What Does Jude 1:22 Mean?

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).