Jude
Jude front
Introduction to Jude
Part 1: General introduction
Outline of the book of Jude
- Introduction (1:1–2)
- Warning against false teachers (1:3–4)
- Comparison of false teachers to Old Testament examples (1:5–16)
- Exhortation to live godly lives in response (1:17–23)
- Praises to God (1:24–25)
Who wrote the book of Jude?
The author identified himself as Jude, the brother of James. Both Jude and James were half-brothers of Jesus. It is unknown whether this letter was intended for a specific church.
What is the book of Jude about?
Jude wrote this letter to warn believers against false teachers. Jude often referred to the Old Testament. This may suggest that Jude was writing to a Jewish Christian audience. This letter and 2 Peter have similar content. They both speak about angels, Sodom and Gomorrah, and false teachers.
How should the title of this book be translated?
Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “Jude.” Or they may choose a clearer title, such as “The Letter from Jude” or “The Letter Jude Wrote.” (See: How to Translate Names)
Part 2: Important religious and cultural concepts
Who were the people Jude spoke against?
It is possible that the people Jude spoke against were those who would later become known as Gnostics. These teachers distorted the teachings of Scripture for their own gain. They lived in immoral ways and taught others to do the same.
Part 3: Important translation issues
Singular and plural “you”
In this book, the word “I” refers to Jude. Also, the word “you” is always plural and refers to Jude’s audience. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’ and Forms of You)
What are the major issues in the text of the Book of 2 Peter?
For the following verse, there are differences between some of the ancient manuscripts. The ULT text follows the reading that most scholars consider to be original and puts the other reading in a footnote. If a translation of the Bible exists in the language of wider communication in the region, translators may want to consider using the reading found in that version. If not, translators are advised to follow the reading in the ULT. * “that Jesus, having saved a people out of the land of Egypt” (v. 5). Some ancient manuscripts have, “that the Lord, having saved a people out of the land of Egypt.”
(See: Textual Variants)
Jude 1
Jude 1:1
Ἰούδας
In this culture, letter writers would give their own names first, and they would refer to themselves in the third person. If that would be confusing in your language, you could use the first person. If your language has a particular way of introducing the author of a letter, you could also use that. Alternate translation: “I, Jude, am writing this letter” or “From Jude” (See: First, Second or Third Person)
Ἰούδας
Jude is the name of a man, the brother of James. See the information about him in Part 1 of the Introduction to Jude. (See: How to Translate Names)
Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ δοῦλος, ἀδελφὸς δὲ Ἰακώβου
These phrases give further information about Jude. He describes himself as being both a servant of Jesus Christ and the brother of James. This distinguishes him from the two other men named Jude in the New Testament, which English translations usually distinguish from Jude by translating their names as “Judas”. (See: Distinguishing Versus Informing or Reminding)
ἀδελφὸς…Ἰακώβου
James and Jude were half brothers of Jesus. Joseph was their physical father, but he was not the physical father of Jesus. If your readers would misunderstand this relationship, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “a brother of James, both being half brothers of Jesus” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
τοῖς…κλητοῖς
In this culture, after giving their own names, letter writers would then say to whom they were writing, naming those people in the third person. If that would be confusing in your language, you could use the second person. Alternate translation: “to you who are called” (See: First, Second or Third Person)
τοῖς…κλητοῖς
That these people have been called implies that God has called and saved them. Alternate translation: “to those to whom God has called and saved” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
ἐν Θεῷ Πατρὶ ἠγαπημένοις
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “those whom God the Father loves” (See: Active or Passive)
Θεῷ Πατρὶ
Father is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)
Ἰησοῦ Χριστῷ τετηρημένοις
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “those whom Jesus Christ keeps” (See: Active or Passive)
Jude 1:2
ἔλεος ὑμῖν, καὶ εἰρήνη, καὶ ἀγάπη πληθυνθείη.
In this culture, letter writers would offer a good wish for the recipient before introducing the main business of the letter. Use a form in your language that makes it clear that this is a greeting and blessing. Alternate translation: “May God increase his mercy and peace and love to you” (See: Blessings)
ἔλεος ὑμῖν, καὶ εἰρήνη, καὶ ἀγάπη πληθυνθείη
If your readers would misunderstand the abstract nouns mercy, peace, and love, you could express the ideas behind them with equivalent expressions. Alternate translation: “May God multiply his merciful acts to you and give you a more peaceful spirit and love you more and more” (See: Abstract Nouns)
ἔλεος…καὶ εἰρήνη, καὶ ἀγάπη πληθυνθείη.
