“In sheep's clothing… ravenous wolves”
Matthew 7:15
Figure of speechWell-supportedJesus
Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. (Matthew 7:15 BSB)
What it sounds like today
A wolf wearing a sheep disguise: a cartoon image.
The cultural key
Prophets wore a recognizable uniform: the rough woolen or hairy mantle of Elijah (Zechariah 13:4 speaks of false prophets donning 'a hairy cloak to deceive'). 'Sheep's clothing' is likely the wool prophet's mantle: dressing the part of God's shepherd-adjacent messenger. Wolves were the flock's one great predator.
Recovered meaning
The dangerous deceiver doesn't look dangerous; he looks like a prophet, costume correct, credentials plausible. So test fruit, not wardrobe (the very next verse).