Topical Bible: Beware

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The term "beware" in the Bible serves as a cautionary directive, urging believers to be vigilant and discerning in their spiritual walk. It is often used to warn against false teachings, sinful behaviors, and spiritual complacency. The Bible emphasizes the importance of being alert to the dangers that can lead one away from the truth of God's Word.

Warnings Against False Prophets and Teachers

One of the primary contexts in which "beware" is used is in relation to false prophets and teachers. Jesus Himself warned His followers to be on guard against those who would lead them astray. In Matthew 7:15, He states, "Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves." This metaphor highlights the deceptive nature of false teachers who appear harmless but are spiritually dangerous.

The Apostle Paul also cautioned the early church about false teachings. In Acts 20:29-31, he warns the Ephesian elders, "I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them. Therefore be on the alert..." This passage underscores the need for constant vigilance within the church community.

Guarding Against Sin and Temptation

The Bible also uses "beware" to caution against sin and temptation. In Luke 12:15, Jesus warns, "Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." Here, the warning is against the sin of greed, reminding believers that true life is not found in material wealth but in spiritual richness.

Similarly, in Philippians 3:2, Paul advises, "Watch out for those dogs, those workers of evil, those mutilators of the flesh." This warning is against those who would impose legalistic practices on believers, detracting from the grace of the Gospel.

Spiritual Complacency

Another area of caution is spiritual complacency. In Hebrews 3:12, the writer exhorts, "See to it, brothers, that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief that turns away from the living God." This serves as a reminder to remain steadfast in faith and not to allow doubt or apathy to take root.

Practical Application

The biblical exhortation to "beware" is a call to active spiritual discernment. Believers are encouraged to test all teachings against Scripture, to remain grounded in the truth, and to be aware of the spiritual battles that surround them. The warnings serve as a reminder that the Christian walk requires constant vigilance and reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance and protection.

In summary, the biblical use of "beware" is a multifaceted warning that encompasses the need to guard against false teachings, sin, and spiritual complacency. It is a call to remain alert and faithful in the pursuit of holiness and truth.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

1. (v. i.) To be on one's guard; to be cautious; to take care; -- commonly followed by of or lest before the thing that is to be avoided.

2. (v. i.) To have a special regard; to heed.

3. (v. t.) To avoid; to take care of; to have a care for.

Greek

4337. prosecho -- to hold to, turn to, attend to
... Phonetic Spelling: (pros-ekh'-o) Short Definition: I pay attention to, devote myself
to Definition: (a) I attend to, pay attention to, (b) I beware, am cautious ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4337.htm - 8k

991. blepo -- to look (at)
... spiritual results (perception)." That is, it carries into the non-physical (immaterial)
realm so a person can take the needed action (respond, beware, be alert ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/991.htm - 9k

3708. horao -- to see, perceive, attend to
... horao Phonetic Spelling: (hor-ah'-o) Short Definition: I see, look upon, experience
Definition: I see, look upon, experience, perceive, discern, beware. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3708.htm - 9k

1983. episkopeo -- to look upon, fig. to care for
... look diligently, take the oversight. From epi and skopeo; to oversee; by implication,
to beware -- look diligently, take the oversight. see GREEK epi. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1983.htm - 7k

5442. phulasso -- to guard, watch
... guarding. [: Lk 12:15, "Beware of," (, "Keep from," cf. Ac 21:25); 2 Tim
4:15, "Be aware" (see Vine, Unger, White, , 65).]. Word ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5442.htm - 9k

4648. skopeo -- to look at, contemplate
... skopeo Phonetic Spelling: (skop-eh'-o) Short Definition: regard attentively, take
heed Definition: I look at, regard attentively, take heed, beware, consider. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4648.htm - 6k

Strong's Hebrew

6191. arom -- to be shrewd or crafty
... very, beware, take crafty counsel, be prudent, deal subtilly. A primitive
root; properly, to be (or make) bare; but used only in ...
/hebrew/6191.htm - 6k

