Jude 1:15

KJV

¶ To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard [speeches] which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

KJV (with Strong's)

To execute {G4160} judgment {G2920} upon {G2596} all {G3956}, and {G2532} to convince {G1827} all {G3956} that are ungodly {G765} among them {G846} of {G4012} all {G3956} their {G846} ungodly {G763} deeds {G2041} which {G3739} they have ungodly committed {G764}, and {G2532} of {G4012} all {G3956} their hard {G4642} speeches which {G3739} ungodly {G765} sinners {G268} have spoken {G2980} against {G2596} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

to execute judgment against everyone, that is, to convict all the godless for their godless deeds which they have done in such a godless way, and for all the harsh words these godless sinners have spoken against him.”

Berean Standard Bible

to execute judgment on everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of every ungodly act of wickedness and every harsh word spoken against Him by ungodly sinners.”

American Standard Version

to execute judgment upon all, and to convict all the ungodly of all their works of ungodliness which they have ungodly wrought, and of all the hard things which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jude 1:15 delivers a stark prophetic declaration of God's certain and comprehensive judgment upon all who are ungodly. This judgment, foretold by Enoch, will expose and condemn not only their impious actions but also their defiant and arrogant words spoken against God. The verse underscores the pervasive nature of ungodliness and the inescapable accountability that awaits those who live in rebellion against divine authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The Epistle of Jude is a concise yet fervent call to spiritual vigilance, written to warn early Christian communities against the infiltration of false teachers and apostates. Jude's primary purpose, as stated in [Jude 1:3](/jude/1-3 "Jude 1:3 - Contend for the Faith"), is to urge believers to "earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." Verses 14 and 15 form a direct quotation from the apocryphal Book of Enoch (specifically, 1 Enoch 1:9), which Jude employs to bolster his argument regarding the certain judgment awaiting these ungodly individuals. This ancient prophecy serves to emphasize that the divine reckoning for impious behavior is not a new or arbitrary concept, but a long-established truth in God's plan, providing a powerful and authoritative warning against those who pervert grace into license for immorality and deny Christ.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church faced significant internal and external pressures. Internally, various forms of heresy, often characterized by moral laxity (antinomianism) or Gnostic tendencies (claiming superior knowledge while engaging in immoral practices), threatened to corrupt the purity of the gospel and the conduct of believers. These false teachers, described by Jude as "ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and deny the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ" ([Jude 1:4](/jude/1-4 "Jude 1:4 - Ungodly Men")), were actively undermining the faith. Jude's use of the Book of Enoch, a widely known and respected Jewish apocalyptic text in the first century, would have resonated with his audience, lending weight to his prophetic warning. The cultural context also includes a strong emphasis on honor and shame, where public speech and deeds were seen as direct reflections of one's character, making the "hard speeches" mentioned in the verse particularly egregious.
* **Key Themes:** Jude 1:15 contributes significantly to several key themes within the epistle and broader biblical theology. The most prominent is the **certainty and comprehensiveness of divine judgment**. Jude repeatedly illustrates this through historical examples (e.g., Israel in the wilderness, fallen angels, Sodom and Gomorrah in [Jude 1:5-7](/jude/1-5-7 "Jude 1:5-7 - Examples of Judgment")). The verse also highlights the pervasive nature of **ungodliness** as a state of rebellion against God, manifesting in both **corrupt deeds** and **blasphemous words**. It underscores the biblical principle of **accountability**, asserting that every action and utterance will be brought before God. Furthermore, by quoting Enoch, Jude emphasizes the **prophetic nature of God's justice**, indicating that this judgment is part of a long-foretold divine plan, serving as a timeless warning against apostasy and moral decay.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **convince (Greek, _exelénchō'_):** From the base word meaning "to convict," this term signifies a thorough and undeniable exposure of guilt, leading to a conclusive demonstration of wrongdoing. In this context, it carries the strong implication of not just intellectual conviction but also the resultant punishment or condemnation that follows such a clear demonstration of culpability. God's judgment will leave no doubt as to the ungodly's guilt.
* **ungodly (Greek, _asebḗs'_):** This adjective, used repeatedly in Jude, describes someone who is irreverent, impious, or wicked. It denotes a fundamental lack of reverence or respect for God, manifesting as a disregard for divine law and a life lived in opposition to God's will. It's not merely a lack of religious practice but an active state of rebellion and moral corruption.
* **hard (Greek, _sklērós'_):** This word conveys the sense of harshness, severity, or rigidity. When applied to "speeches," it describes words that are not only defiant but also arrogant, blasphemous, or even cruel. These are words that demonstrate an unyielding opposition to God, His truth, or His messengers, reflecting a hardened heart.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To execute judgment upon all":** This opening phrase establishes the primary purpose of Christ's coming (as prophesied by Enoch): to carry out a definitive and universal act of divine justice. The word "all" emphasizes the comprehensive scope of this judgment, indicating that no one who is ungodly will escape it. It is a declaration of God's sovereign authority and His commitment to upholding righteousness.
* **"and to convince all that are ungodly among them":** This clause specifies the target of the judgment: those who are "ungodly." The verb "convince" (as discussed above) implies a full exposure and demonstration of their guilt, leading to their just condemnation. It's not about persuading them to change, but about revealing their true nature and actions for all to see, justifying the impending sentence.
* **"of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed":** Here, the first category of offenses is detailed: actions. The repetition of "ungodly" (both as an adjective describing the deeds and an adverb describing the manner of their commission) powerfully emphasizes the pervasive nature of their impiety. Their actions are not merely sinful, but fundamentally characterized by a lack of reverence for God, reflecting a life lived in defiance of His standards.
* **"and of all their hard [speeches] which ungodly sinners have spoken against him":** This second category of offenses focuses on words. The "hard speeches" are arrogant, defiant, or blasphemous utterances directed "against him" (God or Christ, or even His appointed messengers, as implied by the context of Jude). This highlights that accountability extends beyond actions to include verbal expressions of rebellion, demonstrating the depth of their ungodliness.

