King James Version

What Does Jude 1:20 Mean?

Jude 1:20 in the King James Version says “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,” — study this verse from Jude chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,”

Jude 1:20 · KJV

Faith

Context

18

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

19

These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.

20

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

21

Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

22

And of some have compassion, making a difference:

Read Jude 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, After extensive warnings about false teachers (vv. 4-19), Jude now instructs believers how to persevere. "But ye, beloved" (Greek hymeis de, agapētoi, ὑμεῖς δέ, ἀγαπητοί) creates strong contrast—unlike those false teachers, you beloved believers must respond differently. The affectionate address continues pastoral care underlying Jude's urgent warnings.

"Building up yourselves on your most holy faith" (Greek eautous epoikodomountesoikodomountes tē hagiōtatē hymōn pistei, ἑαυτοὺς ἐποικοδομοῦντες τῇ ἁγιωτάτῃ ὑμῶν πίστει) uses construction metaphor—believers must actively build themselves up. The present participle indicates continuous, ongoing action—not one-time event but lifelong process. "Your most holy faith" (superlative form) refers to the objective body of Christian doctrine, "the faith once delivered" (v. 3). They build on this foundation by studying, understanding, and applying apostolic truth. This is the antidote to false teaching—knowing sound doctrine thoroughly.

"Praying in the Holy Ghost" (Greek en pneumati hagiō proseuchomenoi, ἐν πνεύματι ἁγίῳ προσευχόμενοι) describes prayer empowered and directed by the Spirit. Unlike false teachers who lack the Spirit (v. 19), genuine believers pray through the Spirit's enabling. This doesn't necessarily mean praying in tongues (though that may be included) but prayer characterized by Spirit's guidance, conforming to God's will, offered in faith, and aligned with Scripture (Romans 8:26-27, Ephesians 6:18). Spirit-empowered prayer is essential for spiritual growth and perseverance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The building metaphor was common in Paul's writings (1 Corinthians 3:9-15, Ephesians 2:20-22). Christians are both God's building (corporately) and responsible for their own spiritual construction (individually). The foundation is Christ and apostolic teaching; the building process involves progressive sanctification through Word and Spirit. Churches must construct on this foundation using quality materials (sound doctrine, holy living) rather than wood, hay, stubble (false teaching, worldly compromise).

First-century Christianity faced constant pressure to compromise with surrounding culture—Jewish legalism, Greek philosophy, pagan religion, Roman imperialism. Maintaining distinctive Christian identity and doctrine required intentional effort. Jude's readers couldn't passively resist error; they must actively build themselves up in truth. This required disciplined Scripture study, prayer, fellowship, and worship—spiritual disciplines sustaining faith against opposition.

Prayer "in the Holy Spirit" distinguished Christian prayer from pagan formulas or Jewish ritualism. Christians don't manipulate deity through correct formulas but commune with Father through Spirit's enabling based on Christ's mediation. This intimate, Spirit-enabled prayer relationship provides strength unavailable through human effort alone. It's both privilege (access to God) and power (divine enablement for living).

Reflection Questions

  1. What specific practices constitute 'building up yourselves on your most holy faith' in daily Christian life?
  2. How does Spirit-empowered prayer differ from merely human religious activity?
  3. Why must sound doctrine and vital prayer life function together rather than separately?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
ὑμεῖς1 of 13

“ye”

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

δέ,2 of 13

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀγαπητοί,3 of 13

“beloved”

G27

beloved

τῇ4 of 13
G3588

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

ἁγίῳ5 of 13

“most holy”

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

ὑμῶν6 of 13

“on your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

πίστει7 of 13

“faith”

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

ἐποικοδομοῦντες8 of 13

“building up”

G2026

to build upon, i.e., (figuratively) to rear up

ἑαυτοὺς9 of 13

“yourselves”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

ἐν10 of 13

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πνεύματι11 of 13

“Ghost”

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

ἁγίῳ12 of 13

“most holy”

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

προσευχόμενοι13 of 13

“praying”

G4336

to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship

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 1:20 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 1:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 6:18Romans 8:26-271 Corinthians 14:15Colossians 2:71 Thessalonians 5:111 Corinthians 14:4-5

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