1934. hava -- to become, come to pass, be
... Word Origin (Aramaic) corresponding to havah Definition to become, come to pass,
be NASB Word Usage became (2), beware (1), continued (1), had (1), have (1 ...
/hebrew/1934.htm - 6k

8104. shamar -- to keep, watch, preserve
... root Definition to keep, watch, preserve NASB Word Usage attend (4), being careful
(1), beware (8), bodyguard* (1), careful (32), careful to keep (1), cares (1 ...
/hebrew/8104.htm - 7k

Library

I Beware when Slumber Binds Thee
... MIDNIGHT i Beware when slumber binds thee. 'Idou o Numphios erchetai en ta meso
tes nuktos Troparia. ... In the middle of the night. Beware when slumber binds thee. ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the russian church/i beware when slumber binds.htm

Beware of False Teachers.
... Chapter VII."Beware of false teachers. For some are in the habit of carrying
about the name [of Jesus Christ] in wicked guile, while ...
/.../chapter vii beware of false teachers.htm

Beware of False Doctrines.
... Chapter XVII."Beware of false doctrines. For this end did the Lord suffer
the ointment to be poured upon His head, [602] that ...
/.../chapter xvii beware of false doctrines.htm

O Faithful, Beware of Evil.
... XLVIII."O Faithful, Beware of Evil. The birds are deceived, and the beasts
of the woods in the woods, by those very charms by ...
/.../the instructions of commodianus/xlviii o faithful beware of evil.htm

The Forty-Third Chapter: Beware Vain and Worldly Knowledge
... BOOK THREE. INTERNAL CONSOLATION The Forty-Third Chapter: Beware Vain and
Worldly Knowledge. The Voice of Christ MY CHILD, do not ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the forty-third chapter beware vain.htm

"Beware of False Prophets. "
... Homily XI. Chapter XXXV.""Beware of False Prophets.". Then after three
months were fulfilled, he ordered me to fast for several ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter xxxv beware of false prophets.htm

Beware of Judaizing.
... Chapter X."Beware of Judaizing. Let us not, therefore, be insensible to His kindness.
For were He to reward us according to our works, we should cease to be. ...
/.../the epistle of ignatius to the magnesians/chapter x beware of judaizing.htm

Beware of These Heretics.
... Chapter IV."Beware of these heretics. I give you these instructions, beloved,
assured that ye also hold the same opinions [as I do]. ...
/.../chapter iv beware of these heretics.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xviii. 7, Where we are ...
... xviii. 7, where we are admonished to beware of the offences of the world. [LXXXI.
Ben.] ... Of an offence beware, but of a press of trouble not so much. ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxxi on the words.htm

Young Moody Penniless in Boston is Warned by his Sister to "Beware ...
... Young Moody Penniless in Boston is Warned by his Sister to "Beware of
Pickpockets.". I remember when I was a boy and went to Boston ...
/.../moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/young moody penniless in boston.htm

Thesaurus

Beware (51 Occurrences)
...Beware (51 Occurrences). ... (WEY NAS RSV). Matthew 7:15 "Beware of false prophets, who
come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. ...
/b/beware.htm - 21k

Yeast (48 Occurrences)
... NIV). Matthew 16:6 Jesus said to them, "Take heed and beware of the yeast
of the Pharisees and Sadducees." (WEB WEY NIV). Matthew ...
/y/yeast.htm - 21k

Concision (1 Occurrence)
... ie, "mutilation"), a term used by Paul contemptuously of those who were zealots
for circumcision (Philippians 3:2). Instead of the warning, "Beware of the ...
/c/concision.htm - 8k

Leaven (24 Occurrences)
... Matthew 16:6 Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the
Pharisees and of the Sadducees. (KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). ...
/l/leaven.htm - 21k

Workers (76 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS). Philippians 3:2 Beware of the dogs, beware
of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision. ...
/w/workers.htm - 28k

Ware (6 Occurrences)
... See Beware. 6. (n.) The state of being ware or aware; heed. 7. (vt) To make ware;
to warn; to take heed of; to beware of; to guard against. ...
/w/ware.htm - 8k