Jude speaks of mercy and peace and love as if they were objects that could increase in size or numbers. If this is confusing in your language, you can use a different metaphor that means that these things will increase, or use plain language. Alternate translation: “May God increase his mercy and peace and love” (See: Metaphor)
ὑμῖν
The word you in this letter refers to the Christians to whom Jude was writing and is always plural. (See: Forms of You)
Jude 1:3
ἀγαπητοί
Beloved ones refers here to those to whom Jude is writing; it can be extended to all believers. If your readers would misunderstand this term, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Beloved fellow believers” (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)
πᾶσαν σπουδὴν ποιούμενος γράφειν ὑμῖν
This clause could refer to: (1) that fact that Jude had intended to write about something different than this letter is about. Alternate translation: “although making every effort to write to you” (2) the time when Jude was writing. Alternate translation: “when making every effort to write to you”
περὶ τῆς κοινῆς ἡμῶν σωτηρίας
Alternate translation: “concerning the salvation we share”
περὶ τῆς κοινῆς ἡμῶν σωτηρίας
If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun salvation, you could express the idea behind it with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “about how God saved us all together” (See: Abstract Nouns)
ἡμῶν
Here, our refers to Jude and his audience, fellow believers. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)
ἀνάγκην ἔσχον γράψαι
If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun necessity, you could express the idea behind it with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “I needed to write” (See: Abstract Nouns)
παρακαλῶν ἐπαγωνίζεσθαι τῇ…πίστει
This is a purpose clause. Jude is stating the purpose for which he has written the letter. In your translation, follow the conventions of your language for purpose clauses. Alternate translation (without a comma preceding): “in order to exhort to contend for the faith” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)
παρακαλῶν ἐπαγωνίζεσθαι τῇ…πίστει
Jude is leaving out a word that a sentence would need in many languages in order to be complete. This word can be supplied from the previous clause. Alternate translation: “exhorting you to contend for the faith” (See: Ellipsis)
τῇ ἅπαξ παραδοθείσῃ τοῖς ἁγίοις πίστει
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “for the faith that God delivered once for all to the saints” (See: Active or Passive)
ἅπαξ
Here, once for all expresses the idea of something that was done only once and never again. The meaning of for all is “for all time.” It does not mean “for the sake of all people.”
Jude 1:4
γάρ
Here, For indicates that Jude is giving a reason for why he said in the previous verse that he wants his readers to “contend for the faith.” Alternate translation: “I want you do to this because” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)
παρεισέδυσαν γάρ τινες ἄνθρωποι
Alternate translation: “For some men have snuck in unnoticed” or “For some men have come in without drawing attention to themselves”
παρεισέδυσαν γάρ τινες ἄνθρωποι
In this phrase, Jude is leaving out words from this sentence that it would need in many languages in order to be complete. If this phrase is required in your language, it can be supplied from verse 12. Alternate translation: “For certain men have entered secretly into your love feasts” or “For certain men have entered secretly into your gatherings” (See: Ellipsis)
οἱ πάλαι προγεγραμμένοι εἰς τοῦτο τὸ κρίμα
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express this with an active form and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “men whom God long ago designated beforehand for this condemnation” (See: Active or Passive)
εἰς τοῦτο τὸ κρίμα
If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun condemnation, you could express the idea behind it with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “to be condemned” (See: Abstract Nouns)
ἀσεβεῖς
Here, ungodly ones refers to the “certain men” mentioned at the beginning of the verse. They are the false teachers Jude is warning his readers about. If your readers would misunderstand this term, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “ungodly false teachers” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
τὴν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν χάριτα μετατιθέντες εἰς ἀσέλγειαν
Here, God’s grace is spoken of figuratively as if it were a thing that could be changed into something sinful. If this would be confusing in your language, you could translate this in a non-figurative way. The false teachers were teaching that believers could do sexually immoral acts because God’s grace allowed it. Paul addressed this kind of false teaching when he wrote in Romans 6:1-2a: “Should we continue in sin so that grace may abound? May it never be!” Alternate translation: “teaching that God’s grace permits licentiousness” (See: Metaphor)
ἡμῶν…ἡμῶν
Both occurrences of our in this verse refer to all believers. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)
τὴν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν χάριτα
If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun grace, you could express the idea behind it with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “the kind acts of our God” (See: Abstract Nouns)
εἰς ἀσέλγειαν
If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun licentiousness, you could express the idea behind it with an adjective phrase. Alternate translation: “into licentious behavior” (See: Abstract Nouns)
τὸν μόνον Δεσπότην καὶ Κύριον ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν, ἀρνούμενοι
Alternate translation: “teaching that Jesus Christ is not our Master and Lord”
τὸν μόνον Δεσπότην καὶ Κύριον ἡμῶν
Here, our Lord means “the person who is lord over us” or “the person who rules over us.” The conjunction and indicates that our also applies back to only Master, meaning “the person who owns us.” Alternate translation: “the only person who owns us and rules over us” (See: Possession)
Jude 1:5
ὑπομνῆσαι…ὑμᾶς βούλομαι, εἰδότας ὑμᾶς ἅπαξ πάντα
If it would be natural in your language, you could reverse the order of the first two clauses. Alternate translation: “you knowing all things once for all, I want to remind you” (See: Information Structure)
πάντα
Here, all things refers specifically to all the information of which Jude is going to remind his readers. It does not mean everything there is to know about God or everything in general. If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “all these things of which I am reminding you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
ὅτι Ἰησοῦς
Here, some ancient manuscripts have, “that the Lord.” See the discussion of textual issues at the end of the Introduction to Jude to decide which phrase to use in your translation. (See: Textual Variants)
λαὸν ἐκ γῆς Αἰγύπτου σώσας
This could mean that: (1) Jude is indicating the timing of the event described in this clause, in which case the timing is made clear by the occurrence of “afterward” in the next clause. (2) Jude is making a contrast between what Jesus did in this clause and what he did in the next. Alternate translation: “although he saved a people out of the land of Egypt”
λαὸν ἐκ γῆς Αἰγύπτου σώσας
If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state explicitly who the people were that he saved. Alternate translation: “having saved the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt” or “having saved the Israelites out of the land of Egypt” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Jude 1:6
τοὺς μὴ τηρήσαντας τὴν ἑαυτῶν ἀρχὴν
Here, Jude uses this phrase to distinguish the angels who were kept by God for judgment from those who were not. (See: Distinguishing Versus Informing or Reminding)
τὴν ἑαυτῶν ἀρχὴν
Here, the word translated as domain refers to one’s sphere of influence or the place where one has authority. Alternate translation: “their proper area of influence” or “their own place of authority”
δεσμοῖς ἀϊδίοις ὑπὸ ζόφον τετήρηκεν
Here, he refers to God. If it would be helpful for your readers, you can express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “God has kept in eternal chains, under darkness” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)
δεσμοῖς ἀϊδίοις ὑπὸ ζόφον τετήρηκεν
Here, kept in eternal chains refers to imprisonment that lasts forever. If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you could include the idea of imprisonment in your translation. Alternate translations: “God has imprisoned for eternity, under darkness”
ὑπὸ ζόφον
Here, darkness is a metonym which represents the place of the dead or hell. Alternate translation: “in the utter darkness of hell” (See: Metonymy)
εἰς κρίσιν μεγάλης ἡμέρας
This phrase gives the purpose or goal for which the angels have been imprisoned. Alternate translation: “for the purpose of the judgment of the great day” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)
εἰς κρίσιν μεγάλης ἡμέρας
If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun judgment, you could express the idea behind it with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “for the great day when God judges” (See: Abstract Nouns)
μεγάλης ἡμέρας
Here, the great day refers to “the day of the Lord,” which is the time when God judges everyone, and Jesus returns to earth. (See: day of the Lord, day of Yahweh) If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the great day of the Lord” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Jude 1:7
Σόδομα καὶ Γόμορρα, καὶ αἱ περὶ αὐτὰς πόλεις
Here, Sodom, Gomorrah, and cities all refer to the people who lived in those cities. Alternate translation: “the people in that region” (See: Metonymy)
τὸν ὅμοιον τρόπον τούτοις ἐκπορνεύσασαι
Here, these refers to the angels mentioned in the previous verse. The sexual sins of Sodom and Gomorrah were the result of the same kind of rebellion as the angels’ evil ways. If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “having committed sexual immorality in the same manner as these wicked angels” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)
τὸν ὅμοιον τρόπον τούτοις ἐκπορνεύσασαι,
If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun sexual immortality, you could express the idea behind it with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “having committed sexually immoral acts” (See: Abstract Nouns)
καὶ ἀπελθοῦσαι ὀπίσω σαρκὸς ἑτέρας
Here Jude uses the phrase having gone after figuratively to refer to actively engaging in an improper activity instead of a proper one. This expression is frequently used in the Bible to describe people worshiping false gods or engaging in sexual immorality. If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you can express this literally. Alternate translation: “and habitually engaging in sexual immorality with other flesh” (See: Metaphor)
σαρκὸς ἑτέρας
Here, other flesh could refer to: (1) the sexual immorality mentioned in the previous clause. Alternate translation: “improper sexual relations” (2) flesh of a different species, in this case referring to the angels whom the people of Sodom and Gomorrah wants to have sexual relations with. Alternate translation: “flesh of a different type”
πρόκεινται δεῖγμα
The destruction of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah is an example of what happens to people who reject God. If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “are being displayed as an example of those who reject God” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
πυρὸς αἰωνίου δίκην ὑπέχουσαι
If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun punishment, you could express the idea behind it with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “suffering when God punished them with eternal fire” (See: Abstract Nouns)
Jude 1:8
ὁμοίως μέντοι
Here, in the same way refers back to the sexual immorality of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah referred to in the previous verse, and possibly the improper behavior of the wicked angels referred to in verse 6. If your readers would misunderstand this connection, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Yet in the same way as these sexually immoral ones” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
οὗτοι ἐνυπνιαζόμενοι
Here, these ones refers to the false teachers introduced in verse 4. If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “these false teachers who dream” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)
σάρκα μὲν μιαίνουσιν
Here, flesh refers to the bodies of these false teachers. Paul agrees with this idea when he says in 1 Corinthians 6:18 that sexual immorality is sin against one’s own body. If your readers would misunderstand this idea, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “defile their bodies on the one hand” (See: Metonymy)
κυριότητα…ἀθετοῦσιν
Here, lordship could refer to: (1) the lordship of Jesus. Alternate translation: “the ruling authority of Jesus” (2) the lordship of God. Alternate translation: “the ruling authority of God”
κυριότητα…ἀθετοῦσιν
If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun lordship, you could express the idea behind it with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “reject what Jesus commands” or “reject what God commands” (See: Abstract Nouns)
δόξας
Here, glorious ones refers to spiritual beings, such as angels. Alternate translation: “glorious spiritual beings”
Jude 1:9
κρίσιν ἐπενεγκεῖν βλασφημίας
Here Jude speaks figuratively of judgment as if it were something someone can bring from one place to another. If your readers would misunderstand this metaphor, you could express this in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “to speak a judgment of slander against him” (See: Metaphor)
κρίσιν ἐπενεγκεῖν βλασφημίας
If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun judgment, you could express the idea behind it with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “to accuse him slanderously” (See: Abstract Nouns)
κρίσιν ἐπενεγκεῖν βλασφημίας
Jude is using the possessive form to describe a judgment that is characterized by slander. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a phrase to explain it. Alternate translation: “to bring a slanderous judgment against him” (See: Possession)
Jude 1:10
οὗτοι
Here, these ones refers to the false teachers introduced in verse 4. If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “these false teachers” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)
ὅσα…οὐκ οἴδασιν
This could refer to: (1) the false teachers’ ignorance of the spiritual realm referred to in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “the spiritual realm, which they do not understand” (2) the false teachers’ ignorance of the glorious ones mentioned in verse 8. Alternate translation: “the glorious ones, which they do not understand”
ὅσα…φυσικῶς ὡς τὰ ἄλογα ζῷα ἐπίστανται
This clause refers to the sexual immorality of the false teachers, who thoughtlessly live according to their natural sexual desires, the way animals do. If your readers would misunderstand this simile, you could translate the simile in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “what they naturally understand, unrestrained sexual desires” (See: Simile)
ἐν τούτοις
Here, these things refers to “what they understand by instinct,” which is sexually immoral acts. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “by these sexually immoral acts” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)
ἐν τούτοις φθείρονται
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “these things are destroying them” (See: Active or Passive)
Jude 1:11
οὐαὶ αὐτοῖς
The phrase Woe to them is the opposite of “blessed are you.” It indicates that bad things are going to happen to the people being addressed, because they have displeased God. Alternate translation: “How terrible it is for them” or “Trouble will come to them” (See: Idiom)
τῇ ὁδῷ τοῦ Κάϊν ἐπορεύθησαν
Here, gone in the way is a metaphor for “lived in the same way as.” If your readers would misunderstand this metaphor, you could express this in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “they have lived the same way Cain lived” (See: Metaphor)
τῇ ὁδῷ τοῦ Κάϊν
Here Jude compares the false teachers to Cain. Jude assumes that his readers will know that he is referring to a story recorded in the Old Testament book of Genesis. In that story, Cain made an unacceptable offering to God, and God rejected his offering. As a result he became angry and was jealous of his brother Abel, because God had accepted Abel’s offering. Cain’s anger and jealousy led him to murder his brother. God punished Cain by banishing him from farming the land. Additionally, at the time Jude wrote this letter, Jews considered Cain to be an example of someone who taught other people how to sin, which is what these false teachers were doing. You could indicate some of this explicitly if it would be helpful to your readers, particularly if they would not know the story. Alternate translation, as a statement: “in the way of Cain, who murdered his brother” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
ἐξεχύθησαν
Alternate translation: “they have fully committed themselves”
τῇ πλάνῃ τοῦ Βαλαὰμ μισθοῦ
Here Jude compares the false teachers to Balaam. Jude assumes that his readers will know that he is referring to a story recorded in the Old Testament book of Numbers. In that story, Balaam was hired by wicked kings to curse the Israelites. When God did not allow Balaam to do so, Balaam used wicked women to seduce the Israelites into sexual immorality and idol worship so that God would punish them for their disobedience. Balaam did these wicked things because he wanted to be paid by the wicked kings, but he was eventually killed by the Israelites when they conquered the land of Canaan. You could indicate this explicitly if it would be helpful to your readers, particularly if they would not know the story. Alternate translation, as a statement: “to the error of Balaam, who led the Israelites into immorality for money” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
τῇ ἀντιλογίᾳ τοῦ Κόρε
Here Jude compares the false teachers to Korah. Jude assumes that his readers will know that he is referring to a story recorded in the Old Testament book of Numbers. In that story, Korah was a man of Israel who led a rebellion against the leadership of Moses and Aaron, whom God had appointed. God killed Korah and all those who rebelled with him by burning some of them and opening up the ground to swallow up the others. You could indicate some of this explicitly if it would be helpful to your readers, particularly if they would not know the story. Alternate translation, as a statement: “in the rebellion of Korah, who rebelled against God’s appointed leaders” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
ἀπώλοντο
Jude is figuratively using the past tense in order to refer to something that will happen in the future. He is doing this to show that the event will certainly happen. If this is not clear in your language, you could use the future tense. Alternate translation: “they will certainly perish” (See: Predictive Past)
Jude 1:12
οὗτοί
Here, These ones refers to the false teachers introduced in verse 4. If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “These false teachers” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)
σπιλάδες
Here, reefs are large rocks that are very close to the surface of water in the sea. Because sailors cannot see them, they are very dangerous. Ships can easily be destroyed if they hit these rocks. If your readers would misunderstand this metaphor, you could express this with a simile or in a non-figurative manner. Alternate translation: “they are like hidden reefs” or “although they are inconspicuous, these people are extremely dangerous” (See: Metaphor)
ταῖς ἀγάπαις
Here, love feasts refers to gatherings of Christians where they ate a meal together. These feasts took place in the early church and most likely included sharing the bread and wine to remember the death of Jesus, which Paul calls “the Lord’s Supper” in 1 Corinthians 11:20. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express some of this information explicitly. Alternate translation: “communal meals with fellow believers” (See: Translate Unknowns)
ἑαυτοὺς ποιμαίνοντες
Here Jude speaks figuratively of the false teachers selfishly taking care of their own needs as if they are shepherds who feed and care for themselves instead of their flocks. If your readers would misunderstand this metaphor, you could express this with a simile or in a non-figurative manner. Alternate translation: “like shepherds that feed themselves instead of their flocks” or “only caring for themselves” (See: Metaphor)
νεφέλαι ἄνυδροι ὑπὸ ἀνέμων παραφερόμεναι
Jude speaks figuratively of the false teachers to describe their uselessness. People expect clouds to provide water to grow crops, but waterless clouds disappoint farmers. In the same way, false teachers, although they promise many things, are unable to do what they promise. If your readers would misunderstand this metaphor, you could translate this in a non-figurative way or turn the metaphor into a simile. Alternate translation: “These false teachers never give what they promise” or “These false teachers disappoint like clouds without water” (See: Metaphor)
νεφέλαι ἄνυδροι ὑπὸ ἀνέμων παραφερόμεναι
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “waterless clouds, which the wind carries along” (See: Active or Passive)
δένδρα φθινοπωρινὰ ἄκαρπα
Here Jude again speaks figuratively of the false teachers to describe their uselessness. People expect trees in the autumn to provide fruit, but fruitless autumn trees disappoint them. In the same way, false teachers, although they promise many things, are unable to do what they promise. If your readers would misunderstand this metaphor, you could translate this in a non-figurative way or turn the metaphor into a simile. Alternate translation: “never giving what they promise” or “like barren fruit trees” (See: Metaphor)
δὶς ἀποθανόντα ἐκριζωθέντα
Here Jude is figuratively using the past tense in order to refer to something that will happen in the future. He is doing this to show that the event will certainly happen. If this is not clear in your language, you could use the future tense. Alternate translation: “they will certainly die twice, they will certainly be uprooted” (See: Predictive Past)
δὶς ἀποθανόντα ἐκριζωθέντα
Here, having died twice could mean: (1) the trees are considered to be dead firstly because they do not produce fruit, but doubly dead because they are uprooted in response to their lack of fruit. Alternate translation: “having died twice by being fruitless and uprooted” (2) the trees, which represent the false teachers, are spiritually dead but will also be physically dead when God kills them. “being spiritually dead and then physically dead when they were uprooted”
ἐκριζωθέντα
If your language does not use this passive form, you could this with an active form and say who did the action. Alternate translation: “God uprooted them” (See: Active or Passive)
ἐκριζωθέντα
Jude describes God’s judgment of these false teachers figuratively like trees that have been completely pulled out of the ground by their roots. If your readers would misunderstand this metaphor, you could express this in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “having been destroyed” (See: Metaphor)
Jude 1:13
κύματα ἄγρια θαλάσσης
Here Jude speaks figuratively of the false teachers to describe their unrestrained and untamable behavior. He describes them as wild waves that thrash about in an uncontrollable manner. If your readers would misunderstand this metaphor, you could translate this in a non-figurative way or turn the metaphor into a simile. Alternate translation: “they act in an unrestrained manner” or “they are unrestrained like wild waves” (See: Metaphor)
ἐπαφρίζοντα τὰς ἑαυτῶν αἰσχύνας
Here Jude expands the wave metaphor of the previous phrase, speaking figuratively of the shameful deeds of the false teachers. As waves leave dirty foam on the shore that everyone can see, so the false teachers keep on acting shamefully in the sight of others. If your readers would misunderstand this metaphor, you could translate this in a non-figurative way or turn the metaphor into a simile. Alternate translation: “they make their shameful deeds visible to everyone” or “they show their shameful deeds like waves leave foam” (See: Metaphor)
ἀστέρες πλανῆται
Here, the phrase wandering stars describes stars that have wandered away from their normal path of movement. Jude uses this expression figuratively to describe the false teachers as people who have stopped doing what pleases the Lord. If your readers would misunderstand this metaphor, you could express this in a non-figurative way or with a simile. Alternate translation: “no longer living righteously” or “like stars that wander away from their proper path” (See: Metaphor)
οἷς ὁ ζόφος τοῦ σκότους εἰς αἰῶνα τετήρηται
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express this with an active form, and you can state who did the action. Alternate translation: “for whom God has kept the gloom and darkness to eternity” (See: Active or Passive)
οἷς
Here, whom refers to the false teachers that Jude called “wandering stars” in the previous phrase. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate explicitly that this refers to the false teachers. Alternate translation: “false teachers for whom” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)
ὁ ζόφος τοῦ σκότους
Here, gloom of darkness could mean: (1) the gloom is characterized by darkness. Alternate translation: “the dark gloom” (2) the gloom is identical to the darkness. Alternate translation: “the gloom, which is darkness.”
ὁ ζόφος τοῦ σκότους
Here Jude uses gloom and darkness figuratively to refer to hell. If your readers would misunderstand this metaphor, you could express this directly. Alternate translation: “for whom God has reserved the gloom of darkness of hell” (See: Metaphor)
Jude 1:14
Ἑνὼχ
Enoch is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)
ἕβδομος ἀπὸ Ἀδὰμ
Since Adam is considered to be the first generation of mankind, Enoch is the seventh generation.
Ἀδὰμ
Adam is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)
τούτοις
Here, these ones refers to the false teachers. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “about these false teachers” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)
ἐπροφήτευσεν…λέγων
Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “prophesied … and he said” (See: Quotations and Quote Margins)
ἰδοὺ
The term Behold focuses the attention of a listener or reader on what a speaker or writer is about to say. Though it literally means “look” or “see,” the term can be used figuratively to mean giving notice and attention, and that is how James is using it here. Alternate translation: “Pay attention to what I have to say!” (See: Metaphor)
ἦλθεν Κύριος
Here Jude is figuratively using the past tense in order to refer to something that will happen in the future. He is doing this to show that the event will certainly happen. If this is not clear in your language, you could use the future tense. Alternate translation: “The Lord will certainly come” (See: Predictive Past)
ἦλθεν Κύριος
Here, Lord could refer to: (1) Jesus. Alternate translation, as in the UST: “The Lord Jesus came” (2) God. Alternate translation: “The Lord God came”
μυριάσιν
The word myriads is the plural of the Greek word “myriad,” which means ten thousand (10,000) but is often used to refer to a large number. You can express this number in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “tens of thousands” (See: Translate Unknowns)
ἁγίαις
Here, holy ones could refer to: (1) angels, as suggested by the presence of angels in similar statements about judgment in Matthew 24:31, 25:31, Mark 89:38, and 2 Thessalonians 1:7. Alternate translation, as in the UST: “his holy angels” (2) believers. Alternate translation: “his holy believers” or “his saints”
Jude 1:15
ποιῆσαι κρίσιν…καὶ ἐλέγξαι
Here both instances of the word to indicate the purpose for which the Lord comes with his holy ones. Alternate translation: “for the purpose of judgment … and in order to rebuke” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)
ποιῆσαι κρίσιν κατὰ
If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun judgment, you could express the idea behind it with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “to judge” (See: Abstract Nouns)
πᾶσαν ψυχὴν
Here, soul refers to a person. Alternate translation: “every person” (See: Synecdoche)
τῶν ἔργων ἀσεβείας αὐτῶν
Here Jude is using the possessive form to describe works that are characterized by ungodliness. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a phrase to explain it. Alternate translation: “ungodly works” (See: Possession)
τῶν σκληρῶν
Here, harsh things refers to harsh statements that sinners speak slanderously against the Lord. Alternate translation: “the harsh words” or “the offensive statements”
κατ’ αὐτοῦ
Here the pronoun him could refer to: (1) Jesus. Alternate translation, as in the UST: “against Jesus” (2) God. Alternate translation: “against God” The option you choose must agree with your choice for the meaning of “Lord” in the previous verse. (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)
Jude 1:16
οὗτοί
Here, These ones refers to the false teachers that Jude first introduced in verse 4 and has discussed throughout the letter. Since Jude shifted in the previous verse to describing the judgment of everyone who does wicked deeds, it may be helpful for you to inform your readers that this verse returns to specifically focusing on the false teachers. Alternate translation: “These false teachers” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)
οὗτοί εἰσιν γογγυσταί μεμψίμοιροι
Here the terms grumblers and complainers refer to two different ways of expressing discontent or unhappiness. While grumblers are people who speak their complaints quietly, complainers speak them openly. When the Israelites were traveling in the wilderness after leaving Egypt, they were often punished by God for grumbling and complaining against him and their leaders, which is evidently what these false teachers were doing in Jude’s day. Alternate translation: “These ones grumble quietly to themselves and complain loudly”
κατὰ τὰς ἐπιθυμίας αὐτῶν πορευόμενοι
Here Jude uses going figuratively to refer to habitually doing something. If your readers would misunderstand this metaphor, you can express this literally. Alternate translation: “those habitually living according to their lusts” (See: Metaphor)
κατὰ τὰς ἐπιθυμίας αὐτῶν πορευόμενοι
Here, lusts refers to sinful desires that are opposed to God’s will. Alternate translation: “going according to their sinful desires”
τὸ στόμα αὐτῶν λαλεῖ
Here Jude uses the singular mouth in a distributive way. If this would be confusing to your readers, you could express this explicitly or use a plural noun and verb. Alternate translation: “the mouth of each of them speaks” or “their mouths speak”
τὸ στόμα αὐτῶν λαλεῖ
Here, mouth represents the person who is speaking. Alternate translation: “they speak” (See: Metonymy)
λαλεῖ ὑπέρογκα
Here, boastful things refers to arrogant statements about themselves that these false teachers were making. Alternate translation: “boasts about themselves” or “speaks boastful statements”
θαυμάζοντες πρόσωπα
This is an idiom that means to show favoritism toward someone or to flatter someone. If your readers would misunderstand this idiom, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “favoring people” or “flattering people” (See: Idiom)
θαυμάζοντες πρόσωπα
Here, faces refers to the people they are flattering. Alternate translation: “admiring people” (See: Metonymy)
Jude 1:17
ἀγαπητοί
Here, beloved ones refers to those whom Jude is writing to, which can be extended to all believers. If your readers would misunderstand this term, you could express this explicitly. See how you translated this in verse 3. Alternate translation: “beloved fellow believers” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
τῶν ῥημάτων
Here, Jude is using words to describe the teachings of the apostles that were conveyed by using words. The specific teachings Jude is referring to here are described in the next verse. Alternate translation: “teachings” (See: Metonymy)
τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν
Here, our Lord means “the person who is lord over us” or “the person who rules over us.” Alternate translation: “of the person who rules over us” (See: Possession)
τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν
Here, our refers to all believers. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)
Jude 1:18
ὅτι ἔλεγον ὑμῖν
This phrase indicates that this verse contains the content of the “words” spoken by the apostles, which Jude referred to in the previous verse.
