ScriptureDepth's study of Jude 1
“Now to him who is able to keep them from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory in great joy,”
Jude 1:24
Jude writes to believers about God’s ability to keep them from stumbling, which assures them of His protective presence and joy.
What Jude 1 is about
Jude greets the believers, calling them 'called' and 'sanctified' (vv. 1-2). He expresses eagerness to discuss salvation but shifts focus to urging them to 'contend earnestly for the faith' (vv. 3-4). Jude gives examples of judgment, recalling how the Lord saved a people from Egypt but later destroyed those who did not believe (vv. 5-7). He condemns ungodly people who despise authority and defile the flesh (vv. 8-10). Jude warns of false teachers, comparing them to Cain, Balaam, and Korah (vv. 11-13). He mentions Enoch's prophecy about the coming judgment on the ungodly (vv. 14-16). Jude encourages believers to remember the apostles' warnings about mockers in the last time (vv. 17-19). He calls them to build themselves up and keep in God's love (vv. 20-21). Finally, he declares God's power to keep them from stumbling and gives a doxology (vv. 24-25).
Believers are called to defend their faith and look for God's mercy leading to eternal life.
Jude 1 at a glance
- Jude 1:1–2Greeting and Purpose
- Jude 1:3–4Exhortation to Contend for Faith
- Jude 1:5–7Examples of Judgment
- Jude 1:8–10Condemnation of the Ungodly
- Jude 1:11–13Characteristics of the False Teachers
- Jude 1:14–16Prophecy of Enoch
- Jude 1:17–25Encouragement and Final Doxology
Key verse: Jude 1:24
Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.
Chapter text
Read Jude 1 (WEB)
Greeting and Purpose Jude 1:1–2
1Verse 1. Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ: 2Verse 2. Mercy to you and peace and love be multiplied.
Exhortation to Contend for Faith Jude 1:3–4
3Verse 3. Beloved, while I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I was constrained to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. 4Verse 4. For there are certain men who crept in secretly, even those who were long ago written about for this condemnation: ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into indecency, and denying our only Master, God, and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Examples of Judgment Jude 1:5–7
5Verse 5. Now I desire to remind you, though you already know this, that the Lord, having saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who didn’t believe. 6Verse 6. Angels who didn’t keep their first domain, but deserted their own dwelling place, he has kept in everlasting bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day. 7Verse 7. Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them, having, in the same way as these, given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are shown as an example, suffering the punishment of eternal fire.
Condemnation of the Ungodly Jude 1:8–10
8Verse 8. Yet in the same way, these also in their dreaming defile the flesh, despise authority, and slander celestial beings. 9Verse 9. But Michael, the archangel, when contending with the devil and arguing about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him an abusive condemnation, but said, “May the Lord rebuke you!” 10Verse 10. But these speak evil of whatever things they don’t know. They are destroyed in these things that they understand naturally, like the creatures without reason.
Characteristics of the False Teachers Jude 1:11–13
11Verse 11. Woe to them! For they went in the way of Cain, and ran riotously in the error of Balaam for hire, and perished in Korah’s rebellion. 12Verse 12. These are hidden rocky reefs in your love feasts when they feast with you, shepherds who without fear feed themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; 13Verse 13. wild waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the blackness of darkness has been reserved forever.
Prophecy of Enoch Jude 1:14–16
14Verse 14. About these also Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, “Behold, the Lord came with ten thousands of his holy ones, 15Verse 15. to execute judgment on all, and to convict all the ungodly of all their works of ungodliness which they have done in an ungodly way, and of all the hard things which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” 16Verse 16. These are murmurers and complainers, walking after their lusts (and their mouth speaks proud things), showing respect of persons to gain advantage.
Encouragement and Final Doxology Jude 1:17–25
17Verse 17. But you, beloved, remember the words which have been spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18Verse 18. They said to you that “In the last time there will be mockers, walking after their own ungodly lusts.” 19Verse 19. These are they who cause divisions, and are sensual, not having the Spirit. 20Verse 20. But you, beloved, keep building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. 21Verse 21. Keep yourselves in God’s love, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. 22Verse 22. On some have compassion, making a distinction,
23Verse 23. and some save, snatching them out of the fire with fear, hating even the clothing stained by the flesh. 24Verse 24. Now to him who is able to keep them from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory in great joy, 25Verse 25. to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.
World English Bible (public domain)
Go deeper
Ask the AI about Jude 1
Bring your question about the chapter, the key verse, or how this passage fits the rest of Scripture. Ask unlimited questions and keep study notes on every chapter. 7 days free, no card.
Main themes in Jude 1
Contending for Faith
In vv. 3-4, Jude urges the recipients to 'contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.' He warns about 'certain men' who have infiltrated the community, described as 'ungodly men' who turn God's grace into 'indecency' and deny Jesus Christ. The chapter moves on to provide examples of judgment to illustrate the seriousness of maintaining true faith against corruption.