Evil-workers (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Evil-workers (1 Occurrence). Philippians 3:2 Beware of
dogs, beware of evil-workers, beware of the concision. (WBS YLT RSV). ...
/e/evil-workers.htm - 6k

Dogs (30 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Philippians 3:2 Beware of the dogs,
beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision. ...
/d/dogs.htm - 15k

Heed (223 Occurrences)
... Matthew 16:6 Jesus said to them, "Take heed and beware of the yeast of the
Pharisees and Sadducees." (WEB KJV ASV WBS YLT RSV). Matthew ...
/h/heed.htm - 36k

Forget (77 Occurrences)
... WL Walker. Multi-Version Concordance Forget (77 Occurrences). Romans
11:18 beware of glorying over the natural branches. Or if you ...
/f/forget.htm - 31k

Resources

How can I recognize a false teacher / false prophet? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that you will know them by their fruit in Matthew 7:16? | GotQuestions.org

What is a scorner in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Beware: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus

Concordance

Beware (51 Occurrences)

Matthew 6:1
"But beware of doing your good actions in the sight of men, in order to attract their gaze; if you do, there is no reward for you with your Father who is in Heaven.
(WEY NAS RSV)

Matthew 7:15
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV)

Matthew 10:17
But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV)

Matthew 16:6
Jesus said to them, "Take heed and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees."
(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Matthew 16:11
How is it that you don't perceive that I didn't speak to you concerning bread? But beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees."
(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV)

Matthew 16:12
Then they understood that he didn't tell them to beware of the yeast of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
(WEB KJV ASV DBY NAS RSV)

Matthew 18:10
"Beware of ever despising one of these little ones, for I tell you that in Heaven their angels have continual access to my Father who is in Heaven.
(WEY YLT)

Mark 8:15
He warned them, saying, "Take heed: beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod."
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Mark 12:38
In his teaching he said to them, "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk in long robes, and to get greetings in the marketplaces,
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Mark 13:36
Beware lest He should arrive unexpectedly and find you asleep.
(WEY)

Luke 12:1
Meanwhile, when a multitude of many thousands had gathered together, so much so that they trampled on each other, he began to tell his disciples first of all, "Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV)

Luke 12:15
He said to them, "Beware! Keep yourselves from covetousness, for a man's life doesn't consist of the abundance of the things which he possesses."
(WEB KJV WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Luke 20:46
"Beware of the scribes, who like to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts;
(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Luke 21:36
But beware of slumbering; and every moment pray that you may be fully strengthened to escape from all these coming evils, and to take your stand in the presence of the Son of Man."
(WEY)

Acts 13:40
Beware therefore, lest that come on you which is spoken in the prophets:
(WEB KJV WEY ASV WBS RSV)

Romans 11:18
beware of glorying over the natural branches. Or if you are so glorying, do not forget that it is not you who uphold the root: the root upholds you.
(WEY)

1 Corinthians 10:12
So then let him who thinks he is standing securely beware of falling.
(WEY)

Galatians 5:15
But if you are perpetually snarling and snapping at one another, beware lest you are destroyed by one another.
(WEY)

Ephesians 4:26
If angry, beware of sinning. Let not your irritation last until the sun goes down;
(WEY)

Ephesians 4:30
And beware of grieving the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you have been sealed in preparation for the day of Redemption.
(WEY)

Philippians 3:2
Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV WBS NAS)

Colossians 2:8
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
(KJV WBS)

2 Timothy 4:15
of whom you also must beware; for he greatly opposed our words.
(WEB WEY ASV YLT RSV)

Hebrews 3:12
Beware, brothers, lest perhaps there be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in falling away from the living God;
(WEB)

2 Peter 3:17
You therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand, beware, lest being carried away with the error of the wicked, you fall from your own steadfastness.
(WEB KJV ASV WBS RSV)

Genesis 24:6
Abraham said to him, "Beware that you don't bring my son there again.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS)

Exodus 10:28
Pharaoh said to him, "Get away from me! Be careful to see my face no more; for in the day you see my face you shall die!"
(See NAS)

