to avoid being misled by these deceptive figures.
What is the significance of false messiahs in Luke 21:8?
The significance of false messiahs in Luke 21:8 is that they represent a challenge to believers, as many will come claiming authority and knowledge about Christ. This highlights the importance of being vigilant and grounded in true teachings to avoid deception.
What does 'the time is near' mean in Luke 21:8?
In Luke 21:8, 'the time is near' refers to claims made by false prophets about the imminent return of Christ or the end of the world. Jesus warns that such claims should not be followed, as they are often misleading.
How can I avoid being deceived according to Luke 21:8?
To avoid being deceived as advised in Luke 21:8, individuals should deepen their understanding of their faith through scripture and engage with trusted spiritual leaders. Staying informed and discerning will help protect against false teachings.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
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