King James Version

What Does Jude 1:16 Mean?

Jude 1:16 in the King James Version says “These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having m... — study this verse from Jude chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Jude 1:16 · KJV


Context

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;

18

How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. After quoting Enoch's prophecy, Jude returns to characterizing false teachers. "Murmurers" (Greek gongystai, γογγυσταί) means chronic complainers who grumble against God's providence—the term used for Israel's wilderness murmuring (Exodus 15-17, Numbers 11, 14). "Complainers" (Greek mempsimoiroi, μεμψίμοιροι) literally means "fault-finders with their lot," those dissatisfied with God's provision, always seeking something different or better.

"Walking after their own lusts" (Greek kata tas epithymias heautōn poreuomenoi, κατὰ τὰς ἐπιθυμίας ἑαυτῶν πορευόμενοι) indicates their life-direction follows personal desires rather than God's will. "Walking" denotes habitual conduct, settled pattern. "Lusts" (Greek epithymias) means strong desires, particularly sinful passions. Their theology serves their appetites; they twist Scripture to justify chosen behaviors rather than conforming to revealed truth.

"Their mouth speaketh great swelling words" (Greek to stoma autōn lalei hyperonka, τὸ στόμα αὐτῶν λαλεῖ ὑπέρογκα) means arrogant, inflated speech—grandiose claims exceeding truth. 2 Peter 2:18 uses identical language. They impress through rhetorical skill and confident assertions, not substantive truth. "Having men's persons in admiration because of advantage" (Greek thaumazontes prosōpa ōpheleias charin, θαυμάζοντες πρόσωπα ὠφελείας χάριν) means flattering people for profit—showing favoritism to those who can benefit them, using manipulation for personal gain.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Murmuring characterized Israel's wilderness rebellion—constant complaining against Moses and God despite miraculous provision (Exodus 16:2-12, Numbers 14:2, 16:11). Such grumbling revealed unbelief and ingratitude. Paul warned Christians against following this pattern (1 Corinthians 10:10, Philippians 2:14). Jude's readers would immediately recognize the comparison: false teachers replicate Israel's rebellious attitude.

The Greco-Roman world valued rhetorical skill highly. Sophists made careers through impressive oratory, often prioritizing persuasive speech over truthful content. Early Christianity faced sophisticated orators who could sway audiences through eloquence regardless of doctrinal accuracy. Paul deliberately avoided such manipulation (1 Corinthians 2:1-5), but false teachers embraced it.

"Having men's persons in admiration" reflects the patronage system dominating first-century society. Teachers often depended on wealthy patrons for support, potentially compromising message to please sponsors. James condemned showing partiality to the rich (James 2:1-9). False teachers would flatter influential people, craft messages pleasing to donors, and manipulate for financial advantage—using ministry as business rather than service.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can believers distinguish legitimate critique from the ungodly murmuring and complaining Jude describes?
  2. What are contemporary examples of theology shaped by personal desires rather than biblical truth?
  3. How should churches guard against showing favoritism to wealthy or influential members?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
οὗτοί1 of 19

These

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

εἰσιν2 of 19

are

G1526

they are

γογγυσταί,3 of 19

murmurers

G1113

a grumbler

μεμψίμοιροι4 of 19

complainers

G3202

blaming fate, i.e., querulous (discontented)

κατὰ5 of 19

after

G2596

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

τὰς6 of 19
G3588

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

ἐπιθυμίας7 of 19

lusts

G1939

a longing (especially for what is forbidden)

αὐτῶν8 of 19

their

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

πορευόμενοι9 of 19

walking

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

καὶ10 of 19

and

G2532

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

τὸ11 of 19
G3588

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

στόμα12 of 19

mouth

G4750

the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e

αὐτῶν13 of 19

their

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

λαλεῖ14 of 19

speaketh

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

ὑπέρογκα15 of 19

great swelling

G5246

bulging over, i.e., (figuratively) insolent

θαυμάζοντες16 of 19

in admiration

G2296

to wonder; by implication, to admire

πρόσωπα17 of 19

words having men's persons

G4383

the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person

ὠφελείας18 of 19

of advantage

G5622

usefulness, i.e., benefit

χάριν19 of 19

because

G5484

through favor of, i.e., on account of


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 1:16 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 1:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study