5580. pseudochristos
Lexical Summary
pseudochristos: False Christ

Original Word: ψευδόχριστος
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: pseudochristos
Pronunciation: psyoo-dokh'-ree-stos
Phonetic Spelling: (psyoo-dokh'-ris-tos)
KJV: false Christ
NASB: false Christs
Word Origin: [from G5571 (ψευδής - false ) and G5547 (Χριστός - Christ)]

1. a false Messiah

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
false Christ.

From pseudes and Christos; a spurious Messiah -- false Christ.

see GREEK pseudes

see GREEK Christos

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from pseudés and Christos
Definition
a false Christ or Messiah
NASB Translation
false Christs (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 5580: ψευδόχριστος

ψευδόχριστος, ψευδοχριστου, (ψευδής and χριστός), a false Christ (or Messiah) (one who falsely lays claim to the name and office of the Messiah): Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22.

Topical Lexicon
Identification of the Term

Strong’s Greek 5580 designates pretenders who claim the Messianic title that belongs exclusively to Jesus of Nazareth. These impostors present themselves as legitimate saviors, yet their message, character, and works betray them as agents of deception.

Biblical Usage

The New Testament records the word in two parallel warnings spoken by the Lord Himself: Matthew 24:24 and Mark 13:22. In both passages Jesus places the rise of such figures within the wider framework of end-time birth pains: “For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect” (Matthew 24:24). Several observations emerge:
• They arise in tandem with false prophets, showing a partnership between counterfeit revelation and counterfeit redemption.
• They wield persuasive “signs and wonders,” underscoring that supernatural displays are not self-authenticating.
• Their ultimate objective is to mislead, aiming even at those firmly grounded in the faith.

The double witness of Matthew and Mark stresses the pastoral urgency of Jesus’ warning: vigilance is a standing duty of the Church until His return.

Old Testament and Intertestamental Background

While the precise term appears only in the New Testament, the concept is foreshadowed throughout Scripture. Moses cautioned Israel against prophets who entice the people to follow other gods (Deuteronomy 13:1-5). The period between the Testaments witnessed leaders such as Theudas and Judas the Galilean (Acts 5:36-37) whose failed uprisings revealed the fleeting nature of self-appointed deliverers. These antecedents prepared Jesus’ audience to recognize the gravity of His prophetic caution.

Eschatological Significance

The presence of false Messiahs is one of several signs that herald the approach of “the end of the age” (Matthew 24:3). Far from being a mere historical curiosity, their future appearance remains an essential piece of the prophetic puzzle. The intensity of their deception—empowered by “great signs and wonders”—echoes Paul’s description of “the lawless one” whose coming is “in accord with the activity of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder” (2 Thessalonians 2:9). Thus, 5580 points forward to a climactic counterfeit that culminates in the person commonly called the Antichrist, while also encompassing lesser pretenders throughout the age.

Historical Manifestations

Since the first century, numerous individuals have attempted to occupy Christ’s throne in the public imagination:
• Simon bar Kokhba (second century) led a revolt that many hailed as the long-awaited Messiah, only to bring devastation upon Judea.
• Sabbatai Zevi (seventeenth century) gained a widespread following in the Jewish diaspora before converting to Islam under duress, shattering hopes and faith.
• Modern claimants range from political revolutionaries to fringe religious leaders who promise earthly utopias or private revelations.

Each episode validates Jesus’ prophecy and calls the contemporary Church to anew discernment.

Theological Themes

1. Exclusive Lordship of Christ: The very existence of false Christs testifies to the uniqueness of the true Christ. Counterfeits derive whatever appeal they possess from the genuine glory they mimic.
2. Nature of Deception: 5580 highlights deception that is both doctrinal (a different gospel) and experiential (signs and wonders). Genuine faith must evaluate claims by the apostolic gospel, not by spectacle.
3. Perseverance of the Saints: The elect cannot finally be deceived, yet the warning shows that perseverance requires alertness, prayer, and scriptural grounding (compare 2 Peter 3:17-18).

Pastoral and Ministry Implications

• Teaching: Expositors should regularly remind congregations of Jesus’ warnings, integrating them into eschatology, apologetics, and discipleship curricula.
• Discernment: Believers test every extraordinary claim by the infallible canon of Scripture and by the confession that “Jesus Christ has come in the flesh” (1 John 4:2).
• Mission: Awareness of counterfeit saviors underscores the urgency of proclaiming the authentic gospel wherein alone salvation is found (Acts 4:12).
• Spiritual Vigilance: Prayer, fellowship, and adherence to sound doctrine are protective bulwarks against the allure of charismatic deceivers.

Related Scriptural Parallels

Matthew 7:15 – Jesus warns of “false prophets” who come in sheep’s clothing.
2 Corinthians 11:3-4 – Paul fears lest believers accept “another Jesus.”
1 John 2:18 – “Even now many antichrists have arisen.”
Revelation 13:13-14 – The beast performs signs to deceive those who dwell on the earth.

These passages form a composite portrait, situating 5580 within a broader biblical confrontation between truth and error.

Practical Counsel for the Contemporary Church

1. Cultivate a high view of Scripture; it alone anchors faith amid sensational claims.
2. Emphasize the completed, once-for-all work of Jesus Christ to forestall any need for supplemental redeemers.
3. Equip believers to distinguish between charismatic gifting and Christ-exalting fruit (Galatians 5:22-23).
4. Maintain global awareness; many modern movements arise outside the immediate purview of Western Christianity yet still threaten the worldwide body of Christ.

Conclusion

Strong’s Greek 5580 serves as a sober reminder that the glory of Jesus Christ inevitably attracts imitation. Scripture’s dual testimony in Matthew and Mark anchors the Church’s vigilance, ensuring that authentic hope remains fixed on the crucified and risen Lord who alone can say, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6).

Forms and Transliterations
ψευδοχριστοι ψευδόχριστοι pseudochristoi pseudóchristoi
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Englishman's Concordance
Matthew 24:24 N-NMP
GRK: ἐγερθήσονται γὰρ ψευδόχριστοι καὶ ψευδοπροφῆται
NAS: For FALSE Christs and false prophets
KJV: there shall arise false Christs, and
INT: There will arise for false Christs and false prophets

Mark 13:22 N-NMP
GRK: ἐγερθήσονται γὰρ ψευδόχριστοι καὶ ψευδοπροφῆται
NAS: for FALSE Christs and false prophets
KJV: For false Christs and false prophets
INT: There will arise for false Christs and false prophets

Strong's Greek 5580
2 Occurrences


ψευδόχριστοι — 2 Occ.

5579
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