New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 7:15

The Narrow Gate

Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. Matthew 7:15 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 7:15, in plain English

Watch out for people who look like gentle sheep on the outside but are actually wolves looking to devour you.

Why it's here

Jesus is protecting you because He knows that not everyone who claims to speak for God actually does.

Who's speaking

Jesus, looking out for you.

Where it sits in the story

This is a loving warning: the most dangerous deceptions come from people who look trustworthy on the surface.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Jesus warns against pseudoprophetai (false prophets) who approach in sheep's clothing while inwardly being harpages lykoi (ravenous wolves).

Language and setting

False prophets were a persistent problem in Israel's history (Jer 23, Ezek 13); Jesus warns that the pattern will continue in His movement.

Voice

Jesus, warning about deceptive spiritual leaders.

Significance

This warning launches the second contrast: between true and false prophets, teaching that appearances can be dangerously deceptive.

In context

Matthew 7:13–17

13Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.

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?

17Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.

Read all of Matthew 7 — Judge not, ask boldly, and choose the hard road. Jesus closes his great sermon with a storm that separates the wise from the foolish.

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