New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 7:22

The Narrow Gate

Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Matthew 7:22 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 7:22, in plain English

Many people will one day say, 'Lord, look at all the amazing things we did in Your name!' expecting to be welcomed.

Why it's here

Jesus is describing people who did genuinely impressive things but missed the most important thing: a real relationship with Him.

Who's speaking

Jesus, painting a sobering picture of the future.

Where it sits in the story

This is a warning that activity for God is not the same thing as actually knowing God.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

On the eschatological day of judgment, many will appeal to their prophesying, exorcisms, and miracles done in Jesus' name, yet these spectacular works prove insufficient.

Language and setting

The phrase 'on that day' (en ekeine te hemera) is a technical term for the final judgment, raising the stakes to their ultimate level.

Voice

Jesus, describing a future scene of judgment.

Significance

This verse shockingly reveals that even supernatural ministry activity does not automatically indicate a genuine relationship with Christ.

In context

Matthew 7:20–24

20So then, by their fruit you will recognize them.

21Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven.

22Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’

23Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’

24Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

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.

Understand every verse, not just this one

This page covers one. BibleKey does all 31,102 — tap any verse for its meaning, any word for its Hebrew or Greek root, and keep reading without leaving the chapter.

Get BibleKey

Understand every verse.

Not just the famous ones. BibleKey is free on iPhone and iPad.

Download on the App Store

Free on iPhone & iPad