#### Literary Devices
Jude 1:15 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Repetition** is a prominent feature, particularly with the word "ungodly" (Greek: _asebēs_, _asebeia_, _asebeō_). Its fourfold appearance within a single verse ("ungodly," "ungodly deeds," "ungodly committed," "ungodly sinners") serves as a strong **emphasis** on the pervasive and defining characteristic of those being judged. This anaphora hammers home the nature of their rebellion. The verse also utilizes **parallelism** by listing two distinct categories of offenses: "ungodly deeds" and "hard speeches." This structure underscores the comprehensive nature of divine judgment, which encompasses both actions and words. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a **prophecy** (quoted from Enoch), lending an air of ancient authority and **foreshadowing** the inevitable and certain nature of God's future judgment. The phrase "execute judgment upon all" also contains an element of **hyperbole** or **intensification**, stressing the absolute and universal scope of this divine reckoning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jude 1:15 stands as a profound theological statement on God's unwavering justice and the certainty of accountability for sin. It affirms that God is not indifferent to human rebellion, but actively observes and will definitively judge all ungodliness, whether expressed through actions or words. This truth underscores the holiness of God, who cannot tolerate sin, and the seriousness of human sin, which incurs divine wrath. The verse connects to the broader biblical narrative of a just God who will ultimately set all things right, bringing perfect righteousness to bear upon a fallen world. It serves as a stark reminder that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative power that leads to godly living and reverent speech, contrasting sharply with the impious lifestyle of those condemned.

