False prophets and teachers are individuals who claim to speak on behalf of God, but in reality, they are promoting false doctrines and leading people astray. The Bible is clear about the existence of false prophets and teachers and warns believers to be wary of their teachings. Here are 10 to 12 Bible verses that highlight the dangers of false prophets and teachers:
1. Matthew 7:15-16
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits.”
2. 2 Peter 2:1-3
“But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.”
3. 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.”
4. Matthew 24:11
“And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.”
5. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15
“For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.”
6. Deuteronomy 13:1-3
“If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, ‘Let us go after other gods,’ which you have not known, ‘and let us serve them,’ you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams.”
7. Galatians 1:6-9
“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.”
8. 2 Timothy 4:3-4
“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.”
9. Proverbs 14:12
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”
10. Jeremiah 23:16
“Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord.”
Examples of False Doctrine in The Bible
1. Matthew 7:15-20
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.”
This verse warns against false prophets who may appear righteous on the outside but are actually spreading false doctrines. The emphasis is on examining their actions and teachings to discern their true intentions.
2. 1 John 4:1
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of discernment and testing the teachings proclaimed by individuals claiming to be prophets. It warns against blindly believing everything that is preached, as there are false prophets spreading deceit.
3. Galatians 1:6-9
“I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.”
This passage highlights the seriousness of deviating from the true gospel of Christ. It warns against false teachings that distort the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
4. 2 Peter 2:1-3
“But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.”
This passage warns against false teachers who introduce destructive heresies and distort the truth of God’s Word. It emphasizes the danger of following such teachings and the consequences of deviating from the true faith.
5. Colossians 2:8-10
“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.”
This verse cautions against being deceived by human traditions and philosophies that contradict the teachings of Christ. It emphasizes the sufficiency of Christ and the danger of being led astray by false doctrines that do not align with His truth.
What Distinguishes True Prophets from False Prophets John 15:16
When discussing the topic of prophets, it is essential to understand the distinction between true prophets and false prophets. Throughout the Bible, there are clear guidelines and characteristics that differentiate the two. In John 15:16, Jesus says, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.”
Here are 10 Bible verses that explain what distinguishes true prophets from false prophets:
25 Important Bible Verses About False Teachers
. 1. Matthew 7:15- Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
- Acts 20:29-30– I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.
- Romans 16:17-18– I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
- Galatians 1:6-9– I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.
- Ephesians 4:14-15- So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.
- 2 Corinthians 11:13-15– For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
- Colossians 2:8- See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.
- 2 Peter 2:1-3- But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
- 1 Timothy 4:1– Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,
- Jude 1:4– For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
- 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.
- Titus 1:16- They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.
- 1 John 2:18-19– Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.
- 2 Timothy 3:13– But evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
- Matthew 24:24- For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
- 2 John 1:7– For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.
- 1 John 2:26-27- I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4- Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.
- 2 Timothy 4:3-4- For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.
- 2 Peter 3:16- As he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.
- Jeremiah 14:14- Then the Lord said to me, “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I did not send them, nor did I command them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a lying vision, worthless divination, and the deceit of their own minds.
- 1 Timothy 6:3-5- If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.
- Matthew 15:9- In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.
- 1 John 4:6- We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
- Revelation 2:2– “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false.
Be Careful of False Doctrine Bible Verse
Throughout the Bible, we are warned to be cautious of false doctrines that may lead us astray. It is crucial for believers to stay grounded in the truth of God’s Word and to test all teachings against scripture to ensure they align with biblical principles. Here are 12 Bible verses that warn us about false doctrine and urge us to be vigilant in our faith:
False Prophets Bible Verse Old Testament
In the Old Testament, there are numerous warnings about false prophets, those who claim to speak on behalf of God but are actually leading people astray. These individuals are deceitful, manipulative, and dangerous to the spiritual well-being of God’s people. Here are 12 Bible verses that highlight the severity of false prophets and the importance of discerning their messages:
Deuteronomy 18:20
“But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, is to be put to death.”
Jeremiah 23:16
This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.”
Jeremiah 23:21-22
“I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied. But if they had stood in my council, they would have proclaimed my words to my people and would have turned them from their evil ways and from their evil deeds.”
Ezekiel 13:6
“Their visions are false and their divinations a lie. They say, ‘the LORD declares,’ when the LORD has not sent them; yet they expect their words to be fulfilled.”
Matthew 7:15
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”
Matthew 24:11
“And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.”
2 Peter 2:1
“But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.”
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.”
1 Timothy 4:1
“Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons.”
1 John 4:6
“We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.”
It is clear from these verses that false prophets are a real and present danger to the church. Believers must be vigilant, discerning, and rooted in God’s Word to avoid falling prey to their deceitful messages.
False Prophets Bible Verse Kjv
False prophets have always been a problem throughout history, and the Bible has much to say about them. Here are 10 Bible verses that warn about false prophets and how to discern their teachings:
1. Matthew 7:15 (KJV)
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”
2. Matthew 24:24 (KJV)
“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.”
3. 1 John 4:1 (KJV)
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”
4. 2 Peter 2:1 (KJV)
“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.”
5. Jeremiah 14:14 (KJV)
“Then the Lord said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.”
6. Titus 1:16 (KJV)
“They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.”
7. Deuteronomy 18:20 (KJV)
“But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.”
8. 1 Timothy 4:1 (KJV)
“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.”
9. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 (KJV)
“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”
10. Proverbs 14:15 (KJV)
“The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.”
These verses serve as a warning to believers to be cautious and discerning when it comes to following prophets and teachers. It is important to test the spirits and teachings against the truth of God’s word to avoid being deceived by false prophets.
Bible Verses About False Shepherds
False shepherds, also known as false prophets or teachers, are individuals who proclaim to be spiritual leaders but mislead their followers with incorrect teachings and intentions. In the Bible, there are numerous warnings about false shepherds and the harm they can cause to believers. Let us explore some of these warnings with the following verses:
1. Matthew 7:15: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”
2. 2 Peter 2:1: “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.”
3. 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.”
4. Matthew 24:11: “And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.”
5. Jeremiah 23:1: “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!”
6. Colossians 2:8: “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.”
7. Acts 20:29-30: “I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.”
8. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15: “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness.”
9. Titus 1:16: “They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.”
10. Matthew 15:14: “Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.”
In conclusion, these verses serve as a reminder to believers to be discerning and vigilant against false shepherds who may try to lead them astray. It is important to stay grounded in the teachings of the Bible and test all teachings against the Word of God to avoid being deceived.