Jude 1:16

KJV

These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling [words], having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.

KJV (with Strong's)

These {G3778} are {G1526} murmurers {G1113}, complainers {G3202}, walking {G4198} after {G2596} their own {G846} lusts {G1939}; and {G2532} their {G846} mouth {G4750} speaketh {G2980} great swelling {G5246} words, having men's persons {G4383} in admiration {G2296} because {G5484} of advantage {G5622}.

Complete Jewish Bible

These people are grumblers and complainers, they follow their evil passions, their mouths speak grandiosities, and they flatter others to gain advantage.

Berean Standard Bible

These men are discontented grumblers, following after their own lusts; their mouths spew arrogance; they flatter others for their own advantage.

American Standard Version

These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their lusts (and their mouth speaketh great swelling words), showing respect of persons for the sake of advantage.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jude 1:16 vividly exposes the character and conduct of false teachers who infiltrated the early church, describing them as discontented grumblers driven by their own carnal desires. Their speech is characterized by arrogant, empty rhetoric, and their actions are motivated by self-serving flattery, showing partiality to others solely for personal gain or advantage rather than out of genuine respect or spiritual discernment. This verse serves as a stark warning, urging believers to recognize and resist those whose outward displays of piety mask a corrupt and self-centered agenda.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jude's epistle is a concise, urgent polemic against apostasy. The author, Jude, the brother of James, writes to believers to "earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" ([Jude 1:3](/jude/1-3 "Jude 1:3 - Contending for the Faith")). Having initially intended to write about their common salvation, Jude felt compelled to address the immediate threat posed by "certain men crept in unawares" ([Jude 1:4](/jude/1-4 "Jude 1:4 - False Teachers Creeping In")). Verses 5-16 form a central section where Jude presents a series of historical examples—from the Israelites in the wilderness to the fallen angels and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah—to illustrate the certain judgment awaiting these ungodly individuals. Verse 16, therefore, is part of a detailed indictment, describing the specific behaviors and motivations of these false teachers, echoing the warnings found in [2 Peter 2](/2_peter/2 "2 Peter 2 - False Teachers and Their Destruction").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian communities were vulnerable to internal corruption, as new converts from diverse backgrounds were still learning the tenets of the faith. False teachers often emerged from within, or infiltrated from without, bringing with them Gnostic tendencies, antinomianism (the belief that moral laws are not binding on Christians), or other deviations from apostolic teaching. These individuals frequently leveraged charismatic personalities, eloquent speech, and a willingness to compromise moral standards to gain influence and followers. The Greco-Roman world valued rhetoric and public speaking, making "great swelling words" a powerful tool for manipulation. Furthermore, patronage systems were common, where individuals gained status and advantage by flattering or aligning with powerful figures, a practice these false teachers exploited within the church for their own "advantage."
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several key themes within Jude's epistle. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **apostasy and spiritual deception**, detailing the insidious nature of those who corrupt the faith from within. Their "murmuring" and "complaining" connect to the broader theme of **rebellion against divine authority**, reminiscent of the Israelites' grumbling in the wilderness ([Numbers 14:2](/numbers/14-2 "Numbers 14:2 - Israel's Rebellion")). The emphasis on "walking after their own lusts" highlights **moral depravity and self-indulgence** as a hallmark of false teaching, contrasting sharply with the call to live godly lives. Finally, their "great swelling words" and flattery for "advantage" expose the theme of **hypocrisy and mercenary motives**, revealing that their outward show is not for God's glory but for personal gain, a warning echoed throughout the New Testament against those who preach for profit ([Titus 1:11](/titus/1-11 "Titus 1:11 - Teaching for Dishonest Gain")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Murmurers (Greek, _gongystḗs'_):** From the verb *gongyzō*, meaning to grumble or complain, often in a low, discontented tone. This word specifically describes those who voice their dissatisfaction and resentment, frequently against God or those in authority. It evokes the image of the Israelites' constant grumbling against Moses and God during their wilderness journey, a behavior that led to divine judgment.
* **Complainers (Greek, _mempsímoiros'_):** This unique Greek term literally means "blaming fate" or "finding fault with one's lot." It describes individuals who are discontented with their circumstances and prone to blaming others or external factors for their dissatisfaction, rather than taking personal responsibility or trusting in God's providence. It signifies a querulous, discontented spirit.
* **Great swelling (words) (Greek, _hypéronkos'_):** Derived from *hyper* (over) and *onkos* (a bulk, mass, or swelling), this adjective describes something that is "bulging over" or "excessive." When applied to words, it refers to pompous, arrogant, or bombastic speech that is inflated and lacks substance. These are empty, boastful utterances designed to impress, deceive, or intimidate, rather than to convey truth or edify.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These are murmurers, complainers":** This opening clause immediately identifies the core disposition of the false teachers. They are characterized by a pervasive spirit of discontentment and fault-finding. Their "murmuring" suggests a deep-seated dissatisfaction, often expressed covertly, while "complainers" indicates an open, querulous attitude, always finding fault with circumstances, leadership, or even God Himself. This reveals a lack of faith, humility, and gratitude.
* **"walking after their own lusts":** This phrase exposes the driving force behind their discontent and behavior. Their actions and choices are not guided by divine will, spiritual principles, or the well-being of others, but by their own selfish desires, carnal appetites, and unbridled passions. This highlights their moral bankruptcy and self-centeredness, indicating a life lived in pursuit of personal gratification rather than God's glory.
* **"and their mouth speaketh great swelling [words]":** This clause describes their deceptive communication style. Their speech is not truthful or edifying but is characterized by "great swelling words"—pompous, arrogant, and empty rhetoric. These are boastful utterances designed to impress, mislead, or assert a false authority, lacking genuine spiritual substance or integrity. The bracketed "[words]" in the KJV indicates it's supplied for clarity, as the Greek term itself implies "pompous things" or "boastful utterances."
* **"having men's persons in admiration because of advantage":** This final clause reveals their mercenary motives and hypocrisy. They do not genuinely respect or admire others based on character or godliness. Instead, they show favoritism, flatter, or give undue deference to individuals (especially those with wealth, status, or influence) solely for their own "advantage"—whether it be financial gain, power, recognition, or a more comfortable position. This exposes their self-serving and manipulative nature, contrasting sharply with the impartiality expected of believers.

