21 Bible Verses About False Prophets: Discerning Truth from Deception
In an age where countless voices claim to speak for God, the ability to discern true prophets from false ones is crucial. False prophets pose a significant danger to the church, leading people astray with deceptive teachings and false promises. As believers, we must be equipped with biblical knowledge and discernment to navigate these treacherous waters. In this post, we’ll explore 21 key Bible verses about false prophets, examining passages from both the Old and New Testaments. By studying these scriptures, we’ll gain a clearer understanding of the characteristics of false prophets and learn practical steps to guard against their influence.
Old Testament Bible Verses About False Prophets
The Old Testament is replete with examples of false prophets who led God’s people astray. These verses about false prophets highlight the importance of testing prophecies against God’s revealed truth.
- Deuteronomy 18:20-22 provides a clear test for distinguishing true prophets from false ones. If a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord but their prediction does not come to pass, they have spoken presumptuously and are not to be feared.
- 1 Kings 22:22-23 describes a lying spirit in the mouths of false prophets who encouraged Ahab to go to battle and perish. This passage highlights the reality of spiritual deception.
- Isaiah 9:15-16 warns that the elder and honored man is the head, and the prophet who teaches lies is the tail. These false prophets lead people astray, and those who are led by them are swallowed up.
- Jeremiah 5:30-31 laments the appalling situation in the land, where prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority. Shockingly, the people love to have it so.
- Jeremiah 14:14-16 exposes the false prophets who speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord. They prophesy lies in God’s name, and both they and those who listen to them will face judgment.
- Jeremiah 23:16 commands the people not to listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to them, filling them with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord.
- Jeremiah 23:25-32 confronts the false prophets who claim to have dreams from God but are actually prophesying the deceit of their own minds. They lead God’s people astray with their reckless lies.
- Jeremiah 28:15-17 records the prophet Jeremiah’s rebuke of Hananiah, who falsely prophesied in the name of the Lord. Hananiah died that same year as a sign of God’s judgment.
- Ezekiel 13:2-3 pronounces woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing. They prophesy from their own minds and not from the Lord.
- Ezekiel 13:17-19 confronts the false prophetesses who sew magic bands upon all wrists and make veils for the heads of persons of every stature, hunting souls for handfuls of barley and pieces of bread.
- Micah 3:5-7 rebukes the false prophets who cry “Peace” when they have something to eat but declare war against those who put nothing into their mouths. They will be ashamed and disgraced.
These Old Testament Bible verses about false prophets underscore the need for discernment and adherence to God’s Word as the ultimate standard of truth.
New Testament Bible Verses About False Prophets
The New Testament continues the warnings about false prophets, particularly in light of the coming of Christ and the birth of the church. These verses equip believers to recognize and respond to deceptive teachings.
Jesus’ Warnings About False Prophets in the Bible
- Matthew 7:15-20 records Jesus’ warning about false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. He teaches that we can recognize them by their fruits – the results of their life and doctrine.
- Matthew 24:11 predicts that many false prophets will arise in the last days, deceiving many people.
- Matthew 24:23-26 warns that if anyone says to you, “Look, here is the Christ!” or “There he is!”, do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
- Mark 13:22-23 parallels the warning in Matthew, urging believers to be on guard against false prophets and false christs who will perform signs and wonders to lead astray the elect.
- Luke 6:26 pronounces woe to those who are well-spoken of by all people, for so their fathers did to the false prophets. Popularity and universal approval can be a sign of compromise.
These Bible verses about false prophets from Jesus’ own words emphasize the need for vigilance and discernment, especially in the face of convincing deception.
More New Testament Bible Verses About False Prophets
- Acts 13:6 introduces Elymas, a false prophet and Jewish magician who opposed Paul and Barnabas, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith.
- 2 Peter 2:1-3 warns that false prophets will arise among the people, just as there will be false teachers among believers. They will exploit people with false words and bring swift destruction upon themselves.
