Jude 1:19

KJV

These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.

KJV (with Strong's)

These {G3778} be {G1526} they who separate {G592} themselves {G1438}, sensual {G5591}, having {G2192} not {G3361} the Spirit {G4151}.

Complete Jewish Bible

These are the people who cause divisions. They are controlled by their impulses, because they don’t have the Spirit.

Berean Standard Bible

These are the ones who cause divisions, who are worldly and devoid of the Spirit.

American Standard Version

These are they who make separations, sensual, having not the Spirit.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jude 1:19 serves as a sharp identifier for those who had infiltrated the early Christian community, describing them as individuals who actively cause division, are governed by their natural, unregenerate desires, and fundamentally lack the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. This verse exposes the spiritual deficiency underlying their disruptive behavior, contrasting them sharply with genuine believers who are unified and Spirit-led.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The Epistle of Jude is a brief, urgent letter penned to warn believers against false teachers who had surreptitiously entered the church. Jude's primary purpose, as stated in [Jude 1:3](/jude/1-3 "Jude 1:3 - Contending for the Faith"), is to exhort his readers to "contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints." He immediately identifies the threat in [Jude 1:4](/jude/1-4 "Jude 1:4 - False Teachers Crept In") as "certain men who crept in unawares," whose ungodly character and impending judgment are detailed throughout the epistle. Prior to verse 19, Jude has already condemned these individuals for their immorality, rebellion, and divisive speech, often drawing parallels to Old Testament examples of apostasy (e.g., [Jude 1:5-7](/jude/1-5-7 "Jude 1:5-7 - Examples of Judgment")). Verse 19 acts as a climactic summary of their spiritual state, following a description of their grumbling and self-serving flattery in [Jude 1:16](/jude/1-16 "Jude 1:16 - Grumbling and Boasting"). It then sets the stage for Jude's concluding exhortations to the faithful to build themselves up in the faith and keep themselves in God's love ([Jude 1:20-21](/jude/1-20-21 "Jude 1:20-21 - Building Up in Faith")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church faced significant internal challenges from various forms of false teaching. While Jude does not name a specific heresy, the descriptions of these individuals—their sensuality, rejection of authority, and divisive nature—suggest a proto-Gnostic or antinomian influence. Such groups often claimed superior spiritual knowledge while simultaneously indulging in immoral behavior, believing that their "spirit" was pure regardless of their "fleshly" actions. This posed a direct threat to the moral integrity and doctrinal purity of the nascent Christian communities. Jude's audience, likely Jewish Christians, would have been familiar with the Old Testament narratives of rebellion and judgment that Jude frequently references, reinforcing the severity of the apostates' actions and their inevitable doom. The urgency of Jude's letter reflects a widespread concern among apostolic leaders regarding the preservation of sound doctrine and ethical conduct within the growing church.
* **Key Themes:** Jude 1:19 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the epistle and broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Apostasy and False Teaching**, providing clear characteristics by which to identify those who deviate from the true faith and actively undermine the church. Secondly, it highlights the critical importance of **Spiritual Discernment**, urging believers to recognize the true nature of individuals who might appear to be part of the community but are spiritually bankrupt. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the **Indispensable Role of the Holy Spirit** in genuine Christian life; the absence of the Spirit is presented as the root cause of the apostates' destructive behavior. This contrasts sharply with the New Testament teaching that the Spirit indwells all true believers, empowering them for righteous living and unity, as seen in [Romans 8:9](/romans/8-9 "Romans 8:9 - Having the Spirit of Christ"). Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of **Church Unity vs. Division**, portraying the apostates as active agents of schism, standing in direct opposition to the biblical call for believers to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, as exhorted in [Ephesians 4:3](/ephesians/4-3 "Ephesians 4:3 - Preserving the Unity of the Spirit").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **separate (Greek, _apodiorízō'_):** This word (G592) is a compound verb meaning "to disjoin by a boundary," and figuratively, "to form a party" or "to cause division." It implies a deliberate act of creating factions or schisms within the community, setting oneself apart from the fellowship of true believers, not by being cast out, but by initiating separation. This highlights their active role in disrupting unity.
* **sensual (Greek, _psychikós'_):** Derived from *psychē* (soul), this adjective (G5591) describes someone whose life is dominated by the "soul"—that is, their natural mind, emotions, and will—rather than by the "spirit" (Greek, *pneuma*). It denotes a person who operates solely on human reason and earthly inclinations, lacking spiritual perception and being unregenerate. It is often contrasted with *pneumatikos* ("spiritual"), which describes one led by the Holy Spirit.
* **Spirit (Greek, _pneûma'_):** This noun (G4151) refers to a current of air, breath, or figuratively, a spirit. In this context, it unequivocally refers to the Holy Spirit, the divine third person of the Trinity. The phrase "having not the Spirit" is a profound indictment, indicating a complete absence of the indwelling Holy Spirit, which is the defining mark of a true believer.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These be they who separate themselves":** This clause directly identifies the individuals Jude is warning against. The reflexive pronoun "themselves" (G1438 *heautoû*) emphasizes that their separation is self-initiated. They are not merely different, but actively create divisions, cliques, or schisms within the church, setting themselves apart from the unified body of Christ due to their own selfish motives, false doctrines, or rebellious attitudes.
* **"sensual":** This single word describes the fundamental nature of these individuals. As analyzed above, it means they are "soulish" or "natural," governed by their unregenerate human intellect, emotions, and desires, rather than being led by divine wisdom or spiritual understanding. Their worldview and actions are entirely earthbound and self-centered.
* **"having not the Spirit":** This is the most damning and conclusive statement about their spiritual condition. It reveals the root cause of their divisive and sensual behavior: they do not possess the Holy Spirit. This signifies that they are not truly born again, as the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a foundational characteristic of genuine Christian faith. Lacking the Spirit, they are incapable of spiritual discernment, true worship, or living a life pleasing to God.

