King James Version

What Does Jude 1:15 Mean?

Jude 1:15 in the King James Version says “To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have...” — study this verse from Jude chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.”

Jude 1:15 · KJV

Context

13

Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

14

And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,

15

To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

16

These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.

17

But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. This continues Enoch's prophecy, elaborating Christ's judgment purpose. "Execute judgment upon all" (Greek poiēsai krisin kata pantōn, ποιῆσαι κρίσιν κατὰ πάντων) indicates universal, comprehensive judgment—no one escapes divine scrutiny. This echoes Jesus' teaching that all will stand before God's throne (Matthew 25:31-46, Romans 14:10-12, 2 Corinthians 5:10).

"To convince all that are ungodly" (Greek kai elengxai pasan psychēn peri pantōn tōn ergōn asebeias autōn, καὶ ἐλέγξαι πᾶσαν ψυχὴν περὶ πάντων τῶν ἔργων ἀσεβείας αὐτῶν) means to convict, expose, prove guilty. The judgment isn't arbitrary but evidential—God will demonstrate the justice of His verdicts by exposing sin's reality. No excuses will remain; every mouth will be stopped (Romans 3:19). "Ungodly" (Greek asebeia) means without reverence for God, living as if God doesn't exist or doesn't matter.

The fourfold repetition of "ungodly" emphasizes the comprehensive wickedness: ungodly people committing ungodly deeds through ungodly means. Additionally, judgment addresses "hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him" (Greek peri pantōn tōn sklērōn hōn elalēsan kat autou hamartōloi asebeis, περὶ πάντων τῶν σκληρῶν ὧν ἐλάλησαν κατ᾽ αὐτοῦ ἁμαρτωλοὶ ἀσεβεῖς). "Hard speeches" denotes harsh, rebellious words—blasphemy, mockery, rejection of God's authority. People will answer not only for deeds but words (Matthew 12:36-37).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The concept of universal judgment was central to Jewish and Christian eschatology, distinguishing biblical faith from pagan religions that lacked moral accountability. Greek and Roman gods didn't execute righteous judgment; they acted capriciously according to personal whims. Biblical faith insists on a day when all injustice will be rectified, all evil punished, all good rewarded—God's character guarantees this.

Early Christians, often persecuted and marginalized, took great comfort in judgment doctrine. Present injustices would be reversed; persecutors would face consequences; faithful sufferers would be vindicated. This wasn't vindictive but righteous—God's justice demands accountability. The delay of judgment demonstrates God's patience, giving opportunity for repentance (2 Peter 3:9), not indifference to evil.

The emphasis on both deeds and words reflects biblical understanding that accountability extends to all aspects of life. Ancient cultures often separated public behavior from private thoughts or casual speech. Scripture insists coherence—hearts, words, and deeds all reveal character and face judgment. Jesus taught that words reveal heart condition (Matthew 12:34-37); thoughtless speech demonstrates spiritual reality.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should the certainty of comprehensive judgment affect daily decisions, priorities, and behaviors?
  2. What's the balance between preaching judgment to warn sinners and preaching grace to save them?
  3. How does accountability for words as well as deeds shape the way believers speak about God and others?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
ποιῆσαι1 of 29

“To execute”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

κρίσιν2 of 29

“judgment”

G2920

decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law)

κατ'3 of 29

“against”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

πάντων4 of 29

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

καὶ5 of 29

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐξελέγξαι6 of 29

“to convince”

G1827

to convict fully, i.e., (by implication) to punish

πάντων7 of 29

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τοὺς8 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀσεβεῖς9 of 29

“that are ungodly”

G765

irreverent, i.e., (by extension) impious or wicked

αὐτοῦ10 of 29

“among them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

περὶ11 of 29

“of”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

πάντων12 of 29

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τῶν13 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἔργων14 of 29

“deeds”

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

ἀσεβείας15 of 29

“ungodly”

G763

impiety, i.e., (by implication) wickedness

αὐτοῦ16 of 29

“among them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὧν17 of 29

“speeches which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἠσέβησαν18 of 29

“they have ungodly committed”

G764

to be (by implied act) impious or wicked

καὶ19 of 29

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

περὶ20 of 29

“of”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

πάντων21 of 29

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τῶν22 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σκληρῶν23 of 29

“their hard”

G4642

dry, i.e., hard or tough (figuratively, harsh, severe)

ὧν24 of 29

“speeches which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐλάλησαν25 of 29

“have spoken”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

κατ'26 of 29

“against”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

αὐτοῦ27 of 29

“among them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἁμαρτωλοὶ28 of 29

“sinners”

G268

sinful, i.e., a sinner

ἀσεβεῖς29 of 29

“that are ungodly”

G765

irreverent, i.e., (by extension) impious or wicked

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jude. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jude 1:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jude 1:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ecclesiastes 11:9Revelation 22:12-151 Corinthians 4:5Psalms 98:9Romans 2:5Revelation 13:5-6

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