King James Version

What Does Jude 1:8 Mean?

Jude 1:8 in the King James Version says “Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh , despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.” — study this verse from Jude chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Jude 1:8 · KJV

Context

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.

9

Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

10

But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. After three historical examples, Jude applies them to the false teachers: "likewise also these" (Greek homoiōs mentoi kai houtoi, ὁμοίως μέντοι καὶ οὗτοι)—similarly, these present false teachers. "Filthy dreamers" (Greek enypniazomenoi, ἐνυπνιαζόμενοι) literally means "dreaming" or "visionaries," possibly claiming special revelations or living in moral delusion. Their "dreams" produce defilement rather than truth.

They commit three sins paralleling the examples: (1) "Defile the flesh" (Greek sarka mēn miainousin, σάρκα μὲν μιαίνουσιν)—corrupt the body through sexual immorality, like Sodom. (2) "Despise dominion" (Greek kyriotēta de athētousin, κυριότητα δὲ ἀθετοῦσιν)—reject lordship/authority, like rebellious Israel and fallen angels. The term kyriotēs refers to divine lordship; they refuse submission to Christ. (3) "Speak evil of dignities" (Greek doxas de blasphēmousin, δόξας δὲ βλασφημοῦσιν)—slander glorious ones, possibly angelic beings or church authorities.

The present tense verbs indicate ongoing, habitual behavior—this is their pattern of life, not occasional failures. The triple indictment echoes the three examples: moral corruption (Sodom), rejection of authority (Israel), and spiritual arrogance exceeding proper bounds (angels). These false teachers combine all three forms of rebellion.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Gnostic and proto-Gnostic teachers in the first century often claimed special visions or revelations giving them superior knowledge (gnōsis). They taught that spiritual enlightenment transcended moral law—since matter was evil but spirit was pure, bodily actions didn't affect spiritual status. This led to antinomianism: license for sexual immorality and rejection of behavioral restrictions.

The phrase "speak evil of dignities" likely refers to mocking angelic authorities or despising church leaders who maintained moral standards. Some Gnostics viewed the Old Testament God (creator of material world) as inferior to the true spiritual God, leading them to reject Old Testament moral law and authorities. Others claimed such spiritual superiority that they needed no human teachers or accountability.

Early church fathers (Irenaeus, Tertullian) extensively refuted Gnosticism's false claims to special revelation. The church insisted on apostolic succession—teaching transmitted from the apostles, not secret knowledge from private visions. Jude's condemnation of these "dreamers" established that authentic Christian teaching comes through apostolic tradition, not mystical experiences or claimed revelations contradicting Scripture.

Reflection Questions

  1. What contemporary claims to special revelation or spiritual experience contradict biblical truth?
  2. How does rejecting Christ's lordship manifest in modern teaching about grace, freedom, or Christian living?
  3. What's the balance between respecting spiritual authorities and refusing to follow leaders into error?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
Ὁμοίως1 of 14

“Likewise”

G3668

similarly

μέντοι2 of 14
G3305

indeed though, i.e., however

καὶ3 of 14

“also”

G2532

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

οὗτοι4 of 14

“these”

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἐνυπνιαζόμενοι5 of 14

“filthy dreamers”

G1797

to dream

σάρκα6 of 14
G4561

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

μὲν7 of 14

“the flesh”

G3303

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

μιαίνουσιν8 of 14

“defile”

G3392

to sully or taint, i.e., contaminate (ceremonially or morally)

κυριότητα9 of 14

“dominion”

G2963

mastery, i.e., (concretely and collectively) rulers

δὲ10 of 14
G1161

but, and, etc

ἀθετοῦσιν11 of 14

“despise”

G114

to set aside, i.e., (by implication) to disesteem, neutralize or violate

δόξας12 of 14

“of dignities”

G1391

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

δὲ13 of 14
G1161

but, and, etc

βλασφημοῦσιν14 of 14

“speak evil”

G987

to vilify; specially, to speak impiously

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 1:8 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 1:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 13:172 Peter 2:10-121 Peter 2:171 Timothy 1:10Exodus 22:281 Corinthians 3:17

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