Does the Bible say it?
Is "a wolf in sheep's clothing" in the Bible?
Yes. "A wolf in sheep's clothing" originates with Jesus in Matthew 7:15, where He warns to beware of false prophets who come in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravening wolves. The image is genuinely biblical. Paul later echoes the same picture in Acts 20:29, warning that grievous wolves would enter and not spare the flock.
What it actually is
The phrase comes directly from Jesus in Matthew 7:15, part of the Sermon on the Mount, where He warns His hearers to beware of false prophets who arrive in the outward disguise of sheep while inwardly they are ravening wolves.
The same picture appears again in Acts 20:29, where Paul warns the Ephesian elders that after his departure grievous wolves will enter in among them, not sparing the flock. So the familiar expression is not merely proverbial folk wisdom; it is a biblical warning about deception that looks trustworthy on the surface.
What the Bible actually says
Here is the warning as Jesus first gave it, with Paul's later echo.
A better question than the quote
Behind every “is this in the Bible?” is a gentler one: what does the Bible actually say, and who is the Jesus at the center of it? You do not have to take our word for it, ours least of all. Read his own words and see for yourself. It costs nothing but a little quiet and an honest look.
Meet JesusHis words and actsRead the Gospel of JohnJesus Christ is Lord.
Frequently asked questions
- Did Jesus actually say "wolf in sheep's clothing"?
- Yes. The words appear in Matthew 7:15, spoken by Jesus during the Sermon on the Mount. He warns His listeners to beware of false prophets who come in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravening wolves. The saying we use today is a close paraphrase of His exact warning about deceptive teachers.
- What does the phrase mean in the Bible?
- In Matthew 7:15 the phrase describes someone dangerous who disguises himself as harmless. Jesus applies it to false prophets and teachers who appear gentle and godly outwardly but inwardly intend harm. The surrounding verses tell how to spot them: by their fruits you shall know them.
- Is Aesop or the Bible the source?
- Both traditions use the image, but the well known English wording tracks to Jesus in Matthew 7:15. A similar fable is attributed to Aesop, yet the phrase most people quote reflects the Gospel warning about false prophets rather than the fable.