diff --git a/flytekit/models/filters.py b/flytekit/models/filters.py
index 2b0cb04d88..5d7bb55104 100644
--- a/flytekit/models/filters.py
+++ b/flytekit/models/filters.py
@@ -118,6 +118,8 @@ def __init__(self, key, values):
         :param Text key:  The name of the field to compare against
         :param list[Text] values:  A list of textual values to compare.
         """
+        if not isinstance(values, list):
+            raise TypeError(f"values must be a list. but got {type(values)}")
         super(SetFilter, self).__init__(key, ";".join(values))
 
     @classmethod
diff --git a/tests/flytekit/unit/models/test_filters.py b/tests/flytekit/unit/models/test_filters.py
index 7f4f9c9b86..d995eeb805 100644
--- a/tests/flytekit/unit/models/test_filters.py
+++ b/tests/flytekit/unit/models/test_filters.py
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 from flytekit.models import filters
-
+import pytest
 
 def test_eq_filter():
     assert filters.Equal("key", "value").to_flyte_idl() == "eq(key,value)"
@@ -28,6 +28,10 @@ def test_lte_filter():
 def test_value_in_filter():
     assert filters.ValueIn("key", ["1", "2", "3"]).to_flyte_idl() == "value_in(key,1;2;3)"
 
+def test_invalid_value_in_filter():
+    with pytest.raises(TypeError, match=r"values must be a list. but got .*"):
+        filters.ValueIn("key", "1")
+
 
 def test_contains_filter():
     assert filters.Contains("key", ["1", "2", "3"]).to_flyte_idl() == "contains(key,1;2;3)"