Jude 1:18

KJV

How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.

KJV (with Strong's)

How {G3754} that {G3754} they told {G3004} you {G5213} there should be {G2071} mockers {G1703} in {G1722} the last {G2078} time {G5550}, who should walk {G4198} after {G2596} their own {G1438} ungodly {G763} lusts {G1939}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They told you, “During the acharit-hayamim there will be scoffers following their own godless passions.”

Berean Standard Bible

when they said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow after their own ungodly desires.”

American Standard Version

that they said to you, In the last time there shall be mockers, walking after their own ungodly lusts.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jude 1:18 serves as a solemn reminder to believers, echoing prior apostolic warnings concerning the emergence of "mockers" in the "last time." These individuals, characterized by their scoffing at divine truth and godly living, are driven by their own impious and self-serving desires, rather than by the will of God, manifesting a lifestyle defined by ungodliness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of Jude's urgent appeal to contend earnestly for the faith against false teachers who have infiltrated the church. Following his opening greetings and purpose statement in [Jude 1:1-4](/jude/1-1-4 "Jude 1:1-4 - Greetings and Purpose"), Jude launches into a series of historical examples of rebellion and divine judgment, drawing from both Old Testament narratives and intertestamental traditions (e.g., [Jude 1:5-7](/jude/1-5-7 "Jude 1:5-7 - Examples of Judgment")). He then vividly describes the character and conduct of these ungodly intruders, comparing them to those who "defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones" ([Jude 1:8](/jude/1-8 "Jude 1:8 - Description of False Teachers")). Verse 18 specifically grounds these contemporary issues in prophetic warnings, emphasizing that the presence of such individuals is not unexpected but foretold, thereby validating Jude's strong condemnation and call to discernment. It sets the stage for Jude's subsequent exhortations to believers to build themselves up in the faith and remain steadfast ([Jude 1:20-23](/jude/1-20-23 "Jude 1:20-23 - Exhortation to Believers")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jude writes to a Christian audience facing internal threats from within their communities. The early church was a diverse movement, and as it grew, it naturally attracted individuals with various motivations, some of whom sought to exploit or corrupt the faith for personal gain or to promote heretical doctrines. The concept of "mockers" or "scoffers" was not new; philosophical schools often engaged in verbal sparring, and religious dissenters were common. However, these "mockers" within the Christian context specifically challenged the authority of Christ, the apostles, and the moral standards of the gospel. The "last time" or "last days" was a prevalent eschatological concept in both Jewish and early Christian thought, referring to the period leading up to the Messiah's coming and the culmination of God's redemptive plan. This period was often understood to be marked by increased spiritual deception and moral decay, making the warnings about mockers particularly relevant to the audience's lived experience and understanding of prophetic fulfillment.
* **Key Themes:** Jude 1:18 significantly contributes to several key themes pervasive throughout the epistle. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **apostasy and false teaching**, highlighting that the infiltration of ungodly individuals is a predicted characteristic of the "last time." This reinforces Jude's primary concern about the purity of the faith and the dangers of spiritual deception. Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **prophetic nature of warnings**, reminding the readers that the challenges they face are not unforeseen but have been foretold by earlier authorities, likely the apostles themselves, as seen in similar warnings in [2 Peter 3:3](/2_peter/3-3 "2 Peter 3:3 - Scoffers in the Last Days"). This theme serves to validate Jude's own urgent message and to encourage steadfastness among believers. Thirdly, the phrase "walk after their own ungodly lusts" points to the theme of **moral depravity and ungodliness** as the root cause of false teaching and rebellion against God. It reveals that the intellectual or theological errors of these mockers are fundamentally driven by their sinful desires and a rejection of divine authority, a motif that runs throughout Jude's vivid descriptions of the false teachers' character and conduct, such as their "sensual, having not the Spirit" nature in [Jude 1:19](/jude/1-19 "Jude 1:19 - Sensual, Having Not the Spirit").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mockers (Greek, _empaíktēs'_):** From the verb meaning "to mock" or "to deride," this noun describes someone who ridicules or scoffs. In the biblical context, especially as used here and in [2 Peter 3:3](/2_peter/3-3 "2 Peter 3:3 - Scoffers in the Last Days"), it signifies more than mere jest; it denotes a defiant contempt for spiritual truth, God's authority, and godly living. The Strong's data further specifies that such a derider is, by implication, a "false teacher," indicating that their mockery is often intertwined with the dissemination of erroneous doctrine.
* **Last (Greek, _éschatos'_):** This superlative adjective refers to that which is "farthest" or "final," pertaining to both place and time. When used in the phrase "the last time" or "the last days," it denotes the ultimate period of history, specifically the epoch inaugurated by Christ's first coming and culminating in His second advent. It signifies a decisive, final era characterized by specific spiritual and moral conditions, including the rise of those who oppose God.
* **Ungodly (Greek, _asébeia'_):** This noun denotes "impiety" or "wickedness," stemming from a root meaning "without reverence" or "without worship." It describes a fundamental lack of respect or devotion towards God, manifesting as a disregard for His commands, character, and truth. The Strong's data links it directly to "ungodly(-liness)," emphasizing that the "lusts" are not merely human desires but are specifically devoid of any orientation towards God, making them inherently sinful and rebellious.
* **Lusts (Greek, _epithymía'_):** This term refers to a "longing" or "strong desire." While it can sometimes be used neutrally or even positively (e.g., a strong desire for good), in the New Testament, particularly when qualified by adjectives like "ungodly" or "fleshly," it almost invariably refers to illicit, sinful desires or cravings. The Strong's data explicitly notes it as "especially for what is forbidden," highlighting its negative connotation of "concupiscence" or "lust after" that which is contrary to God's will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"How that they told you":** This introductory phrase serves as a reminder, appealing to the readers' prior knowledge and instruction. "They" most likely refers to the apostles or other authoritative teachers who had previously warned the Christian community about future challenges. It underscores the prophetic nature of the warnings, indicating that the current state of affairs was not unforeseen but had been clearly communicated.
* **"there should be mockers":** This clause identifies the specific type of individuals who were foretold to appear. "Mockers" are those who scoff at, ridicule, and show contempt for spiritual truths, godly living, and the authority of God. Their presence is presented not as a possibility but as a certainty, a characteristic feature of the eschatological period.
* **"in the last time,":** This phrase situates the appearance of these mockers within a specific theological timeframe. "The last time" (or "last days") refers to the period between Christ's first and second comings, an era marked by spiritual intensity, increasing opposition to God, and the fulfillment of various prophecies. It suggests that the emergence of such individuals is a sign of the times, confirming the unfolding of God's plan.
* **"who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.":** This final clause reveals the driving motivation and characteristic lifestyle of the mockers. Their "walking" signifies their manner of life, their conduct, and their overall orientation. This "walk" is not guided by divine truth or the Holy Spirit but is determined by "their own" desires, which are explicitly labeled "ungodly." This highlights the self-centered, impious, and morally corrupt nature of their motivations, revealing that their mockery stems from a deep-seated rebellion against God and a commitment to their sinful passions.