- 1 John 4:1 urges believers not to believe every spirit but to test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
- Revelation 16:13 describes three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet, performing signs to deceive the kings of the earth.
- Revelation 19:20 depicts the fate of the beast and the false prophet who had performed signs in its presence. They are captured and thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur.
These additional New Testament Bible verses about false prophets reinforce the reality of spiritual deception and the importance of discernment in the life of the church.
Characteristics of False Prophets in the Bible
From these 21 Bible verses about false prophets, we can identify several key characteristics that mark their behavior and teachings:
- They claim to speak for God but actually speak from their own minds and imaginations.
- They prophesy falsely, often for personal gain or popularity.
- They lead people astray from the truth of God’s Word and into error.
- They may perform signs and wonders to deceive people and validate their message.
- They are often motivated by greed, pride, or a desire for power and influence.
- Their prophecies fail to come to pass, revealing their lack of divine authority.
- They encourage compromise with the world and a departure from holy living.
To guard against false prophets, we must diligently compare their words and actions to the truth of Scripture. The Bible is our ultimate authority and guide for discerning truth from error.
Guarding Against False Prophets in the Church
In light of the warnings found in these Bible verses about false prophets, how can we protect ourselves and the church from their influence? Here are three key strategies:
Rely on the Holy Spirit for Discernment
The Holy Spirit, who lives within every believer, is our ultimate source of discernment. As we yield to His guidance and seek His wisdom, He will enable us to distinguish truth from error (1 Corinthians 2:12-16). Regularly praying for the Spirit’s discernment is crucial in guarding against false prophets.
Know and Apply God’s Word
The more we immerse ourselves in the truth of Scripture, the better equipped we will be to recognize false prophecies. As we study the Bible diligently and apply its truths to our lives, we will develop a strong foundation for discerning what aligns with God’s Word and what contradicts it (Acts 17:11, 2 Timothy 2:15). Regular Bible study, both personally and in community, is essential for guarding against deception.
Be Part of a Biblically Grounded Local Church
God has designed the local church to be a community of believers who can encourage, exhort, and hold one another accountable. By being actively involved in a church that adheres to sound doctrine and biblical teaching, we gain the benefit of collective wisdom and discernment (Proverbs 11:14, Hebrews 10:24-25). Godly leaders and mature believers can help us navigate the complexities of discerning false prophets and their teachings.
Conclusion
The prevalence of false prophets in the modern church is a sobering reality that demands our attention and action. As we’ve seen from these 21 Bible verses about false prophets, God’s Word provides clear warnings and instructions for guarding against deception.
May these verses encourage us to remain vigilant, grounded in the truth of Scripture, and dependent on the Holy Spirit’s guidance. As we study God’s Word, pray for discernment, and engage in biblically sound community, we will be better equipped to recognize and resist the influence of false prophets.
Let us heed the words of the apostle John: “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 John 4:1). May we be faithful in this task, for the glory of God and the protection of His church.
If you have been blessed by this teaching and desire to go deeper in your understanding of the prophetic, I invite you to check out some of my other resources:
- “How to Prophesy Accurately: 13 Keys to receive and release a prophetic word” is a practical handbook to help you grow in your prophetic gifting, full of biblical insight and personal stories from my decades of ministry.
- “Mind Fasting: Unlock Your Spiritual Vision and See Clearly in the Spirit Realm” An exploration of spiritual disciplines for mental clarity and heightened prophetic sensitivity.
- My Prophetic Masterclass, available at PropheticBibleSchool.com, offers in-depth video teachings, interactive exercises, and a vibrant online community to accelerate your growth as a prophet.
My prayer is that as you dive deep into the Scriptures, you will encounter afresh the beauty and power of God’s prophetic Word. May you hear His voice with greater clarity, walk in the fullness of your prophetic calling, and bear witness to the unfolding of His marvelous purposes in the earth.
Hungry for more of the prophetic? Visit PropheticBibleSchool.com to enroll in my Prophetic Masterclass today!
Gratefully yours,