13:22a

For: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as For introduces the basis for the command in 13:21d. In some languages it may be more natural to arrange the information in 13:21–22 in a different order. See the General Comment on 13:21–22 at the end of 13:22d.

false Christs and false prophets will appear: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as false Christs refers to people who say that they are the Messiah but are not. The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as false prophets refers to people who say that they are God’s prophets but are not.

false prophets: The term false prophets refers to people who claimed to speak messages from God but did not really receive their messages from God. They were not true prophets.

Some languages may not have a word for false or “untrue” that can naturally be used with “prophet.”

Here are some other ways to translate this:

those who are not true prophets
-or-
lying prophets
-or-
people who claim/pretend to be God’s prophets (but really are not)

See how you translated “prophet” in 1:2a. Also see prophet in the Glossary.

will appear: The phrase will appear means that these people will begin to speak in public. They will not suddenly become visible by doing some miracle or magic. Different individuals will appear at various times and in various places. The Contemporary English Version says this another way:

will come

13:22b

and perform signs and wonders: The Greek words that the Berean Standard Bible translates as signs and wonders both refer to actions that require great power to accomplish. The text does not mention how these false Christs and false prophets would be able to do such powerful actions. They may have used power from evil spirits or from Satan.

Here are some other ways to translate the phrase perform signs and wonders:

• As two words/phrases. For example:

show signs and do amazing deeds

• As one word/phrase. For example:

do/work many kinds of miracles

signs: The word signs refers to miracles that have a meaning. The word “sign” also occurs in 8:11b and 8:12d. See how you translated it there.

wonders: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates here as wonders refers to an amazing action or event that indicates something.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

amazing deeds/signs
-or-
portents

13:22c

that would deceive: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as that would deceive means “to lead astray” or “to cause to believe lies.” This word also occurs in 13:5 and 13:6c. See how you translated it there.

the elect: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the elect refers to the people whom God has elected or chosen. This word also occurs in 13:20c. See how you translated it there.

In some languages, it may be natural to use a word like “those” or “the previously mentioned” to refer back to a group of people. Consider whether that is the right thing to do here. For example:

deceive those people that God has chosen
-or-
deceive the previously mentioned people that God has chosen

13:22d

In Greek the phrase in 13:22d occurs in the middle of 13:22c, as in the Revised Standard Version. The New International Version introduces this phrase with a dash, while the Berean Standard Bible and Good News Bible use a comma. You may use the order and punctuation that is natural in your language.

if that were possible: The Greek expression that the Berean Standard Bible translates as if that were possible implies that something will not be possible. It will not be possible for these false Christs and false prophets to deceive God’s chosen people.

Here are some other ways to translate this:

if that is possible
-or-
if they can do so

General Comment on 13:21–22

Another way to arrange 13:21–22 is to place the conclusion “So…do not believe him” nearer the end. For example:

21aAt that time 22afalse Christs and false prophets will appear 22band perform signs and miracles 22cto deceive the elect, if they can. 21bSo, if anyone says to you, 21c’Look, here is the Messiah!’ or if anyone says ‘Look, there he is!’ 21ddo not believe him.

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