King James Version

What Does Jude 1:25 Mean?

Jude 1:25 in the King James Version says “To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever . Amen. — study this verse from Jude chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever . Amen.

Jude 1:25 · KJV


Context

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,

25

To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever . Amen.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Jude concludes with ascription of praise to God. "The only wise God our Saviour" (Greek monō theō sōtēri hēmōn, μόνῳ θεῷ σωτῆρι ἡμῶν) combines several crucial attributes. "Only" (Greek monō, μόνῳ) emphasizes monotheism—one true God in contrast to pagan polytheism and false teachers' distortions. "Wise" (Greek sophō, σοφῷ) celebrates divine wisdom—God's perfect knowledge and skillful execution of His purposes. Against false teachers claiming superior knowledge, Jude affirms God alone possesses true wisdom. "Our Saviour" identifies God as the source and accomplisher of salvation—He saves, we don't save ourselves.

The fourfold ascription—"glory and majesty, dominion and power" (Greek doxa kai megalōsynē kratos kai exousia, δόξα καὶ μεγαλωσύνη κράτος καὶ ἐξουσία)—comprehensively praises God's attributes. "Glory" (Greek doxa) refers to divine radiance, majesty, worthiness of honor. "Majesty" (Greek megalōsynē) denotes greatness, grandeur, exalted status. "Dominion" (Greek kratos) means might, strength, sovereign rule. "Power" (Greek exousia) indicates authority, right to rule, legitimate sovereignty. Together, these affirm God's absolute supremacy over all creation, all powers, all authorities—including false teachers and their demonic influences.

"Both now and ever" (Greek kai nyn kai eis pantas tous aiōnas, καὶ νῦν καὶ εἰς πάντας τοὺς αἰῶνας) emphasizes eternal duration—God's glory exists presently and throughout all ages to come. "Amen" (Greek amēn, ἀμήν), from Hebrew amen meaning "so be it, truly, certainly," affirms the truth and adds assent—may it be so indeed. This liturgical conclusion invites readers to join in affirming these truths.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish doxologies traditionally ascribed glory to God alone, refusing to share divine honor with any creature. Early Christians maintained this strict monotheism while recognizing Christ's deity—doxologies addressed to God sometimes include Christ (2 Peter 3:18, Revelation 1:5-6). Jude's doxology to "God our Saviour" can include both Father and Son, as New Testament applies "Saviour" to both (Luke 1:47, Titus 2:13).

The fourfold attributes echo Old Testament praise (1 Chronicles 29:11, Psalm 145). Jewish and Christian worship emphasized God's incomparable greatness, particularly important when facing opposition. Persecuted believers found comfort in God's sovereign power—earthly authorities might threaten, but God's dominion surpasses all. Eternal perspective relativized temporal troubles.

Early church worship incorporated such doxologies liturgically. Believers would respond "Amen" corporately, affirming truth and joining in praise. This communal affirmation strengthened unity and orthodox confession. Heretics often distorted worship by directing praise to lesser beings or deifying creation. Orthodox doxologies maintained pure worship of the one true God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does ending with God-centered doxology provide proper perspective on the serious warnings Jude delivered?
  2. What does it mean practically to ascribe 'glory, majesty, dominion, and power' to God in daily life?
  3. How should corporate worship incorporate doxologies and 'Amens' to strengthen faith and resist false teaching?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
μόνῳ1 of 19

To the only

G3441

remaining, i.e., sole or single; by implication, mere

σοφῷ2 of 19

wise

G4680

wise (in a most general application)

Θεῷ3 of 19

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

σωτῆρι4 of 19

Saviour

G4990

a deliverer, i.e., god or christ

ἡμῶν5 of 19

our

G2257

of (or from) us

δόξα6 of 19

be glory

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

καὶ7 of 19

and

G2532

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

μεγαλωσύνη8 of 19

majesty

G3172

greatness, i.e., (figuratively) divinity (often god himself)

κράτος9 of 19

dominion

G2904

vigor ("great") (literally or figuratively)

καὶ10 of 19

and

G2532

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

ἐξουσία11 of 19

power

G1849

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

καὶ12 of 19

and

G2532

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

νῦν13 of 19

now

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

καὶ14 of 19

and

G2532

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

εἰς15 of 19

ever

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

πάντας16 of 19
G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τοὺς17 of 19
G3588

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

αἰῶνας18 of 19
G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

ἀμήν.19 of 19

Amen

G281

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)


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 1:25 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 1:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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