Jude 1:11

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Woe {G3759} unto them {G846}! for {G3754} they have gone {G4198} in the way {G3598} of Cain {G2535}, and {G2532} ran greedily after {G1632} the error {G4106} of Balaam {G903} for reward {G3408}, and {G2532} perished {G622} in the gainsaying {G485} of Core {G2879}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Woe to them, in that they have walked the road of Kayin, they have given themselves over for money to the error of Bil‘am, they have been destroyed in the rebellion of Korach.

Berean Standard Bible

Woe to them! They have traveled the path of Cain; they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam; they have perished in Korah’s rebellion.

American Standard Version

Woe unto them! for they went in the way of Cain, and ran riotously in the error of Balaam for hire, and perished in the gainsaying of Korah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jude 1:11 pronounces a severe "woe" upon individuals who have infiltrated the Christian community, indicting them by drawing parallels to three infamous figures from Old Testament history: Cain, Balaam, and Korah. This verse serves as a potent warning against those whose spiritual rebellion manifests in envy, greed-driven deception, and defiant opposition to God-ordained authority, ultimately leading to divine judgment and destruction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The Book of Jude is a brief, urgent epistle written to address a pressing crisis within the early church: the infiltration of false teachers. Jude's primary purpose, as stated in [Jude 1:3](/jude/1-3 "Jude 1:3 - Contend for the Faith"), is to exhort believers to "contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints." Following a general warning about these ungodly individuals who distort grace and deny Christ (e.g., [Jude 1:4](/jude/1-4 "Jude 1:4 - Ungodly Men Crept In")), Jude 1:11 provides concrete, historical examples to illustrate the character and inevitable destiny of such deceivers. It immediately precedes further descriptions of their depravity and the certainty of their judgment, forming a core part of Jude's argument for vigilance and discernment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jude's letter was likely written to a broad audience of Jewish Christians, given its extensive reliance on Old Testament narratives and Jewish apocalyptic traditions (e.g., [Jude 1:9](/jude/1-9 "Jude 1:9 - Michael and the Devil")). The false teachers Jude confronts likely promoted a form of antinomianism, twisting God's grace into a license for immoral behavior and denying the authority of Christ (as implied in [Jude 1:4](/jude/1-4 "Jude 1:4 - Ungodly Men Crept In")). The figures of Cain, Balaam, and Korah were well-known cautionary tales within Jewish tradition, representing archetypes of rebellion, covetousness, and defiance against divine order. By invoking these specific examples, Jude leveraged a shared cultural and religious understanding to powerfully convey the gravity and nature of the apostasy he was combating.
* **Key Themes:** Jude 1:11 masterfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout the epistle and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **danger of apostasy and moral corruption**, linking spiritual deviation directly to severe moral decay and ungodly behavior, as seen in the progression from Cain's envy to Balaam's greed and Korah's rebellion. Secondly, it emphasizes the **timelessness of sin and divine judgment**, demonstrating through these historical examples that certain patterns of rebellion against God's truth and authority inevitably lead to severe consequences. The "woe" pronounced underscores the **certainty of divine judgment** for those who persist in such paths. Thirdly, the verse exposes the underlying **self-interest and greed** that often fuel spiritual error, whether driven by envy (Cain), monetary gain (Balaam), or the pursuit of power and prestige (Korah), contrasting sharply with the selfless obedience required of true faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Woe (Greek, _ouaí'_):** A primary exclamation expressing profound grief, sorrow, or lamentation, often used to announce impending judgment or calamity. In this context, it functions as a solemn, prophetic declaration of divine condemnation against those who embody the characteristics described. It signals a dire and certain consequence for their actions.
* **ran greedily after (Greek, _ekchéō'_):** Literally meaning "to pour forth" or "to gush out," this verb is used figuratively here to describe an unrestrained, impulsive, and excessive pursuit. When applied to Balaam's error, it vividly portrays an uncontrolled, almost overflowing eagerness for reward, indicating a reckless and unrestrained pursuit of personal gain, overriding any moral or spiritual considerations.
* **gainsaying (Greek, _antilogía'_):** Derived from "to speak against," this term signifies contradiction, opposition, or open dispute. In the context of Korah, it denotes active rebellion and defiance against established, divinely appointed authority. It implies not merely disagreement, but a contentious and insubordinate challenge to legitimate leadership and order.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Woe unto them!":** This opening exclamation sets a somber and condemnatory tone, serving as a prophetic pronouncement of divine judgment. It immediately signals the severe consequences awaiting those who follow the paths described, emphasizing the gravity of their spiritual state and actions.
* **"for they have gone in the way of Cain":** This clause indicts the false teachers for emulating the spiritual and moral path of Cain. This "way" refers to Cain's unrighteousness, his rejection of God's acceptable offering, his envy, hatred, and ultimately, the murder of his brother Abel ([Genesis 4:1-8](/genesis/4-1-8 "Genesis 4:1-8 - Cain and Abel")). It signifies a path characterized by self-will, a lack of faith, and a refusal to submit to God's prescribed ways, leading to spiritual darkness and violence.
* **"and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward":** This phrase condemns the false teachers for their covetousness and willingness to compromise spiritual truth for material gain, mirroring Balaam. Balaam, a prophet, was willing to curse Israel for money and later advised Balak on how to lead Israel into idolatry and immorality for a reward ([Numbers 22-24](/numbers/22-24 "Numbers 22-24 - Balaam's Oracles") and [Numbers 31:16](/numbers/31-16 "Numbers 31:16 - Balaam's Counsel")). The "error" is driven by an unrestrained, greedy pursuit of profit, prostituting spiritual gifts or knowledge for personal enrichment and leading others astray.
* **"and perished in the gainsaying of Core.":** This final indictment likens the false teachers to Korah, who led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron's divinely appointed leadership ([Numbers 16](/numbers/16 "Numbers 16 - Korah's Rebellion")). "Gainsaying" signifies open defiance, insubordination, and a rejection of God's chosen instruments and established order. Those who follow this path are destined to "perish," indicating a severe and catastrophic end, mirroring Korah's supernatural destruction.

