A nearly word-for-word agreement exists between verses 4-8 and Mark 13.5-8. Matthew makes several stylistic improvements over his Marcan source, but the only significant difference is his alteration of “I am (he)” (Mark 13.6) to “I am the Christ” (verse 5).

Take heed that no one leads you astray (New International Version “Watch out that no one deceives you”), though representing an imperative accompanied by a subjunctive in the Greek text, is in reality the equivalent of two imperatives: “Watch out, and do not let anyone fool you” (Good News Translation). Leads … astray is a concept of primary importance in Matthew’s understanding of the dangers of discipleship. Elsewhere in this same chapter he repeatedly warns that false Messianic claimants and false prophets will attempt to lead the disciples astray (verses 5, 11, 24), and in 18.12-13 he employs the verb three times of disciples who have already gone astray like sheep. Only in 22.29 is the verb used of Jesus’ opponents, the Pharisees; there the middle voice of the verb is translated “you are wrong” by Revised Standard Version.

Take heed is usually rendered with an expression such as “Watch out” or “Be on your guard,” as in the examples above, but sometimes translators find it more natural to use a sentence such as “Make sure that no one deceives you” or “Be careful not to let anyone fool you.” It is not necessary to specify further how they might be led astray, since Jesus tells exactly that in the next verse.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on the Gospel of Matthew. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1988. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .