false prophets
What does the Bible say about false prophets? These are the passages readers found most helpful — tap any citation to read it in context.
10 passages · most helpful first
15Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
1Most beloved, do not be willing to believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are of God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.
24For there will arise false Christs and false prophets. And they will produce great signs and wonders, so much so as to lead into error even the elect (if this could be).
1But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be among you lying teachers, who will introduce divisions of perdition, and they will deny him who bought them, the Lord, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.
1Most beloved, do not be willing to believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are of God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2The Spirit of God may be known in this way. Every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has arrived in the flesh is of God; 3and every spirit who contradicts Jesus is not of God. And this one is the Antichrist, the one that you have heard is coming, and even now he is in the world. 4Little sons, you are of God, and so you have overcome him. For he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5They are of the world. Therefore, they speak about the world, and the world listens to them. 6We are of God. Whoever knows God, listens to us. Whoever is not of God, does not listen to us. In this way, we know the Spirit of truth from the spirit of error.
13For false apostles, such as these deceitful workers, are presenting themselves as if they were Apostles of Christ. 14And no wonder, for even Satan presents himself as if he were an Angel of light. 15Therefore, it is no great thing if his ministers present themselves as if they were ministers of justice, for their end shall be according to their works.
11And many false prophets will arise, and they will lead many astray.
3For there shall be a time when they will not endure sound doctrine, but instead, according to their own desires, they will gather to themselves teachers, with itching ears,
20But if a prophet, having been corrupted by arrogance, chooses to speak, in my name, things which I did not instruct him to say, or to speak in the name of foreign gods, he shall be put to death. 21But if, in silent thought, you respond: “How will I be able to recognize a word which the Lord has not spoken?” 22you shall have this sign. If whatever that prophet predicts in the name of the Lord does not happen, then the Lord has not spoken it. Instead, the prophet has formed it through the swelling of his own mind. And for this reason, you shall not fear him.’ ”
16Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Do not choose to listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you and deceive you. They speak a vision from their own heart, and not from the mouth of the Lord.