#### Literary Devices
Jude 1:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is **Allusion**, as the verse directly references three well-known Old Testament figures (Cain, Balaam, Korah) whose stories serve as archetypal warnings. By invoking these figures, Jude succinctly communicates complex patterns of sin—envy, greed, and rebellion—without needing to recount their full narratives, relying on the audience's familiarity with these cautionary tales. The structure of the indictment also forms a **Tricolon**, presenting three distinct but related examples of wickedness, which adds rhetorical force and emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the false teachers' depravity. Furthermore, the initial "Woe unto them!" functions as a strong **Exclamation** and sets a tone of prophetic judgment, underscoring the severity of the condemnation and the certainty of divine retribution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jude 1:11 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of apostasy and the certainty of divine judgment. It underscores that spiritual error is rarely purely intellectual but often stems from deep-seated moral corruption, driven by envy, greed, and pride. The "way of Cain" speaks to the rejection of God's grace and the embrace of self-righteousness and hatred; the "error of Balaam" highlights the perversion of spiritual gifts for material gain, leading to the corruption of others; and the "gainsaying of Korah" exemplifies rebellion against divine authority and established order. These historical examples serve as timeless warnings, demonstrating that God's character demands justice against those who willfully defy His truth and lead His people astray, revealing a consistent divine response to rebellion throughout salvation history.

* [2 Peter 2:1-3](/2_peter/2-1-3 "2 Peter 2:1-3 - False Teachers Predicted")
* [Hebrews 10:26-31](/hebrews/10-26-31 "Hebrews 10:26-31 - Consequences of Willful Sin")
* [Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15-20 "Matthew 7:15-20 - Beware of False Prophets")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jude 1:11 serves as a timeless and urgent call for spiritual vigilance and self-examination for believers today. It compels us to discern not only the doctrines but also the character and motivations of those who claim to teach or lead within the church. Are our own "ways" marked by envy or hatred towards others, like Cain? Do we, or those we follow, pursue spiritual endeavors for "reward"—whether financial, social, or personal prestige—rather than for the glory of God, falling into Balaam's error? Are we prone to "gainsaying" legitimate spiritual authority, challenging God-ordained leadership out of pride or a desire for control, akin to Korah? This verse challenges us to cultivate genuine humility, selfless service, and unwavering submission to God's truth and His appointed order. It reminds us that true faith is evidenced not merely by profession, but by a life transformed by grace, marked by love, integrity, and obedience, avoiding the destructive paths that lead to spiritual ruin and divine judgment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might the "way of Cain" manifest in my own heart or relationships today, such as through envy, resentment, or a lack of genuine love for others?**
* **Am I ever tempted to compromise my spiritual convictions or use my gifts for personal gain, thus falling into the "error of Balaam"? How can I guard against greed and self-interest?**
* **Do I show respect for legitimate spiritual authority, or do I exhibit a "gainsaying" spirit of rebellion and insubordination, like Korah? How can I cultivate a spirit of humility and submission?**
* **How can I better discern false teaching and ungodly behavior in the church and in the world around me, as Jude urges?**