#### Literary Devices
Jude 1:19 employs several effective literary devices. **Identification** is prominent, as Jude directly labels and characterizes the individuals he has been warning against throughout the epistle, providing a clear and concise summary of their nature. The verse also utilizes powerful **Contrast**, implicitly setting these "sensual" and "Spirit-less" dividers against the backdrop of genuine believers who are unified and guided by the Holy Spirit. This contrast highlights the profound spiritual chasm between the two groups. Furthermore, Jude uses **Concise Description**, employing a few potent words ("separate themselves," "sensual," "having not the Spirit") to paint a comprehensive and devastating picture of the apostates' spiritual state and their destructive impact on the community. This brevity adds to the verse's impactful and memorable nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jude 1:19 profoundly underscores the New Testament's teaching on the nature of true faith and the indispensable role of the Holy Spirit. It reveals that divisive behavior and a focus on worldly desires are direct consequences of a fundamental spiritual deficiency—the absence of the Holy Spirit. This verse serves as a stark reminder that genuine spiritual life is characterized not by external claims or intellectual assent, but by the indwelling presence of the Spirit, which produces unity, spiritual discernment, and righteous living. It highlights that those who cause schism are often operating from a carnal, unregenerate mindset, incapable of truly understanding or participating in the divine life of the church.

* [1 Corinthians 2:14](/1_corinthians/2-14 "The Natural Man Cannot Understand Spiritual Truths")
* [Romans 8:9](/romans/8-9 "If Anyone Does Not Have the Spirit of Christ, He Does Not Belong to Him")
* [Ephesians 4:3](/ephesians/4-3 "Make Every Effort to Keep the Unity of the Spirit Through the Bond of Peace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jude 1:19 provides timeless guidance for believers, urging us to cultivate spiritual discernment and to prioritize Spirit-led living over carnal inclinations. In an age where division and self-serving agendas can easily infiltrate communities, this verse calls us to be vigilant in identifying behaviors and teachings that undermine the unity of Christ's body. It challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we truly led by the Holy Spirit, or are we, at times, yielding to "sensual" desires—our natural intellect, emotions, or selfish will—that can lead to disunity or spiritual stagnation? The verse reminds us that true spiritual vitality is evidenced by a life characterized by love, unity, and the fruit of the Spirit, rather than by contention and a lack of spiritual depth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I better discern between genuine spiritual leadership and those who cause division or promote teachings that are "sensual" in nature?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to rely on my own natural understanding or desires rather than seeking the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit?**
* **How can I actively contribute to the unity and health of my local church community, rather than inadvertently causing or participating in division?**
* **What "fruit" does my life consistently exhibit, and does it align with the presence and leading of the Holy Spirit as described in Scripture?**

