False prophets are mentioned frequently throughout the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments. Scripture warns believers to be on guard against those who falsely claim to speak for God. Here is an overview of some of the key passages in Scripture that discuss false prophets and false prophecy.
Old Testament Warnings About False Prophets
In the Old Testament, God instructed the Israelites to not listen to prophets who led them away from the true God. For example:
- Deuteronomy 13:1-5 warns that false prophets will arise who perform signs and wonders to lead people astray. God’s people are told not to listen to them, even if their predictions come true.
- Deuteronomy 18:20-22 states that prophets who speak things presumptuously in God’s name or prophesy something that does not come to pass are false.
- Jeremiah 23:9-40 condemns the lies and immorality of both prophets and priests, stating that God did not send them or speak to them.
- Ezekiel 13:1-23 rebukes prophets who follow their own spirit, have seen nothing, and speak deception.
Several key Old Testament passages also warn about false prophecies concerning peace and security when destruction is coming. For example:
- Isaiah 30:9-11 warns against listening to those who say otherwise when God says a nation will be destroyed.
- Jeremiah 6:13-14 warns about prophets assuring peace when there is no peace.
- Jeremiah 8:11 claims false prophets heal the wounds of people superficially, saying peace when there is no peace.
- Jeremiah 14:13-16 condemns prophets who prophesy lies and false visions of peace, stating that they will die by famine and sword.
- Jeremiah 23:16-17 criticizes those who speak a vision of their own mind, not from the mouth of the Lord, saying they promise peace to those who despise God.
- Ezekiel 13:10,16 rebukes false prophets who assure peace when there is no peace.
The book of Lamentations also mourns that false and deceptive visions led to destruction (2:14). Overall, these Old Testament passages show God’s disdain for those who falsely claim to speak for Him, often prophesying peace and security when His word promises judgment.
New Testament Warnings About False Prophets
Jesus and the apostles strongly warned against false prophets in the New Testament. For example:
- Matthew 7:15 – Jesus tells his followers to beware of false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
- Matthew 24:4-5, 11 – Jesus warns many false prophets will come in his name, deceiving many.
- Matthew 24:23-28 – False messiahs and false prophets will arise performing great signs.
- Mark 13:22 – False messiahs and false prophets will come performing signs to lead astray God’s people.
- 2 Peter 2:1 – Just as there were false prophets in Israel, there will be false teachers who bring destructive heresies.
- 1 John 4:1-6 – Test the spirits because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
- Revelation 16:13 – Evil spirits perform signs to deceive through false prophets.
- Revelation 19:20 – The beast and false prophet will be condemned to the lake of fire.
- Revelation 20:10 – The devil, beast, and false prophet will be tormented forever.
Jesus specifically warned in the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21) that many false messiahs and false prophets would come in the last days. However, Jesus tells his followers not to follow them when they appear. The book of Revelation also shows that a particularly powerful false prophet will deceive many in partnership with the antichrist. But they will ultimately face eternal judgment.
Characteristics of False Prophets
Scripture gives us insight into the characteristics and motivations of false prophets. Here are some of their common traits:
- They falsely claim to speak for God – Jeremiah 14:14; Ezekiel 13:6
- They prophesy lies – Jeremiah 23:16; Ezekiel 13:9
- They prophesy false visions and dreams – Jeremiah 23:25, 32; Ezekiel 13:9
- They mislead and deceive people – Jeremiah 23:32; Matthew 24:5, 24-25
- They cause spiritual ruin – Lamentations 2:14; 2 Peter 2:1
- They disturb the peace – Jeremiah 6:14; Ezekiel 13:10,16
- They have wicked motivations and sinful lifestyles – Jeremiah 23:11, 14-15; 2 Peter 2:1-3
- They shamelessly persist in their deception – Jeremiah 8:12; Ezekiel 13:4-7
- They enjoy popularity among deceived people – Isaiah 30:10-11; Lamentations 2:14; Revelation 19:20
- They perform signs and wonders to lead people astray – Deuteronomy 13:1-2; Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22; Revelation 16:14
Scripture makes it clear that false prophets knowingly distort God’s word for selfish gain and to enjoy the acceptance of deceived people. They shamelessly persist in spreading deception, even amidst judgment.
