King James Version

What Does Jude 1:15 Mean?

“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.”

Context

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

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

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.

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.

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

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Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**15. sanctify--**hallow; honor as holy, enshrining Him in your hearts. So in the Lord's Prayer, Mt 6:9. God's holiness is thus glorified in our hearts as the dwelling-place of His Spirit. **the Lord God--**The oldest manuscripts read "Christ." Translate, "Sanctify Christ as Lord." **and--**Greek, "but," or "moreover." Besides this inward sanctification of God in the heart, be also ready always to give, &c. **answer--**an apologetic answer defending your faith. **to every man that asketh you--**The last words limit the universality of the "always"; not to a roller, but to everyone among the heathen who inquires honestly. **a reason--**a reasonable account. This refutes Rome's dogma, "I believe it, because the Church believes it." Credulity is believing without evidence; faith is believing on evidence. There is no repose for reason itself but in faith. This verse does not impose an obligation to bring forward a learned proof and logical defense of revelation. But as believers deny themselves, crucify the world, and brave persecution, they must be buoyed up by some strong "hope"; men of the world, having no such hope themselves, are moved by curiosity to ask the secret of this hope; the believer must be ready to give an experimental account "how this hope arose in him, what it contains, and on what it rests" [Steiger]. **with--**The oldest manuscripts read, "but with." Be ready, but with "meekness." Not pertly and arrogantly. **meekness--**(1Pe 3:4). The most effective way; not self-sufficient impetuosity. **fear--**due respect towards man, and reverence towards God, remembering His cause does not need man's hot temper to uphold it.

Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, David Brown. Public Domain.

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.