Jude 1:10

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.

But {G1161} these {G3778} speak evil {G987} of those things which {G3745}{G3303} they know {G1492} not {G3756}: but {G1161} what {G3745} they know {G1987} naturally {G5447}, as {G5613} brute {G249} beasts {G2226}, in {G1722} those things {G5125} they corrupt themselves {G5351}.

However, these people insult anything they don’t understand; and what they do understand naturally, without thinking, like animals — by these things they are destroyed!

These men, however, slander what they do not understand, and like irrational animals, they will be destroyed by the things they do instinctively.

But these rail at whatsoever things they know not: and what they understand naturally, like the creatures without reason, in these things are they destroyed.

Commentary on Jude 1:10

Jude 1:10 delivers a scathing indictment against the ungodly individuals who had infiltrated the early Christian communities. This verse vividly contrasts their destructive behavior with true spiritual understanding, highlighting their ignorance of divine truths and their enslavement to carnal desires.

Context

This verse is part of Jude's urgent and passionate epistle, written to warn believers against false teachers and apostates who were subtly undermining the faith. Jude describes these individuals as those who have "crept in unawares" (Jude 1:4), turning the grace of God into an excuse for immorality and denying Jesus Christ, our only Lord. The preceding verses in Jude 1:8-9 further explain that these individuals "defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities," even daring to revile angelic authorities that Michael the archangel respected.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Ignorance and Malice: The phrase "these speak evil of those things which they know not" underscores a profound spiritual ignorance. These false teachers presumptuously slander spiritual realities, divine authority, or perhaps even angelic beings, which are beyond their comprehension. Their criticisms stem not from knowledge but from a rebellious and unspiritual heart.
  • Carnality and Sensuality: Jude contrasts this spiritual blindness with what they *do* know: "what they know naturally, as brute beasts." This points to a knowledge based purely on instinct, sensation, and worldly experience, devoid of any higher spiritual or moral reasoning. Like irrational animals, they are driven by base impulses and appetites, lacking the discernment that comes from the Holy Spirit. This concept is similarly explored in 2 Peter 2:12.
  • Self-Corruption: The dire consequence of their carnal understanding is self-destruction: "in those things they corrupt themselves." Their indulgence in natural, unbridled desires leads to moral decay, spiritual ruin, and ultimately, judgment. Their actions are not merely harmful to others but are profoundly self-destructive.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "brute beasts" is aloga zōa (ἄλογα ζῷα), which literally means "irrational animals." This emphasizes the lack of reason, spiritual discernment, and moral restraint characteristic of these false teachers. Unlike humans, who are created with the capacity for reason and spiritual understanding, these individuals behave as if governed solely by instinct, leading them away from God's truth. The verb "corrupt themselves" comes from phtheirousin (φθείρουσιν), meaning to decay, destroy, or ruin, highlighting the self-inflicted damage of their ungodly lifestyle.

Practical Application

Jude 1:10 serves as a timeless warning for believers to cultivate spiritual discernment and guard against influences that deny divine truth or promote carnal living. It reminds us that true spiritual understanding comes from God's Spirit, not from worldly wisdom or natural instincts. We are called to recognize and reject teachings that demean spiritual realities or encourage immoral behavior. Instead, believers should focus on building themselves up in the most holy faith (Jude 1:20), praying in the Holy Spirit, and preserving themselves in God's love, awaiting the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Peter 2:12

    But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;

  • Romans 1:21

    Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

  • Romans 1:22

    Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

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