TRV
Jude 1:14
Bible Versions
And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,
Moreover, Hanokh, in the seventh generation starting with Adam, also prophesied about these men, saying, “Look! Adonai came with his myriads of holy ones
Enoch, the seventh from Adam, also prophesied about them: “Behold, the Lord is coming with myriads of His holy ones
And to these also Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, Behold, the Lord came with ten thousands of his holy ones,
-
Deuteronomy 33:2
And he said, The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand [went] a fiery law for them. -
Psalms 50:3
Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him. -
Psalms 50:5
Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice. -
Hebrews 11:5
By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. -
Hebrews 11:6
But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. -
2 Thessalonians 1:7
And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, -
2 Thessalonians 1:8
In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Jude 1:14 presents a powerful ancient prophecy attributed to Enoch, the seventh patriarch from Adam, concerning the Lord's future coming in judgment. This verse serves as a critical support for Jude’s urgent warnings against the ungodly false teachers who had infiltrated the early Christian communities.
Context
In his concise yet impactful epistle, Jude is deeply concerned about ungodly individuals who had crept into the church, twisting grace into license for immorality and denying Christ. To underscore the certainty of their impending doom, Jude draws upon various historical and extra-biblical examples of divine judgment. The reference to Enoch's prophecy is particularly striking because it is the only explicit citation of the Book of Enoch (an ancient Jewish apocalyptic text widely known in the first century) found in the New Testament. By quoting this prophecy, Jude validates his warnings, demonstrating that the judgment of such impious behavior is not a new concept but has been foretold since the earliest days of humanity.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "ten thousands" comes from the Greek word myriasin (μυριάσιν), which literally means "myriads" or an "innumerable host." This emphasizes the vast, overwhelming number of those accompanying the Lord, signifying the immense power and glory of His return. The term "saints" (Greek: hagiōn) refers to holy ones, those consecrated to God, whether referring to angels or redeemed believers.
Cross-References & Connections
Enoch's unique status is mentioned in Hebrews 11:5, confirming his walk with God. The prophecy of the Lord's coming with His saints for judgment resonates with numerous other New Testament passages describing the glorious return of Christ. For instance, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 describes the Lord descending with a shout and the voice of an archangel, while Revelation 19:14 depicts the armies of heaven following Him on white horses. This universal expectation of Christ's return with judgment is a consistent theme throughout Scripture.
Practical Application
Jude 1:14 offers both a solemn warning and a profound comfort. For those who disregard God's commands and sow discord, it serves as a stark reminder of the certainty of divine retribution. There will be a day of accounting where every deed and motive will be revealed. For believers, this prophecy instills hope and encourages perseverance. Knowing that the Lord will return in power, accompanied by His holy ones, provides assurance that justice will ultimately prevail, and righteousness will be vindicated. It calls us to live lives of holiness, eagerly awaiting the glorious appearing of our Lord and Savior, and to contend earnestly for the faith against those who would corrupt it (Jude 1:3).