#### Literary Devices
Jude 1:18 employs several effective literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the verse explicitly references prior warnings about future events ("they told you there should be mockers"). This device not only validates Jude's current message but also prepares the readers for the reality of these challenges. The use of **Characterization** is central, vividly describing the "mockers" not just by their actions but by their underlying motivation: "who should walk after their own ungodly lusts." This provides a profound insight into their spiritual state. Furthermore, there is an element of **Contrast** implied between the expected godly conduct of believers and the "ungodly lusts" that drive the mockers. The phrase "walk after their own ungodly lusts" also functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where "lusts" stand for the entire depraved nature and lifestyle that results from such desires. The entire verse serves as a **Prophetic Reminder**, reinforcing the certainty of these events and urging the audience to heed the warnings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jude 1:18 powerfully connects the presence of false teachers and apostates in the church to the prophetic warnings given by the apostles, framing their emergence as an expected sign of the "last time." This theological insight underscores the continuity of God's revelation and the consistency of His warnings regarding spiritual deception. The verse highlights that the core issue with these mockers is not merely intellectual error but a fundamental moral rebellion, a life driven by "ungodly lusts." This reveals a profound theological truth: true faith is inextricably linked to godly living, and a rejection of God's truth often stems from a prior commitment to sinful desires. It emphasizes the importance of discernment and the spiritual battle against forces that seek to corrupt the church from within.

