“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus isn't just warning us about people who teach wrong ideas; he's pointing out that their outward appearance of innocence, like sheep, hides a ravenous, self-serving hunger that will destroy the flock. It’s a stark reminder that true spiritual shepherds nourish, while false ones devour.
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just warned his listeners about the narrow gate and the difficult path to life, contrasting it with the broad gate and easy way that leads to destruction. Now, he shifts to cautioning them about deceptive religious leaders who, despite appearing gentle and holy, actually aim to exploit and harm the flock.
Jesus issues a stark warning: not everyone who looks innocent is safe. Some wear a disguise that hides a dangerous intent.
Jesus calls them 'false prophets' and describes them as coming 'in sheep's clothing.' This isn't just about outward appearance; it's about a deliberate deception.
A Mask of Innocence
Sheep are symbols of gentleness, vulnerability, and belonging to God's flock. False prophets adopt this innocent facade to gain trust. They might appear pious, speak with religious language, or even claim to represent God, all while harboring a hidden agenda.
The Hidden Danger
Beneath this harmless exterior, they are 'ravenous wolves.' Wolves are predators, driven by greed and a desire to destroy. Their goal isn't to nourish or protect the flock, but to exploit and devour them for their own gain. This 'ravenousness' points to a destructive intent, whether it's spiritual, financial, or emotional.
How can we discern between true and false prophets if their disguises are so convincing?
Jesus provides a clear, practical way to identify these deceivers: 'Ye shall know them by their fruits.' This isn't about judging their every motive, but observing the consistent outcomes of their influence.
The Test of Doctrine and Life
The 'fruits' refer to both the teaching and the life of these individuals.
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Practical Discernment
This isn't a call for harsh judgment, but for wise discernment. Jesus implies that the evidence will be observable over time. Genuine spiritual nourishment produces life and growth; destructive influence leads to spiritual decay and harm.
Understand the original words
pseudoprophētōn · Greek Noun
Individuals who claim to speak for God but promote doctrines or behaviors contrary to His revealed truth. They are inherently deceptive and lead others away from salvation.
lykoi harpages · Greek Noun phrase
A predatory animal often used as a metaphor for individuals or forces that violently attack, exploit, or consume the vulnerable flock of God for their own gain.
Jesus' warning echoes the Old Testament prophets' struggles against deceptive religious leaders who preyed on God's people, especially during times of crisis or transition.
Late 8th century BC
Prophets warn of exile
Prophets like Isaiah and Amos warn Israel and Judah of impending judgment and exile due to unfaithfulness and social injustice, a context where false prophets often offer comforting lies.
c. 597 BC - 586 BC
Babylonian exile
Jerusalem falls, and many Judeans are deported to Babylon. During this crisis, false prophets misled people with promises of a swift return, contradicting true prophets like Jeremiah.
c. 450 BC
Ezra and Nehemiah reforms
After the return from exile, religious and social reforms are instituted to re-establish the community. This period saw ongoing struggles against external and internal influences that threatened the people's faithfulness.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' public ministry begins
Jesus starts teaching and healing in Galilee, challenging the established religious authorities and warning against those who would lead people astray with false teachings.
c. 30-33 AD— this verse
Jesus' warning to disciples
Jesus directly warns his followers in the Sermon on the Mount about false prophets who disguise their harmful intentions with a pious appearance, urging discernment.
c. AD 50-60
Apostolic letters address false teaching
Apostles like Paul and Peter write letters to early churches, addressing and warning against the infiltration of false teachers who distort the gospel and harm the community.
This passage directly echoes the imagery of false prophets speaking falsehoods and claiming divine inspiration, similar to the 'ravenous wolves' in sheep's clothing who deceive God's people.
Acts 20:29Paul warns the Ephesian elders about 'savage wolves' who will come in among them, not sparing the flock, paralleling Jesus' warning about the destructive nature of false teachers disguised as gentle sheep.
2 Peter 2:1Peter describes false prophets rising up who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, just like the 'ravenous wolves' who hide their true intentions behind a deceptive exterior.
1 John 4:1This verse instructs believers to test the spirits to see if they are from God, which is crucial advice for discerning the 'sheep's clothing' from the 'ravenous wolf' within.
bensonMatthew 7:15: "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."
Matthew 7:15-16 . Beware of false prophets — Who in their preaching describe a broad way to heaven: it is their prophesying, their teaching the broad way, rather than walking in it themselves, that is here chiefly spoken of. All those are false prophets who teach any other way than that which our Lord hath here marked out. Who come to you in sheep’s clothing — With a form of g…
clarkeMatthew 7:15: "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."
Beware of false prophets - By false prophets we are to understand teachers of erroneous doctrines, who come professing a commission from God, but whose aim is not to bring the heavenly treasure to the people, but rather to rob them of their earthly good. Teachers who preach for hire, having no motive to enter into the ministry but to get a living, as it is ominously called by…
Jesus isn't just warning us about people who teach wrong ideas; he's pointing out that their outward appearance of innocence, like sheep, hides a ravenous, self-serving hunger that will destroy the flock. It’s a stark reminder that true spiritual shepherds nourish, while false ones devour.
Jesus has just warned his listeners about the narrow gate and the difficult path to life, contrasting it with the broad gate and easy way that leads to destruction. Now, he shifts to cautioning them about deceptive religious leaders who, despite appearing gentle and holy, actually aim to exploit and harm the flock.
Jesus has just warned his listeners about the narrow gate and the difficult path to life, contrasting it with the broad gate and easy way that leads to destruction. Now, he shifts to cautioning them about deceptive religious leaders who, despite appearing gentle and holy, actually aim to exploit and harm the flock.
"“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves." — Jesus isn't just warning us about people who teach wrong ideas; he's pointing out that their outward appearance of innocence, like sheep, hides a ravenous, self-serving hunger that will destroy the f…
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Last reviewed October 2026