### FAQ

**Why does Jude choose these three specific Old Testament figures (Cain, Balaam, and Korah) to illustrate the false teachers?**

Answer: Jude's choice of Cain, Balaam, and Korah is highly strategic and impactful because each figure represents a distinct but equally destructive form of rebellion against God and His people, which collectively encapsulate the characteristics of the false teachers Jude is condemning. Cain embodies the sin of **hatred, envy, and self-will** leading to violence and a rejection of God's righteous standard ([Genesis 4](/genesis/4 "Genesis 4 - Cain and Abel")). Balaam represents **greed, spiritual compromise, and leading others into immorality** for personal gain ([Numbers 22-24](/numbers/22-24 "Numbers 22-24 - Balaam's Oracles"); [Revelation 2:14](/revelation/2-14 "Revelation 2:14 - The Doctrine of Balaam")). Korah symbolizes **rebellion against God-ordained authority and a lust for power**, challenging legitimate leadership and divine order ([Numbers 16](/numbers/16 "Numbers 16 - Korah's Rebellion")). By referencing these well-known biblical narratives, Jude provides a comprehensive indictment, demonstrating that the false teachers in his day were not merely misguided but embodied ancient, archetypal forms of wickedness that had always incurred divine judgment.

**What exactly was "the error of Balaam" and how does it relate to the false teachers in Jude's time?**

Answer: "The error of Balaam" refers to the prophet Balaam's willingness to use his prophetic gifts for financial reward and, more subtly, his counsel to Balak that led the Israelites into idolatry and sexual immorality ([Numbers 22-24](/numbers/22-24 "Numbers 22-24 - Balaam's Oracles") and [Numbers 31:16](/numbers/31-16 "Numbers 31:16 - Balaam's Counsel")). Initially, Balaam was tempted to curse Israel for money, but God prevented him. His deeper "error" lay in advising Balak to entice the Israelites to intermarry with Moabite women and participate in their idolatrous feasts, thereby causing them to stumble and incur God's wrath. This "error" is characterized by **greed-driven spiritual deception and the deliberate leading of God's people into sin for personal gain**. In Jude's context, the false teachers were similarly driven by covetousness, distorting grace to justify their immoral lifestyles and leading others astray, prostituting spiritual truth for their own "reward" ([Jude 1:4](/jude/1-4 "Jude 1:4 - Ungodly Men Crept In") and [Jude 1:16](/jude/1-16 "Jude 1:16 - Grumbling Faultfinders")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jude 1:11, with its stark warnings against the ways of Cain, Balaam, and Korah, powerfully highlights the profound contrast with the person and work of Jesus Christ. Where these figures embody envy, greed, and rebellion, Christ perfectly exemplifies selfless love, purity of motive, and absolute obedience to the Father. Unlike Cain, whose envy led to murder, Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), willingly laid down His life out of love for His enemies, offering the ultimate atoning sacrifice for sin ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd") and [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). In stark opposition to Balaam, who prostituted spiritual gifts for "reward" and led others into error, Jesus is the [Way, the Truth, and the Life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life"), who consistently taught and lived out divine truth, never seeking His own gain but always the glory of the Father and the salvation of humanity ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Does the Father's Will")). Furthermore, unlike Korah, who rebelled against God-ordained authority, Christ perfectly submitted to the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross, becoming the ultimate example of humility and obedience ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Jesus offers deliverance from the destructive paths of sin and rebellion, inviting all to walk in His "way"—a way of righteousness, truth, and eternal life, contrasting sharply with the "woe" pronounced upon those who reject Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Peter 2:15

Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam [the son] of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;

1 John 3:12

Not as Cain, [who] was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

Revelation 2:14

But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

Genesis 4:3

¶ And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.

Genesis 4:14

Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, [that] every one that findeth me shall slay me.

Numbers 26:9

And the sons of Eliab; Nemuel, and Dathan, and Abiram. This [is that] Dathan and Abiram, [which were] famous in the congregation, who strove against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when they strove against the LORD:

Numbers 26:10

And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up together with Korah, when that company died, what time the fire devoured two hundred and fifty men: and they became a sign.