What Does the Bible Say About False Teachers — In Biblical Context
The Bible repeatedly warns about false teachers who distort the truth and lead people astray, and provides clear tests to identify them.
The Bible repeatedly warns about false teachers who distort the truth and lead people astray, and provides clear tests to identify them.
"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." — Matthew 7:15 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
Jesus warned, 'Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits' (Matthew 7:15-16). Peter wrote, 'There shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies' (2 Peter 2:1). Paul warned the Ephesian elders that 'grievous wolves' would arise from within the church (Acts 20:29-30). Signs of false teachers include: denying Christ's deity or atoning work (1 John 4:1-3), pursuing financial gain (2 Peter 2:3), living immorally (Jude 1:4), adding to or subtracting from Scripture (Revelation 22:18-19), and promoting self rather than Christ (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). The safeguard is knowing Scripture deeply — the Bereans were commended for examining Paul's teaching against the Word (Acts 17:11).
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Matthew 7:15, sits inside Matthew 7. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."
Supporting Passages
"But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies."
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."
Explore this question from another angle
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
What Does the Bible Say About False Teachers?
Theology & Doctrine
How Do You Identify False Prophets?
Theology & Doctrine
What Is the Doctrine of Election?
Theology & Doctrine
Bible Verses About False Teachers
10 curated KJV verses
Biblical Meaning of Wolves in a Dream (KJV)
False teachers, hidden predators, and spiritual danger.
Prayer for Teachers and Mentors
Asking God's blessing and endurance for those who teach and guide.
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.