### FAQ
**What does "sensual" mean in the context of Jude 1:19?**

Answer: In Jude 1:19, "sensual" (Greek: *psychikós*) refers to a person whose life is dominated by their natural human faculties—their soul, which encompasses their intellect, emotions, and will—rather than by the Holy Spirit. It describes someone who operates purely on human reason, earthly desires, and unregenerate inclinations, lacking spiritual perception and connection to God. This term is often contrasted with "spiritual" (*pneumatikos*), which describes one who is led by the Holy Spirit. As [1 Corinthians 2:14](/1_corinthians/2-14 "1 Corinthians 2:14 - The Natural Man") explains, "The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned."

**How do the individuals described in Jude 1:19 "separate themselves"?**

Answer: The phrase "separate themselves" indicates that these individuals actively cause division or form factions within the Christian community. It's not about being excommunicated, but about self-initiated schism. They might withdraw from true fellowship, create exclusive cliques, or promote teachings that lead others away from the unified body of Christ. Their actions are driven by selfish motives, pride, or false doctrines, rather than by a desire for genuine unity or spiritual truth. This stands in direct opposition to the New Testament's call for believers to be united in Christ.

**Does "having not the Spirit" imply that these individuals were once believers but lost the Spirit?**

Answer: No, the phrase "having not the Spirit" (Greek: *mḗ échō pneûma*) in Jude 1:19 strongly implies that these individuals never possessed the Holy Spirit in the first place, meaning they were never genuinely born again. The New Testament consistently teaches that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a defining characteristic of every true believer (e.g., [Romans 8:9](/romans/8-9 "Romans 8:9 - Spirit of Christ")). Therefore, those who "have not the Spirit" are fundamentally unregenerate, despite their presence within the Christian community or their claims of spiritual insight. Their divisive and sensual behavior is a manifestation of their unspiritual nature.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jude 1:19, by highlighting the spiritual bankruptcy of those who "separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit," powerfully underscores the absolute necessity of Christ's work in granting the Holy Spirit. These divisive and carnal individuals stand in stark contrast to the new creation in Christ, whose defining mark is the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Himself promised the coming of the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, who would guide believers into all truth and glorify Him ([John 16:13-14](/john/16-13-14 "John 16:13-14 - The Spirit of Truth")). It is through Christ's finished work on the cross and His ascension that the Spirit was poured out on Pentecost ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - Exaltation of Christ and the Spirit's Outpouring")), making the indwelling of the Spirit a reality for all who believe. The Spirit is often called the "Spirit of Christ" ([Romans 8:9](/romans/8-9 "Romans 8:9 - Spirit of Christ")), uniting believers to Christ and to one another, forming one body, unlike those who separate themselves. The "sensual" nature described in Jude 1:19 is the unregenerate human state, which Christ came to redeem, empowering believers through His Spirit to live not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit ([Romans 8:4-5](/romans/8-4-5 "Romans 8:4-5 - Life in the Spirit")). Thus, Jude's warning ultimately points to the transformative power of Christ, who alone can grant the Spirit, enabling believers to live in unity and spiritual vitality, bearing the fruit of the Spirit rather than the works of the flesh ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - Fruit of the Spirit")).

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

1 Corinthians 2:14

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.

Romans 8:9

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

James 3:15

This wisdom descendeth not from above, but [is] earthly, sensual, devilish.

Proverbs 18:1

¶ Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh [and] intermeddleth with all wisdom.

Hosea 9:10

I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the firstripe in the fig tree at her first time: [but] they went to Baalpeor, and separated themselves unto [that] shame; and [their] abominations were according as they loved.

Hebrews 10:25

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Hosea 4:14

I will not punish your daughters when they commit whoredom, nor your spouses when they commit adultery: for themselves are separated with whores, and they sacrifice with harlots: therefore the people [that] doth not understand shall fall.