* [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")
* [Matthew 12:36-37](/matthew/12-36-37 "Matthew 12:36-37 - Accountability for Every Careless Word")
* [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jude 1:15 serves as a powerful and sobering mirror for self-examination. For believers, it is a call to live lives characterized by reverence and obedience, actively contending for the faith against any form of ungodliness, both within ourselves and in the world around us. It reminds us that our words are not inconsequential; they reveal the true condition of our hearts and will be brought into account. This verse should inspire us to cultivate a profound respect for God's holiness, leading us to guard our thoughts, actions, and speech, ensuring they align with His righteous character. For those who do not yet know Christ, it stands as an urgent warning of an inevitable day of reckoning, prompting a turning from sin and a seeking of God's grace and mercy before the final judgment arrives. It underscores the profound seriousness of rejecting God and living in defiance of His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the repeated emphasis on "ungodly" in this verse challenge my own understanding of what it means to live a life pleasing to God?**
* **In what ways might my "deeds" or "speeches" inadvertently reflect an "ungodly" attitude, even if I consider myself a believer?**
* **Knowing that God will "execute judgment upon all," how does this truth impact my sense of urgency in sharing the Gospel with others?**
* **What specific steps can I take to ensure my words are always honoring to God and edifying to others, rather than "hard speeches"?**

### FAQ

**What does "execute judgment upon all" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Execute judgment upon all" signifies that God will carry out a definitive and universal act of divine justice. It means that His judgment is not partial or limited, but will encompass every individual who is ungodly, holding them accountable for their actions and words. This judgment is certain, comprehensive, and inescapable for those who live in rebellion against Him, as foretold by Enoch.

**Who are "all that are ungodly among them"?**

Answer: "All that are ungodly among them" refers specifically to the false teachers and apostates that Jude is warning his readers about. These are individuals who, though perhaps claiming to be part of the Christian community, demonstrate a fundamental lack of reverence for God, turning His grace into a license for immorality and denying Christ ([Jude 1:4](/jude/1-4 "Jude 1:4 - Ungodly Men")). The judgment is directed at their character and conduct, which are antithetical to true faith.

**What are "hard speeches" and why are they so significant?**

Answer: "Hard speeches" (Greek: _sklērós_) refers to words that are harsh, severe, arrogant, or blasphemous. In the context of Jude, these are defiant or scornful words spoken against God, His truth, His authority, or His appointed messengers. They are significant because they reveal the deep-seated rebellion and irreverence in the heart of the ungodly. The Bible teaches that words are not trivial but reflect the heart's condition and will be brought into account ([Matthew 12:36-37](/matthew/12-36-37 "Matthew 12:36-37 - Accountability for Every Careless Word")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jude 1:15, with its stern declaration of judgment upon the ungodly, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Enoch's prophecy speaks of a coming Lord who will execute judgment, the New Testament reveals that this very authority has been entrusted to the Son. Jesus Himself declared, "For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son" ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - Jesus, the Judge")). He is the one appointed by God to judge the living and the dead ([Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God's Appointed Judge")). The "ungodly deeds" and "hard speeches" condemned in Jude 1:15 are precisely what Christ came to address. Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Jesus provided the only means by which humanity can escape the judgment due to ungodliness. For those who believe in Him, there is "no condemnation" ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")), as they have been justified by His grace. Conversely, for those who reject Him, the judgment described by Enoch and reiterated by Jude will indeed be executed by Christ Himself, for "Whoever does not believe is condemned already" ([John 3:18](/john/3-18 "John 3:18 - Condemnation for Unbelief")). Thus, Jude 1:15 powerfully underscores the urgency of turning to Christ, the righteous Judge and merciful Savior, to flee the wrath to come ([1_thessalonians/1-9-10](/1_thessalonians/1-9-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 - Turning from Idols to Serve God and Await His Son")).

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

Romans 2:16

In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

Revelation 22:12

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward [is] with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

Revelation 22:15

For without [are] dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

Ecclesiastes 11:9

Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these [things] God will bring thee into judgment.

1 Corinthians 4:5

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

1 Timothy 1:9

Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,

1 Samuel 2:3

Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let [not] arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD [is] a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.