How to Identify False Prophets
Because false prophets are so deceptive and dangerous, Scripture provides tests to determine if someone is truly speaking for the Lord. Here are biblical ways to identify false prophets:
- Deuteronomy 13:1-3 – Even if signs and wonders come to pass, false prophets will contradict God’s word and lead others astray.
- Deuteronomy 18:21-22 – Prophecies that do not come to pass indicate a false prophet.
- Isaiah 8:20 – If prophets do not speak according to God’s word, they have no light in them.
- Jeremiah 23:16-17 – False prophets speak visions from their own minds, not from the Lord’s mouth.
- Matthew 7:15-20 – False prophets produce bad fruit in keeping with their nature.
- 1 John 4:1-3 – Test the spirits. False prophets have the spirit of antichrist and deny Christ came in the flesh.
- 2 Peter 2:1-3 – False prophets introduce destructive heresies and practice sexual immorality, coveting money.
The clearest test is whether or not prophecies come true as foretold (Deuteronomy 18:22). If even one prophecy fails, then they are exposed as a false prophet. We are also to compare their message to Scripture (Isaiah 8:20). False teaching will contradict God’s word in some way. False prophets can often be identified by their wicked lifestyles and evil motivations (2 Peter 2:1-3). But above all, we are to rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment and recognize these deceivers by their spiritual fruits (Matthew 7:15-23).
God’s Warning About False Prophecy
Why does God take false prophecy so seriously? Because when someone falsely claims to speak for God, it is blasphemy that misrepresents His character. Scripture explains why this is so offensive to God:
- Jeremiah 23:31-32 – False prophecy fosters unbelief in God’s true messages and prophets.
- Lamentations 2:14 – False visions lead people astray so that they stumble in judgment.
- Ezekiel 13:8-9– God’s hand is against false prophets who mislead His people and who have not stood in His council.
- 2 Peter 2:1 – False teachers bring destruction on themselves and lead others to ruin.
When people claiming divine authority spread lies and false hope in God’s name, they encourage rebellion against God and spiritual ruin for those who believe their deception. False prophecy destroys faith in God’s true word and misrepresents Him to the world. As Ezekiel 13:22 says, false prophets discourage the righteous from godly living by promoting unbiblical assurance and peace.
God’s Judgment on False Prophets
Because false prophecy is so destructive, God promises terrifying judgment on deceivers who falsely claim to speak for Him. Scripture warns:
- Jeremiah 14:15 – False prophets will perish by sword and famine.
- Jeremiah 23:15 – God will feed false prophets wormwood and give them poisoned water.
- Jeremiah 28:16-17 – Hananiah, a false prophet, died that year due to God’s judgment.
- Ezekiel 13:9 – False prophets will not belong to God’s people or be buried in Israel.
- Zechariah 13:2-6 – False prophets will be ashamed and pierced through when punished.
- 2 Peter 2:1 – False teachers bring swift destruction on themselves.
- Revelation 19:20 – The beast and false prophet are thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur.
The fearful Biblical warnings against false prophets underline how much God hates deception carried out in His name. Though they may flourish for a time, their destruction is sure and their punishment severe. The book of Jude condemns false teachers as godless men who follow the way of Cain, rush headlong into deception, and wander aimlessly under blackest darkness awaiting judgment (Jude 1:11-13). Scripture makes it clear that wicked fate awaits those who lead others astray through false prophecy.
God’s Instructions for Dealing with False Prophets
If someone suspects a prophet may be false, they should test their message against Scripture and watch to see if their prophecies come true (Deuteronomy 13:1-3; 18:21-22; Isaiah 8:20; Jeremiah 28). Any contradiction of God’s Word or failed prophecy means they are exposing themselves as a false prophet. Scripture also gives the following instructions for responding to false prophets:
- Deuteronomy 13:8 – Do not yield or listen to them, even if they perform signs.