#### Literary Devices
Jude 1:16 employs several potent literary devices to paint a vivid and damning portrait of the false teachers. **Characterization** is central, as Jude directly describes their inherent nature and motivations rather than merely their actions. The terms "murmurers" and "complainers" are not just behaviors but defining traits, immediately establishing their negative disposition. **Contrast** is subtly used; their self-serving "lusts" and pursuit of "advantage" stand in stark opposition to the selfless love and truth that should characterize genuine Christian leadership. The phrase "great swelling words" is a form of **hyperbole** or **exaggeration**, emphasizing the emptiness and bombast of their rhetoric. This also borders on **irony**, as their "great" words are ultimately hollow. Finally, the entire verse functions as a powerful **indictment**, systematically laying out the charges against these individuals, serving as a warning to the faithful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jude 1:16 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of spiritual deception and the character of those who propagate it. It underscores that false teaching is not merely an intellectual error but is deeply rooted in a corrupt moral character, driven by self-interest and a rebellious spirit. The grumbling and complaining reflect a heart discontent with God's sovereignty and provision, while the pursuit of "lusts" and "advantage" reveals a fundamental rejection of Christ's call to self-denial and service. This verse highlights the danger of outward appearances and eloquent speech, reminding believers that true spiritual authority is demonstrated by humility, integrity, and genuine love, not by bombast or flattery. It connects to the broader biblical theme that those who claim to speak for God but live for themselves will face divine judgment, serving as a timeless warning against spiritual hypocrisy and the misuse of spiritual influence for personal gain.

