King James Version

What Does Jude 1:6 Mean?

Jude 1:6 in the King James Version says “And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains ...” — study this verse from Jude chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. first estate: or, principality”

Jude 1:6 · KJV

Eternal Life

Context

4

For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

5

I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.

6

And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. first estate: or, principality

7

Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. strange: Gr. other

8

Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh , despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. Jude's second example of judgment concerns fallen angels. "Kept not their first estate" (Greek tous mē tērēsantas tēn heautōn archēn, τοὺς μὴ τηρήσαντας τὴν ἑαυτῶν ἀρχήν) literally means "not keeping their own beginning/authority"—they didn't maintain their original position or authority. "Left their own habitation" (Greek alla apolipantas to idion oikētērion, ἀλλὰ ἀπολιπόντας τὸ ἴδιον οἰκητήριον) indicates deliberate abandonment of their assigned dwelling/sphere.

God's response was immediate and severe: "reserved in everlasting chains under darkness" (Greek desmois aidiois hypo zophon tetērēken, δεσμοῖς ἀϊδίοις ὑπὸ ζόφον τετήρηκεν). The perfect tense "has reserved" indicates completed action with ongoing effect—they remain imprisoned. "Everlasting chains" denotes permanent, unbreakable bondage. "Darkness" (Greek zophos, ζόφος) refers to deep gloom, the absence of God's glory. This imprisonment awaits "the judgment of the great day"—the final judgment when all rebellion will be condemned.

The specific sin of these angels is debated. Some connect this to Genesis 6:1-4 and the "sons of God" cohabiting with humans. Others see it as the original satanic rebellion. 2 Peter 2:4 provides a parallel account. Jewish literature (1 Enoch, which Jude quotes in v. 14-15) elaborates on angelic rebellion. Regardless of specifics, the point is clear: even angels who abandoned their assigned position face eternal judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish apocalyptic literature, particularly 1 Enoch, extensively discussed fallen angels. While not Scripture, 1 Enoch was widely read in Jude's time and provided shared reference points for Jewish audiences. The Book of the Watchers (1 Enoch 1-36) describes angels who descended to earth, took human wives, and taught humanity forbidden knowledge, resulting in corruption requiring the flood.

Early Christians understood that spiritual rebellion occurs in both earthly and heavenly realms. Paul describes principalities and powers, spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12). Jesus spoke of seeing Satan fall like lightning (Luke 10:18). Revelation 12:7-9 describes war in heaven and Satan's expulsion. The rebellion of angels—beings of great power and privilege in God's presence—demonstrates that no creature is immune to temptation toward pride and rebellion.

This example would have particularly resonated given Jude's context. If angels who dwelt in God's presence could fall through abandoning their position, how much more should humans beware? The false teachers Jude addresses had abandoned their assigned place in the faith, much like these angels left their habitation. Both face certain judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does angelic rebellion teach about the danger of pride and abandoning one's God-given position?
  2. How does the permanence of angelic judgment highlight both God's justice and the preciousness of human redemption?
  3. In what ways might Christians be tempted to 'abandon their habitation' or depart from their assigned calling?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
ἀγγέλους1 of 22

“the angels”

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

τε2 of 22

“And”

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

τοὺς3 of 22
G3588

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

μὴ4 of 22

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

τετήρηκεν5 of 22

“he hath reserved”

G5083

to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892

τὴν6 of 22
G3588

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

ἑαυτῶν7 of 22

“their”

G1438

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

ἀρχὴν8 of 22

“first estate”

G746

(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)

ἀλλὰ9 of 22

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἀπολιπόντας10 of 22

“left”

G620

to leave behind (passively, remain); by implication, to forsake

τὸ11 of 22
G3588

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

ἴδιον12 of 22

“their own”

G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

οἰκητήριον13 of 22

“habitation”

G3613

a residence (literally or figuratively)

εἰς14 of 22

“unto”

G1519

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

κρίσιν15 of 22

“the judgment”

G2920

decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law)

μεγάλης16 of 22

“of the great”

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

ἡμέρας17 of 22

“day”

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

δεσμοῖς18 of 22

“chains”

G1199

a band, i.e., ligament (of the body) or shackle (of a prisoner); figuratively, an impediment or disability

ἀϊδίοις19 of 22

“in everlasting”

G126

everduring (forward and backward, or forward only)

ὑπὸ20 of 22

“under”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

ζόφον21 of 22

“darkness”

G2217

gloom (as shrouding like a cloud)

τετήρηκεν22 of 22

“he hath reserved”

G5083

to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892

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 1:6 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 1:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Peter 2:4Matthew 25:41Ephesians 6:12Matthew 8:292 Peter 2:9Hebrews 10:27

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