Definition: And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any [man] deceive you:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Mark 13:5: “And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you.” What it means in simple terms: Jesus is telling his followers – likely the disciples – that they need to be vigilant and watch out for trickery. He’s warning them about potential deception. Let's unpack it a little: “And Jesus answering them…” - This means Jesus heard what they were saying and responded to them. “…began to say…” – Jesus started speaking. “Take heed lest any man deceive you:” - This is the core of the warning. “Take heed” means "watch out," "be careful," or "pay attention." The phrase "lest" (meaning “if…or…so”) indicates a strong warning – it’s important to avoid this danger. "Any man" refers to anyone , regardless of their status or how clever they are. What does it mean practically? The verse is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of the events that would lead to Jesus' betrayal and crucifixion. It suggests that people might try to trick or mislead him, potentially leading to his suffering. It’s a message about critical thinking and discernment – being aware of potential deception in our lives. Context & Significance: This verse is found in the Gospel of Mark, which is one of the Gospels (accounts of Jesus' life). It’s a key part of understanding what was happening before Jesus’ death. It’s a message about spiritual truth and the importance of being discerning. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you a related Bible passage or story?