Bible Verses About False Prophets

"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."

"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, even denying the Lord that bought them."

"For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect."

"But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed."

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."

"Thus saith the Lord of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord."

"For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them."

"Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?"

"And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light."

What does the Bible say about false prophets?

Jesus and the apostles repeatedly warned that false prophets would arise—wolves in sheep's clothing who distort truth for personal gain. In an age of competing voices and viral theology, the ability to discern true teaching from false has never been more critical. Key King James Version passages include Matthew 7:15, 1 John 4:1, 2 Peter 2:1. This page collects 10 KJV verses about false prophets, each quoted in full.

How do you identify a false prophet?

Jesus said 'by their fruits ye shall know them' (Matthew 7:16). False prophets can be identified by teaching that contradicts Scripture (Galatians 1:8), living inconsistently with their message (Matthew 7:16-20), seeking personal gain (2 Peter 2:3), denying essential truths about Christ (1 John 4:2-3), and leading people away from God's Word.

Why does God allow false prophets?

God allows false teachers as a test of believers' love for truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12) and to refine the church's discernment. Their presence drives faithful believers deeper into Scripture and closer to genuine fellowship. God also judges false prophets in His timing (2 Peter 2:1-3).