King James Version

What Does Jude 1:22 Mean?

Jude 1:22 in the King James Version says “And of some have compassion, making a difference: — study this verse from Jude chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And of some have compassion, making a difference:

Jude 1:22 · KJV


Context

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:

23

And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

24

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And of some have compassion, making a difference: Jude now addresses how believers should relate to those influenced by false teaching. This verse and v. 23 present textual variants creating different manuscripts traditions, but the essential message remains: believers must respond with both truth and compassion, exercising discernment about appropriate responses to different situations. "Of some have compassion" (Greek hous men eleate, οὓς μὲν ἐλεᾶτε) commands showing mercy to certain people—those wavering in faith, doubting, or struggling with false teaching's influence.

"Making a difference" (Greek diakrinomenous, διακρινομένους) can mean either "showing discernment" (distinguishing between people requiring different approaches) or "those who are doubting/wavering." Both make sense contextually. If the former, Jude calls for wisdom to discern appropriate responses to different people. If the latter, he identifies a specific group—doubters or waverers—requiring compassionate engagement. These aren't hardened false teachers but sincere believers confused by error, needing patient instruction rather than harsh condemnation.

The imperative "have compassion" (Greek eleate, ἐλεᾶτε) commands active mercy—not contemptuous dismissal of the confused but sympathetic help. This reflects Christ's compassion for harassed, helpless sheep (Matthew 9:36). Churches must distinguish between dangerous wolves (false teachers requiring firm opposition) and vulnerable sheep (confused believers needing gentle restoration).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Early Christian communities faced challenges of discipline and restoration. How should churches treat members influenced by error? Some favored harsh exclusion; others permitted anything. The New Testament charts middle course: exercising discipline against unrepentant false teachers (1 Corinthians 5:5, Titus 3:10-11) while gently restoring those trapped in sin (Galatians 6:1, 2 Timothy 2:24-26). Wisdom distinguishes between situations requiring different responses.

Jewish tradition similarly emphasized discernment in correcting error. Rabbis taught various approaches: gentle persuasion for honest seekers, firm rebuke for stubborn rebels, patient instruction for the confused. Early church inherited this wisdom, recognizing that not all error stems from malice—some results from ignorance, cultural confusion, or sincere misunderstanding requiring compassionate teaching.

The Didache (early Christian teaching manual) and other early church writings addressed how to treat those influenced by heresy. Churches developed restoration processes for those willing to renounce error and reaffirm orthodox faith. Compassion toward sincere doubters was balanced with firmness toward persistent heretics. This wisdom prevented both harsh sectarianism and naive permissiveness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can churches discern the difference between hardened false teachers and sincere doubters requiring different responses?
  2. What does compassionate engagement with doubters look like practically in church life?
  3. How do we create environments where questioning is safe while maintaining commitment to biblical truth?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 5 words
καὶ1 of 5

And

G2532

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

οὓς2 of 5

of some

G3739

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

μὲν3 of 5
G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

ἐλεεῖτε4 of 5

have compassion

G1653

to compassionate (by word or deed, specially, by divine grace)

διακρινόμενοι·5 of 5

making a difference

G1252

to separate thoroughly, i.e., (literally and reflexively) to withdraw from, or (by implication) oppose; figuratively, to discriminate (by implication,


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 1:22 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 1:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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