* [2 Peter 3:3](/2_peter/3-3 "2 Peter 3:3 - Scoffers in the Last Days")
* [1 Timothy 4:1](/1_timothy/4-1 "1 Timothy 4:1 - Departure from the Faith")
* [Acts 20:29-30](/acts/20-29-30 "Acts 20:29-30 - Paul's Warning to the Ephesian Elders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jude 1:18 serves as a timeless warning and a call to spiritual vigilance for believers in every generation. It reminds us that the presence of those who scoff at faith, ridicule biblical truth, and live lives driven by self-serving, ungodly desires is not a new phenomenon, nor is it a sign that God's word has failed. Rather, it is precisely what was foretold. This understanding should equip us with discernment, preventing us from being surprised or swayed by such opposition. Instead of becoming discouraged, we are called to recognize these individuals as fulfilling ancient prophecies, prompting us to stand firm in our convictions and to contend earnestly for the faith. The verse challenges us to examine our own hearts: are our lives "walking after" God's truth, or are we subtly being drawn by our "own ungodly lusts"? It urges us to prioritize holiness and spiritual integrity, knowing that genuine faith is demonstrated by a life submitted to God's will, not by a pursuit of selfish desires.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does knowing that "mockers" were prophesied help you respond to skepticism or opposition to faith in your own life or community?**
* **In what ways might "ungodly lusts" manifest in contemporary society, and how can believers guard against being influenced by them?**
* **What does it mean for you personally to "contend earnestly for the faith" in light of these warnings?**

### FAQ

**What does "the last time" mean in Jude 1:18?**

Answer: "The last time" (Greek: _eschatos chronos_) refers to the period inaugurated by the first coming of Jesus Christ and extending until His second coming. It signifies the final epoch of salvation history, a time characterized by the fulfillment of prophecies, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and also by increased spiritual deception and opposition to God. It is not necessarily a short period but the decisive, concluding era of God's redemptive plan, during which the forces of good and evil are in heightened conflict. This concept is found throughout the New Testament, such as in [Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - God Has Spoken in These Last Days") and [1 Peter 1:20](/1_peter/1-20 "1 Peter 1:20 - Christ Revealed in the Last Times").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jude 1:18, while a warning about mockers, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in the presence of these adversaries, but in the steadfastness and enduring truth of the Gospel, which these mockers oppose. The "last time" in which these mockers appear is precisely the era inaugurated by Christ's advent, His atoning sacrifice, and His resurrection. He is the one who, as the [Lamb of God, takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and it is His truth that the mockers scorn. Their "ungodly lusts" stand in stark contrast to the perfect obedience and self-sacrificial love of Christ, who "did not please Himself" ([Romans 15:3](/romans/15-3 "Romans 15:3 - Christ Did Not Please Himself")). The warnings given by the apostles, which Jude references, are rooted in the teachings of Christ Himself, who foretold the coming of false prophets and wolves in sheep's clothing ([Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets")). Therefore, the presence of these mockers serves to highlight the unwavering truth and purity of the faith delivered once for all to the saints, a faith centered on Jesus Christ, who is "the same yesterday, today, and forever" ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same")). Believers are called to contend for this faith, not by their own strength, but by building themselves up in the most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, looking to Christ's mercy for eternal life ([Jude 1:20-21](/jude/1-20-21 "Jude 1:20-21 - Build Yourselves Up in the Faith")).

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 3:3

¶ Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,

2 Timothy 3:1

¶ This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 Timothy 3:5

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

2 Timothy 4:3

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

2 Timothy 3:13

But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

1 Timothy 4:1

¶ Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

1 Timothy 4:2

Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;