ἐπ’ ἐσχάτου χρόνου
Here, the last time is an idiom that refers to the time before the return of Jesus. Alternate translation: “In the time just before Jesus returns” (See: Idiom)
κατὰ τὰς ἑαυτῶν ἐπιθυμίας πορευόμενοι τῶν ἀσεβειῶν
Here Jude uses the word going figuratively to refer to habitually doing something. If your readers would misunderstand this metaphor, you can express this literally. Alternate translation: “those habitually living according to their own ungodly lusts” (See: Metaphor)
κατὰ τὰς ἑαυτῶν ἐπιθυμίας πορευόμενοι τῶν ἀσεβειῶν
Here, lusts refers to sinful desires that are opposed to God’s will. Alternate translation: “going according to their own sinful and ungodly desires”
Jude 1:19
οὗτοί
Here, These refers to the mockers Jude referred to in the previous verse. If it would be helpful for your readers, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation, as in the UST: “These mockers” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)
οἱ ἀποδιορίζοντες
If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun divisions, you could express the idea behind it with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “the ones dividing others against each other” (See: Abstract Nouns)
Πνεῦμα μὴ ἔχοντες
Here, Spirit refers to the Holy Spirit. It does not refer to the spirit of a human or to an evil spirit. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation, as in the UST: “not having the Holy Spirit” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
ψυχικοί
Jude is figuratively using one part of the human being, the soul, as opposed to another part, the spirit, to mean “unspiritual.” The word soulish describes someone who lives according to their natural instincts instead of according to God’s word and Spirit. It is used to refer to people who are not true believers. Alternate translation: “unspiritual” or “worldly” (See: Metonymy)
Πνεῦμα μὴ ἔχοντες
The Holy Spirit is spoken of figuratively as if he were something that people can possess. If your readers would misunderstand this metaphor, you could express this in a non-figurative manner. Alternate translation: “the Spirit is not within them” (See: Metaphor)
Jude 1:20
ἀγαπητοί
Here, beloved ones refers to those to whom Jude is writing, which can be extended to all believers. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this explicitly. See how you translated this in verse 3. Alternate translation: “beloved fellow believers” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
ἐποικοδομοῦντες ἑαυτοὺς τῇ ἁγιωτάτῃ ὑμῶν πίστει
Here Jude speaks figuratively of becoming increasingly able to trust in God as if it were the process of constructing a building. If your readers would misunderstand this metaphor, you could express this in a non-figurative manner or use a simile. Alternate translation: “causing yourselves to increase in trust in God” or “causing yourselves to increase in trust like one builds up a building” (See: Metaphor)
ἐποικοδομοῦντες ἑαυτοὺς
This clause refers to one means by which Jude’s readers can obey the command to keep themselves in the love of God, which he makes in the next verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you can indicate this explicitly. Alternate translation: “by means of building yourselves up”
τῇ ἁγιωτάτῃ ὑμῶν πίστει
If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun faith, you could express the idea behind it with a verb, such as “trust” or “believe.” Alternate translation: “in what you believe that is most holy” (See: Abstract Nouns)
ἐν Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ προσευχόμενοι
This clause refers to a second means by which Jude’s readers can obey the command to keep themselves in the love of God, which he makes in the next verse. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “by means of praying in the Holy Spirit”
ἐν Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ προσευχόμενοι
Here, by indicates the means by which the prayer is done. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “praying by means of the Holy Spirit”
Jude 1:21
ἑαυτοὺς ἐν ἀγάπῃ Θεοῦ τηρήσατε
If your language would put the command at the front of the sentence and before other modifying clauses, then you could create a verse bridge by moving this clause to the previous verse, placing it just before “building yourselves up in your most holy faith”. You would need to present the combined verses as 20–21. (See: Verse Bridges)
ἑαυτοὺς ἐν ἀγάπῃ Θεοῦ τηρήσατε
Here Jude speaks figuratively of remaining able to receive the love of God as if one were keeping oneself in a certain place. If your readers would misunderstand this metaphor, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “keep yourselves able to receive the love of God” (See: Metaphor)
προσδεχόμενοι τὸ ἔλεος τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν
This clause occurs at the same time as the clause that precedes it. If your readers would misunderstand this connection, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “while waiting for the mercy of our Lord” or “while expecting the mercy of our Lord”
τὸ ἔλεος τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ
Here, mercy could refer to: (1) the mercy Jesus will show to believers when he returns to earth. Alternate translation: “our Lord Jesus Christ to return and act mercifully” (2) Jesus’ continued acts of mercy toward believers in general. Alternate translation: “our Lord Jesus Christ to act mercifully” (See: Abstract Nouns)
τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν
Here, our Lord means “the person who is lord over us” or “the person who rules over us.” See how you translated this expression in verse 17. Alternate translation: “of the person who rules over us” (See: Possession)
ἡμῶν
Here, our refers to all believers. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)
τὸ ἔλεος τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, εἰς ζωὴν αἰώνιον
Jude is using to to introduce the result of the mercy. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, which brings eternal life” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)
Jude 1:22
ἐλεᾶτε
If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun mercy, you could express the idea behind it with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “act mercifully toward” (See: Abstract Nouns)
οὓς…διακρινομένους
The phrase some who are doubting refers to people who have become confused because of the teaching and activities of the false teachers. Alternate translation: “some who are uncertain about what to believe”
Jude 1:23
ἐκ πυρὸς ἁρπάζοντες
This clause indicates the means by which Jude wants his audience to save a certain group of people. If your readers would misunderstand this connection, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “by means of snatching from fire”
ἐκ πυρὸς ἁρπάζοντες
Here Jude speaks figuratively of urgently rescuing some people from going to hell as though it was like pulling people from a fire before they start to burn. If your readers would misunderstand this metaphor, you could express this in a non-figurative manner or use a simile. Alternate translation: “doing whatever must be done to keep them from going to hell” or “doing whatever must be done to save them, as if pulling them from fire” (See: Metaphor)
ἐλεᾶτε
If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun mercy, you could express the idea behind it with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “act mercifully toward” (See: Abstract Nouns)
ἐν φόβῳ
This phrase indicates the manner by which Jude wanted his readers to have mercy on a certain group of people. Alternate translation: “by being cautious”
μισοῦντες καὶ τὸν ἀπὸ τῆς σαρκὸς ἐσπιλωμένον χιτῶνα
Jude exaggerates to warn his readers that they can become like those sinners. Alternate translation: “treating them as though you could become guilty of sin just by touching their clothes” (See: Hyperbole)
τῆς σαρκὸς
Here, flesh is used figuratively to refer to a person’s sinful nature. If your readers would misunderstand this metaphor, you could express this literally. Alternate translation: “their sinful nature” (See: Metaphor)
Jude 1:24
τῷ δὲ δυναμένῳ φυλάξαι ὑμᾶς ἀπταίστους
Here, the one refers to God. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “to God, who is able to keep you from stumbling” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
φυλάξαι ὑμᾶς ἀπταίστους
Here Jude uses stumbling to speak figuratively of returning to habitual sin as if one is tripping over something. If your readers would misunderstand this metaphor, you could express this in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “to prevent you from returning to sinful habits” (See: Metaphor)
στῆσαι κατενώπιον τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ
Here, glory refers to the bright light that surrounds the presence of God. If your readers would misunderstand this abstract noun, you could translate it with an adjective. Alternate translation: “to cause you to stand before his glorious presence” (See: Abstract Nouns)
ἐν ἀγαλλιάσει
This phrase describes the manner in which believers will stand before God. Alternate translation, as in the UST: “with great joy”
Jude 1:25
μόνῳ Θεῷ Σωτῆρι ἡμῶν
Here, our Savior refers to God. It does not refer to Jesus. This phrase emphasizes that God the Father, as well as the Son, is the Savior. If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “to the only God, who is our Savior”
Σωτῆρι ἡμῶν
If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun Savior, you could express the idea behind it with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “the person who saves” (See: Abstract Nouns)
τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν,
If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun Lord, you could express the idea behind it with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “the person who rules” (See: Abstract Nouns)
μόνῳ Θεῷ…δόξα, μεγαλωσύνη, κράτος, καὶ ἐξουσία
If your readers would misunderstand the abstract nouns glory, majesty, power and authority, you could translate them with adjective phrases. Alternate translation: “may the only God … be recognized as glorious, majestic, powerful, and authoritative” (See: Abstract Nouns)
πρὸ παντὸς τοῦ αἰῶνος
This is an idiom that refers to eternity past. If your readers would misunderstand this idiom, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “in eternity past” or “before everything” (See: Idiom)
εἰς πάντας τοὺς αἰῶνας
This is an idiom that means “forever.” If your readers would misunderstand this idiom, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “to eternity” or “forever” (See: Idiom)