- Deuteronomy 18:20 – False prophets must be put to death so evil is purged from among God’s people.
- Jeremiah 23:16 – People should not listen to the worthless false visions of prophets.
- Jeremiah 29:8 – People should not allow false prophets to deceive them with lies.
- Matthew 7:15 – Be on guard against false prophets.
- Romans 16:17-18 – False teachers should be avoided and exposed.
- 2 Timothy 4:3-4 – Some will follow deceitful false teachers, but disciples must be sober minded.
- 2 John 1:7-11 – False teachers should be denied hospitality and not even greeted.
- Titus 3:10 – Warn a divisive false teacher once, then have nothing to do with them.
Based on these verses, the biblical response is to test prophets’ messages, avoid listening to or accommodating false teachers, deny them aid or encouragement, expose them, and in the Old Testament administer capital punishment in order to purge evil from the nation of Israel. Scripture is clear that false prophets are dangerous and must be boldly resisted and rebuked.
Ultimate Fate of False Prophets
Though false prophets may briefly prosper, Scripture makes it abundantly clear that they face harsh eternal judgment:
- Psalm 5:5-6 – God hates and abhors liars and destroys those who speak falsehood.
- Isaiah 9:15 – The Lord will cut off false prophets, both leaders and those who follow them.
- Jeremiah 5:31 – False prophets bear their guilt and will be punished for deceiving God’s people.
- Jeremiah 14:15 – False prophets will be punished by famine and sword.
- Lamentations 5:18 – God will severely punish deceitful false prophets for lying in His name.
- Ezekiel 13:9 – False prophets will not be in the council of God’s people or be buried in Israel.
- 2 Peter 2:1 – Heretical false teachers bring swift destruction on themselves.
- 2 Peter 2:17 – Blackest darkness is reserved forever for deceptive false teachers.
- Jude 1:13 – False teachers are wild waves foaming in their shame as wandering stars headed for deepest gloom.
- Revelation 19:20 – The beast and false prophet are thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur to be tormented forever.
Based on these dire prophetic warnings in both the Old and New Testaments, the future of false prophets is bleak. They face disgrace now and will ultimately be shut out of God’s presence and kingdom forever, condemned to eternal punishment. Deceivers who lead others astray and brazenly misrepresent the Lord face permanent destruction in the coming judgment.
God’s Promise to Guide His People
Though false prophets abound, Scripture gives hope that God will protect and guide those who remain faithful to Him:
- Psalm 25:12-15 – The Lord guides the humble in justice and teaches them His ways. All His ways are loving and faithful.
- Psalm 32:8 – The Lord promises to instruct and teach the righteous, guiding them with His eye.
- Isaiah 42:16 – God promises to guide the blind and lead them on unfamiliar paths. He turns darkness into light.
- John 10:4-5 – Jesus says His sheep follow Him because they know His voice. They will never follow a stranger.
- John 16:13 – The Spirit of truth guides believers into all truth and only speaks what He hears from the Father.
- 1 John 2:27 – Believers have an anointing from God that teaches them and is true, not false. They should abide in Christ.
Despite rampant deception from false prophets, God assures His people that He will guide those who abide in Him through His Spirit and Word of truth. Wise disciples test all prophecy against Scripture, anointed by the Holy Spirit and trained to discern truth from deception.
Conclusion
False prophets are a constant threat used by the enemy to deceive people and lead them away from God’s truth. Scripture contains solemn warnings not to listen to them, even if they perform great signs. False prophets will arise from within the church itself, bringing destructive heresies. But despite their Numbers and popularity, their fate is sealed. False prophets will face God’s temporal judgment and eternal wrath. Meanwhile, believers must test every prophecy against Scripture, rely on the Spirit’s wisdom, expose these deceivers, avoid their influence, and find their security in abiding in Christ alone. He faithfully guides His flock who know His voice and trust in Him.