Exodus 19:12
You shall set bounds to the people all around, saying,'Be careful that you don't go up onto the mountain, or touch its border. Whoever touches the mountain shall be surely put to death.
(See NAS)

Exodus 23:5
If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under its burden, beware of leaving it to him: thou shalt certainly loosen it with him.
(DBY)

Exodus 23:21
Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him.
(KJV WBS)

Deuteronomy 4:16
Lest you corrupt yourselves, and make yourself an engraved image in the form of any figure, the likeness of male or female,
(See RSV)

Deuteronomy 4:19
and lest you lift up your eyes to the sky, and when you see the sun and the moon and the stars, even all the army of the sky, you are drawn away and worship them, and serve them, which Yahweh your God has allotted to all the peoples under the whole sky.
(See NAS RSV)

Deuteronomy 6:12
then beware lest you forget Yahweh, who brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS)

Deuteronomy 8:11
Beware lest you forget Yahweh your God, in not keeping his commandments, and his ordinances, and his statutes, which I command you this day:
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS)

Deuteronomy 8:17
and lest you say in your heart, "My power and the might of my hand has gotten me this wealth."
(See RSV)

Deuteronomy 11:16
Take heed to yourselves, lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them;
(See NAS)

Deuteronomy 12:30
take heed to yourself that you not be ensnared to follow them, after that they are destroyed from before you; and that you not inquire after their gods, saying, "How do these nations serve their gods? I will do likewise."
(See NAS)

Deuteronomy 15:9
Beware that there not be a base thought in your heart, saying, "The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand;" and your eye be evil against your poor brother, and you give him nothing; and he cry to Yahweh against you, and it be sin to you.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS)

Deuteronomy 29:18
lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turns away this day from Yahweh our God, to go to serve the gods of those nations; lest there should be among you a root that bears gall and wormwood;
(See RSV)

Judges 13:4
Now therefore please beware and drink no wine nor strong drink, and don't eat any unclean thing:
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV)

Judges 13:13
The angel of Yahweh said to Manoah, "Of all that I said to the woman let her beware.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV)

2 Samuel 18:12
The man said to Joab, "Though I should receive a thousand pieces of silver in my hand, I still wouldn't put forth my hand against the king's son; for in our hearing the king commanded you and Abishai and Ittai, saying,'Beware that none touch the young man Absalom.'
(WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS)

2 Kings 6:9
The man of God sent to the king of Israel, saying, "Beware that you not pass such a place; for the Syrians are coming down there."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

2 Chronicles 35:21
But he sent ambassadors to him, saying, What have I to do with you, you king of Judah? I come not against you this day, but against the house with which I have war; and God has commanded me to make haste: beware that it is God who is with me, that he not destroy you.
(WEB)

Ezra 4:22
And beware ye of negligence in doing this; why doth the hurt become great to the loss of the kings?'
(YLT NAS)

Job 32:13
Beware lest you say,'We have found wisdom, God may refute him, not man;'
(WEB JPS ASV RSV)

Job 36:18
Because there is wrath, beware lest he take thee away with his stroke: then a great ransom cannot deliver thee.
(KJV JPS DBY WBS NAS RSV)

Proverbs 19:25
Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.
(KJV DBY WBS)

Ecclesiastes 12:12
And further, my son, take note of this: of the making of books there is no end, and much learning is a weariness to the flesh.
(See RSV)

Isaiah 36:18
Beware lest Hezekiah persuade you, saying, "Yahweh will deliver us." Have any of the gods of the nations delivered their lands from the hand of the king of Assyria?
(WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS NAS RSV)

Jeremiah 9:4
Each of his friend -- beware ye, And on any brother, do not trust, For every brother doth utterly supplant, For every friend slanderously doth walk,
(YLT RSV NIV)

Subtopics

Beware

Related Terms

Bewilderment (7 Occurrences)

Influence (13 Occurrences)

Beware (51 Occurrences)

Overwhelms (5 Occurrences)

Occurred (23 Occurrences)

Lost (85 Occurrences)

Gained (66 Occurrences)

Proofs (3 Occurrences)

Astounded (12 Occurrences)