* [Numbers 16:3](/numbers/16-3 "Numbers 16:3 - Korah's Rebellion and Murmuring") - Illustrates the destructive nature of murmuring and rebellion against God-appointed leadership, leading to divine judgment.
* [2 Peter 2:3](/2_peter/2-3 "2 Peter 2:3 - False Teachers' Greed") - Directly parallels Jude's warning, stating that false teachers "through covetousness shall with feigned words make merchandise of you."
* [James 2:9](/james/2-9 "James 2:9 - Showing Partiality is Sin") - Condemns the practice of showing partiality, especially for personal gain, reinforcing the ungodly nature of "having men's persons in admiration because of advantage."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jude 1:16 serves as a powerful diagnostic tool for discerning spiritual authenticity in our own lives and in the leaders we follow. It challenges us to look beyond outward charisma, impressive rhetoric, or perceived success and to examine the underlying character and motivations. If our hearts are prone to constant complaint, discontentment, or blaming others, we are walking in the footsteps of those Jude condemns. Similarly, if our actions are driven by selfish desires, a craving for personal advantage, or a willingness to flatter others for gain, we are compromising our integrity. This verse calls us to cultivate a spirit of gratitude, humility, and contentment, to speak words that build up rather than tear down, and to pursue genuine love and service rather than self-serving ambition. It encourages us to be discerning, to test the spirits, and to value truth and integrity above all else, ensuring that our faith is rooted in Christ's character, not in the fleeting allure of human flattery or worldly gain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to murmur or complain, and what does this reveal about my trust in God's sovereignty?**
* **Am I truly walking after God's will, or are my decisions primarily driven by my own desires and lusts?**
* **How do I use my words? Do I speak with humility and truth, or am I prone to boastful or empty rhetoric designed to impress others?**
* **Do I ever show favoritism or flatter others for personal advantage, rather than out of genuine love and respect?**
* **How can I cultivate a more discerning spirit to identify those who may be "walking after their own lusts" in the church or in my community?**

### FAQ
**What does "murmurers" and "complainers" signify in Jude 1:16?**

Answer: These terms signify a deep-seated dissatisfaction and rebellious spirit. "Murmurers" (Greek: *gongystḗs*) refers to those who grumble or complain, often in a low, discontented tone, reminiscent of the Israelites' constant grumbling against God and Moses in the wilderness (e.g., [Exodus 16:7](/exodus/16-7 "Exodus 16:7 - Israel's Murmuring for Food")). "Complainers" (Greek: *mempsímoiros*) describes those who find fault with their circumstances or lot in life, often blaming others or fate rather than taking responsibility or trusting in divine providence. Together, they paint a picture of individuals lacking faith, humility, and gratitude, constantly discontented with God's provision and authority.

**What are "great swelling words" and why do the false teachers use them?**

Answer: "Great swelling words" (Greek: *hypéronkos*) refers to pompous, arrogant, or bombastic speech that is inflated, empty, and lacks genuine substance. These are boastful utterances designed to impress, deceive, or intimidate, rather than to convey truth or edify. False teachers use them as a tool for manipulation, to appear knowledgeable or authoritative, to gain influence, or to mislead others into following their ungodly ways, as also described in [2 Peter 2:18](/2_peter/2-18 "2 Peter 2:18 - False Teachers' Swelling Words").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jude 1:16, in its stark portrayal of the false teachers, implicitly points to the perfect antithesis found in Jesus Christ. While these apostates are "murmurers" and "complainers," Christ perfectly submitted to the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross, never uttering a word of complaint despite immense suffering ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - Christ's Silence Before His Accusers")). Unlike those "walking after their own lusts," Jesus consistently sought to do the will of His Father, stating, "I seek not my own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me" ([John 5:30](/john/5-30 "John 5:30 - Jesus Seeks the Father's Will")). Their "great swelling words" stand in stark contrast to the words of Christ, which were full of grace and truth, bringing life and light, not empty boasts ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Furthermore, while the false teachers flattered "men's persons in admiration because of advantage," Jesus consistently showed impartiality, welcoming all who came to Him regardless of status or wealth, and condemning hypocrisy and self-serving ambition ([Luke 20:21](/luke/20-21 "Luke 20:21 - Jesus' Impartiality") and [Matthew 23:1-12](/matthew/23-1-12 "Matthew 23:1-12 - Jesus Condemns Hypocrisy")). Thus, Jude's condemnation of these self-serving individuals serves to magnify the unparalleled humility, integrity, and selfless love of Christ, who is the ultimate standard against which all true spiritual leadership and teaching must be measured, embodying the very opposite of every vice described in this verse.

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 2:18

For when they speak great swelling [words] of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, [through much] wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.

2 Peter 2:10

¶ But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous [are they], selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

Philippians 2:14

¶ Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

1 Corinthians 10:10

Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.

1 Peter 4:2

That he no longer should live the rest of [his] time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

1 Timothy 6:5

Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

James 1:14

But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.