Judgment of the Ungodly
Examples of judgment are presented in vv. 5-7, where Jude recalls how the Lord 'destroyed those who didn’t believe' after saving them from Egypt. He references fallen angels who are 'kept in everlasting bonds under darkness' and likens the ungodly to Sodom and Gomorrah, who suffer 'the punishment of eternal fire.' This theme develops as Jude warns about the fate of those who lead others astray.
The Role of Community
In vv. 20-23, Jude speaks directly to the community, encouraging them to 'keep building up yourselves on your most holy faith.' He instructs them to pray in the Holy Spirit and to show compassion to those who doubt or are in danger, even 'snatching them out of the fire with fear.' This theme reinforces the necessity of mutual support and vigilance within the community to uphold their shared faith.
Chapter outline
How Jude 1 unfolds
Jude 1:1–2 Greeting and Purpose
Jude identifies himself as a servant of Jesus Christ and addresses those called and sanctified by God, wishing them mercy, peace, and love (vv. 1-2).
Jude 1:3–4 Exhortation to Contend for Faith
Jude expresses eagerness to discuss salvation but is compelled to urge believers to 'contend earnestly for the faith' against certain ungodly individuals who distort grace (vv. 3-4).
Jude 1:5–7 Examples of Judgment
Jude recalls examples of judgment, including the Israelites who were destroyed for unbelief after leaving Egypt and the punishment of angels who abandoned their proper place (vv. 5-6).
Jude 1:8–10 Condemnation of the Ungodly
These ungodly people defile the flesh, despise authority, and slander celestial beings, unlike Michael, who respectfully says, 'May the Lord rebuke you!' when confronting the devil about Moses' body (vv. 8-10).
Jude 1:11–13 Characteristics of the False Teachers
Jude lists characteristics of false teachers, likening them to Cain, Balaam, and Korah, and describes them as destructive and deceitful, using vivid metaphors (vv. 11-13).
Jude 1:14–16 Prophecy of Enoch
He cites a prophecy from Enoch, emphasizing the Lord's coming judgment on the ungodly, who are condemned for their actions and words against him (vv. 14-16).
Jude 1:17–25 Encouragement and Final Doxology
Jude encourages believers to build themselves up in faith, pray, and maintain God’s love while offering compassion to some and urging caution against sin, concluding with a doxology (vv. 17-25).
Key verses
Jude 1:24Jude writes to believers about God’s ability to keep them from stumbling, which assures them of His protective presence and joy.
Get a short devotional by email, one passage and one question a day.
One short email each morning, with the free study guide. Unsubscribe anytime. By subscribing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. We use your address only to send this email.
Study questions
Questions for studying Jude 1
- observeIn v4, who are described as 'ungodly men' and what does their behavior involve?
- observeWhat does Jude mean by 'hidden rocky reefs' in v12, and who does he refer to?
- interpretThe example of Michael in vv. 9-10: what does this suggest about the nature of spiritual authority?
- interpretThe use of 'mockers' in v18: how does this term shape our understanding of their role in the community?
- applyWhen have you encountered someone speaking 'proud things' (v16) that led to division in your life?
For Bible groups
Study Jude 1 with your group
A free one-page handout with the overview, key verse, outline and discussion questions, ready to print for everyone at the table.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Jude 1
- 2 Peter 2Jude 1:6 and 2 Peter 2:4Both describe judgment on angels: Jude mentions everlasting bonds, while Peter speaks of pits of darkness.
- Ephesians 3Jude 1:24 and Ephesians 3:20Both affirm God's ability: Jude speaks of keeping from stumbling, while Paul emphasizes God's power at work in us.
- Romans 8Jude 1:20 and Romans 8:26Both encourage prayer: Jude urges building in the Holy Spirit, while Paul notes the Spirit intercedes for us.
- Ephesians 6Jude 1:20 and Ephesians 6:18Both emphasize prayer: Jude mentions praying in the Holy Spirit, while Paul speaks of prayer at all times.
- 2 Peter 3Jude 1:18 and 2 Peter 3:3Both warn of mockers: Jude notes they will come in the last time, while Peter states they will arise in the last days.
- 1 Thessalonians 5Jude 1:24 and 1 Thessalonians 5:23Both assure preservation: Jude speaks of being faultless, while Paul calls for sanctification of spirit, soul, and body.
Related chapters
Chapters that connect with Jude 1
Studied in
Where Jude 1 comes up on ScriptureDepth
Elsewhere on ScriptureDepth
Where to go from here
- Jude: the whole bookJude meant to write a different letter.
- Full Year Chronological Bible, day 356Day 356 of 365: 2 Peter 1–3 · Jude 1.
- FaithWhat the Bible says about faith, with verses.
- Common Bible questionsThe questions people bring to Bible study, each answered from the text.
- Today's devotionalOne verse and a short reflection, new every morning.
Jude 1: frequently asked questions
What is Jude 1 about?+
What is the key verse in Jude 1?+
What are the main themes of Jude 1?+
Studying Jude with a print Bible beside you? See our study Bible guides.