Mark 13 6

Mark 13:6 kjv

For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

Mark 13:6 nkjv

For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He,' and will deceive many.

Mark 13:6 niv

Many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and will deceive many.

Mark 13:6 esv

Many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he!' and they will lead many astray.

Mark 13:6 nlt

for many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah.' They will deceive many.

Mark 13 verses

Mark 13 6 Meaning

Mark 13:6 serves as a foundational warning from Jesus, alerting His disciples to widespread deception in the end times. It indicates that numerous individuals will emerge, claiming divine authority or Messianic identity by uttering "I am He." This assertion, a direct usurpation of Christ's unique status and the divine self-declaration of God, will tragically lead many astray. The verse highlights the deceptive nature of such claims and their significant impact on a large populace.

Mark 13 6 Context

Mark 13 records Jesus's Olivet Discourse, a response to His disciples' questions about the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple and the signs preceding His coming and the end of the age. Following Jesus's prophecy regarding the Temple's complete destruction, the disciples privately ask "when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?" (Mk 13:4). Mark 13:6 is the first and primary sign Jesus gives regarding these future events: widespread spiritual deception from those claiming His authority or identity. This verse is not about physical war or famine, but a foundational spiritual danger that precedes and accompanies other distresses. It serves as an initial and vital warning to His followers against being misled.

Mark 13 6 Word analysis

• For (Greek: γάρ, gar): This conjunction introduces a reason or explanation, directly linking to Jesus's previous warning in Mark 13:5, "See that no one leads you astray." Verse 6 explains how many will be led astray: through false claimants.

• many (Greek: πολλοί, polloi): This term signifies a considerable number, emphasizing the widespread nature of the deception. It indicates that these false Messiahs or authoritative figures will not be isolated incidents but a recurring and prevalent phenomenon.

• will come (Greek: ἥξουσιν, hēxousin): Future indicative verb, forecasting an inevitable and repeated occurrence. This isn't a singular event but a continuous series of appearances of these deceptive figures throughout the period before the true Christ's return.

• in My name (Greek: ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματί μου, epi tō onomati mou): This critical phrase has significant implications. It does not necessarily mean simply using Jesus's name but implies claiming His authority, status, or identity. It can mean:

  • As my representative: Implying they are sent by Christ.
  • By my authority: Claiming to possess divine power from Him.
  • Instead of Me: Usurping His unique role and position as the Christ. Given the following phrase "I am He," the third interpretation of usurping His identity is most prominent, referring to messianic imposters.

• saying (Greek: λέγοντες, legontes): The active particple signifies their direct and overt proclamation of their false claims.

• 'I am He!' (Greek: Ἐγώ εἰμι, Egō eimi): This is arguably the most potent phrase in the verse.

  • Divine Echo: It directly echoes the Septuagint translation of God's self-revelation to Moses "I AM WHO I AM" (Exod 3:14) and repeated in Old Testament prophetic passages (e.g., Isa 43:10; 45:18). It is also the very same phrase Jesus frequently uses in John's Gospel to affirm His unique divine nature and authority (e.g., "I am the bread of life," "I am the light of the world").
  • Messianic Claim: In a Jewish context, claiming "I am He" implicitly (or explicitly) conveyed a Messianic claim—identifying oneself as the expected Anointed One, the Deliverer sent by God. It signifies the claim to be the one, the uniquely chosen figure.
  • Usurpation: For impostors to use this sacred and unique self-designation implies a profound deception: not merely claiming to be a prophet or a leader, but claiming the singular, divine identity and mission of Jesus Christ Himself.

• and will deceive (Greek: καὶ πλανήσουσιν, kai planēsousin): Future tense, active voice, confirming the outcome of their claims. The word planēsousin means to cause to go astray, lead into error, or mislead. It implies a departure from truth and righteousness.

• many (Greek: πολλούς, pollous): Reiterates the earlier use of polloi, underscoring the success and scale of the deception. A large number of people will fall victim to these false claims, reinforcing the gravity of the warning.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Many will come in My name": Foreshadows a proliferation of individuals asserting divine authorization or Christ-like identity, blurring the lines between legitimate spiritual authority and imposture. This highlights the early signs of widespread spiritual confusion.
  • "saying, 'I am He!'": Directly challenges Jesus's unique identity as the Messiah and Son of God. These impostors appropriate divine self-declarations, seeking to usurp the true Christ's position by mimicking His authority. This phrase implies a spiritual delusion, appealing to people's messianic expectations or desire for a clear leader.
  • "and will deceive many": Emphasizes the effective outcome of these false claims. The deception is not minor but significant, leading a substantial number of people away from truth and potentially genuine faith. It underscores the urgency of discernment for believers.

Mark 13 6 Bonus section

The historical backdrop of Jesus's time saw numerous figures arise claiming to be prophets or messianic deliverers (e.g., Theudas, an "Egyptian prophet" mentioned by Josephus), highlighting the historical reality and not just prophetic vision for Mark 13:6. This constant threat of false leaders makes Jesus's warning especially pertinent. The emphasis on "in My name" means these deceivers will often leverage what appears to be spiritual or Christian language, making their deception particularly insidious and difficult to detect without careful discernment and adherence to scriptural truth. This warning isn't just about secular political figures but specifically those who infringe upon divine spiritual authority, seeking to command allegiance where only Christ deserves it.

Mark 13 6 Commentary

Mark 13:6 stands as a stark warning within the Olivet Discourse, painting a picture of pervasive spiritual deception that will precede the end times. Jesus reveals that a primary threat will not initially come from overt persecution but from internal falsehood—individuals rising within or around the Christian community, or from broader society, asserting a claim to Messianic authority or a unique spiritual role by declaring "I am He!" This potent declaration directly challenges the exclusive claims of Jesus as the Christ, leveraging the same divine self-identification phrases He used. Such imposters often gain influence through charismatic leadership, claims of new revelation, or promises of deliverance. Their success lies in their ability to mimic truth and tap into deep-seated hopes or fears. The verse warns against the devastating consequences of succumbing to these false figures, who will lead a large number astray from the path of truth and faith. It underlines the importance of discerning genuine spiritual authority and adhering steadfastly to Christ alone.

• Example: Throughout history, many individuals have arisen claiming special anointing, messianic roles, or possessing unique keys to spiritual knowledge, gathering followers around their personality rather than the person of Christ as revealed in scripture. Some movements have seen leaders claim to be "the Christ" returned, or embody the Holy Spirit in a unique way, drawing disciples away from orthodox faith into cultic devotion to themselves.