King James Version

What Does Jude 1:9 Mean?

Jude 1:9 in the King James Version says “Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against h...” — study this verse from Jude chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Jude 1:9 · KJV

Context

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.

11

Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. This verse provides striking contrast to the false teachers' arrogance. "Michael the archangel" (Greek ho Michaēl ho archangelos, ὁ Μιχαὴλ ὁ ἀρχάγγελος) is the highest-ranking angel, commander of heavenly armies (Daniel 10:13, 21; 12:1; Revelation 12:7). "Contending" (Greek diakrinomenos, διακρινόμενος) means disputing, arguing legally.

The dispute concerned "the body of Moses"—an incident not recorded in canonical Scripture but found in Jewish tradition (Testament of Moses/Assumption of Moses). Apparently Satan claimed rights to Moses' body, perhaps because Moses murdered the Egyptian (Exodus 2:12) or because Satan rules death (Hebrews 2:14). Despite Satan's rebellion and Michael's superior authority, Michael "durst not bring a railing accusation" (Greek ouk etolmēsen krisin epenegkein blasphēmias, οὐκ ἐτόλμησεν κρίσιν ἐπενεγκεῖν βλασφημίας)—didn't dare pronounce slanderous judgment.

Instead, Michael said simply, "The Lord rebuke thee" (Greek epitimasai soi kyrios, ἐπιτιμήσαι σοι κύριος)—may the Lord rebuke you. This echoes Zechariah 3:2 where the Lord rebukes Satan. Michael deferred to God's authority rather than pronouncing his own condemnation. The point: if Michael showed such restraint toward the devil, how much more should humans avoid presumptuous condemnation of spiritual beings?

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jude's reference to non-canonical Jewish literature (Assumption of Moses) troubled some early Christians and contributed to debates over Jude's canonicity. However, quoting extrabiblical sources doesn't endorse everything in those sources—Paul quoted pagan poets (Acts 17:28, Titus 1:12) without endorsing paganism. Jude uses a story his readers knew to illustrate truth, under the Spirit's inspiration.

Jewish apocalyptic literature extensively discussed angelic hierarchies and cosmic spiritual warfare. Michael appears as Israel's guardian angel and Satan's opponent. The struggle over Moses' body reflects broader themes of contested authority over the dead and Satan's role as accuser. Deuteronomy 34:6 notes God buried Moses in an unknown location, possibly to prevent idolatrous veneration.

The early church inherited Judaism's awareness of spiritual realities—angels and demons aren't myths but real beings. Paul's teaching on spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:12) assumes this worldview. However, Christians must avoid both extremes: denial of spiritual warfare (Enlightenment rationalism) and unhealthy fascination with demonic powers (medieval superstition, modern occultism). Scripture provides necessary truth while forbidding speculation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Michael's restraint teach about humility and proper boundaries in spiritual warfare?
  2. How can believers engage spiritual realities biblically without falling into either skepticism or superstition?
  3. What's the difference between legitimate spiritual authority and the presumptuous arrogance of false teachers?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
ὁ1 of 24
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 24

“Yet”

G1161

but, and, etc

Μιχαὴλ3 of 24

“Michael”

G3413

michael, an archangel

ὁ4 of 24
G3588

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

ἀρχάγγελος5 of 24

“the archangel”

G743

a chief angel

ὅτε6 of 24

“when”

G3753

at which (thing) too, i.e., when

τῷ7 of 24
G3588

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

διαβόλῳ8 of 24

“with the devil”

G1228

a traducer; specially, satan (compare h7854)

διακρινόμενος9 of 24

“contending”

G1252

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

διελέγετο10 of 24

“he disputed”

G1256

to say thoroughly, i.e., discuss (in argument or exhortation)

περὶ11 of 24

“about”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

τοῦ12 of 24
G3588

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

Μωσέως13 of 24

“of Moses”

G3475

moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver

σώματος14 of 24

“the body”

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

οὐκ15 of 24

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐτόλμησεν16 of 24

“durst”

G5111

to venture (objectively or in act; while g2292 is rather subjective or in feeling); by implication, to be courageous

κρίσιν17 of 24

“accusation”

G2920

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

ἐπενεγκεῖν18 of 24

“bring against him”

G2018

to bear upon (or further), i.e., adduce (personally or judicially (accuse, inflict)), superinduce

βλασφημίας19 of 24

“a railing”

G988

vilification (especially against god)

ἀλλ'20 of 24

“but”

G235

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

εἶπεν21 of 24

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Ἐπιτιμήσαι22 of 24

“rebuke”

G2008

to tax upon, i.e., censure or admonish; by implication, forbid

σοι23 of 24

“thee”

G4671

to thee

Κύριος.24 of 24

“The Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

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 1:9 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 1:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Zechariah 3:22 Peter 2:11Deuteronomy 34:6Revelation 12:7Daniel 12:1Daniel 10:21

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