Jude 1:22

KJV

And of some have compassion, making a difference:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532}{G3303} of some {G3739} have compassion {G1653}, making a difference {G1252}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Rebuke some who are disputing;

Berean Standard Bible

And indeed, have mercy on those who doubt;

American Standard Version

And on some have mercy, who are in doubt;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jude 1:22 provides a crucial pastoral instruction within Jude's urgent letter, calling believers to exercise discerning compassion towards those within the community who are wavering in their faith or susceptible to the influence of false teachers. This verse emphasizes that while contending for the truth is vital, it must be balanced with an active, differentiating mercy, recognizing that not all who stray are in the same spiritual condition or require the same response, thus aiming for their preservation and restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jude's epistle is a brief but intense call to action, primarily addressed to believers facing the infiltration of dangerous false teachers who "crept in unawares" [Jude 1:4](/jude/1-4 "Jude 1:4 - False Teachers Infiltrate"). The preceding verses (Jude 1:5-19) are a stark denunciation of these ungodly individuals, detailing their character, actions, and inevitable judgment, drawing parallels from Old Testament warnings and apocalyptic literature. Following this severe warning, Jude pivots in [Jude 1:20-21](/jude/1-20-21 "Jude 1:20-21 - Building Up in Faith") to instruct believers on how to stand firm themselves: "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." Verse 22 then extends this practical guidance, shifting from self-preservation to the outward responsibility of the community towards those who are spiritually vulnerable.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church, still in its nascent stages, was highly susceptible to internal threats from false doctrines that often merged with prevailing philosophical or religious ideas of the time, such as Gnosticism or antinomianism. These teachings frequently undermined the person and work of Christ, promoted moral laxity, or denied the reality of divine judgment. Believers lived in a society where pagan practices and moral relativism were commonplace, making the distinctiveness of Christian living and doctrine paramount. Jude's letter reflects the urgent need for spiritual discernment and robust theological grounding to protect the integrity of the Christian community against these insidious influences, which threatened to corrupt both belief and behavior.
* **Key Themes:** Jude 1:22 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the epistle. It underscores the theme of **Contending for the Faith** [Jude 1:3](/jude/1-3 "Jude 1:3 - Contend for the Faith"), demonstrating that this contention is not merely intellectual or confrontational but also involves compassionate engagement with those affected by error. It highlights the theme of **Discernment**, urging believers to "make a difference" or distinguish between those who are genuinely struggling with doubt and those who are actively promoting apostasy. This discernment is crucial for applying appropriate responses. Furthermore, it reinforces the theme of **God's Mercy and Preservation**, reflecting the divine character that desires not the destruction of the erring but their repentance and salvation, a principle echoed throughout Scripture, such as in [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God's Patience and Desire for Repentance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **compassion (Greek, _eleéō'_):** From G1653, meaning to compassionate (by word or deed, specially, by divine grace). This word signifies an active, heartfelt pity or mercy that moves one to alleviate suffering or extend grace. In this context, it is not merely a passive feeling but an intentional, compassionate action directed towards those who are struggling or "wavering" in their faith. It reflects God's own character of mercy, which believers are called to emulate.
* **making a difference (Greek, _diakrínō'_):** From G1252, meaning to separate thoroughly, i.e. (literally and reflexively) to withdraw from, or (by implication) oppose; figuratively, to discriminate (by implication, decide), or (reflexively) hesitate. In Jude 1:22, this word is best understood as "making a distinction" or "discerning between." It implies a careful, wise assessment of the spiritual condition of individuals, recognizing that not all who are influenced by error are equally culpable or require the same approach. It calls for discernment to apply compassion appropriately, distinguishing between those who doubt and those who are actively rebellious.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And of some have compassion,"**: This clause initiates the instruction to the believers, urging them to extend active mercy. The phrase "of some" indicates that this compassionate approach is not universal for all who are influenced by false teaching, but specifically for a category of individuals who are perhaps wavering, genuinely confused, or struggling with doubt rather than outright rebellion. It calls for an empathetic and merciful posture, reflecting God's own character.
* **"making a difference:"**: This second clause clarifies and qualifies the first. The command to "make a difference" implies a necessary act of discernment. Believers are not to treat all erring individuals uniformly. Instead, they must carefully distinguish between different spiritual states or levels of culpability among those who are straying. This distinction informs the appropriate response, ensuring that compassion is applied wisely and effectively, potentially leading to restoration for some, while others might require a different, perhaps firmer, approach (as hinted in the following verse, Jude 1:23).

#### Literary Devices
Jude 1:22 employs **Imperative Mood** ("have compassion," "making a difference") to convey direct commands, emphasizing the urgency and necessity of these actions for believers. The verse functions as a **Chiasm** (A-B-B'-A') in its broader context, moving from the general command to have compassion (A) to the specific act of making a difference (B), implying that the difference made (B') is achieved through compassion (A'). It also uses **Contrast** by juxtaposing the earlier severe warnings against apostates with this call for mercy towards the vulnerable, highlighting the nuanced approach required within the Christian community. Furthermore, the phrase "making a difference" serves as a **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where the act of distinguishing (the difference) stands for the broader process of discerning spiritual states and applying appropriate pastoral care.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jude 1:22 encapsulates a profound theological truth: that while God's justice is unwavering against unrepentant sin and rebellion, His character is also defined by immense mercy and a desire for restoration. This verse instructs believers to mirror this divine balance, demonstrating that true faith is not merely about doctrinal purity but also about compassionate engagement with those who are spiritually vulnerable. It teaches that discernment is not for the purpose of condemnation, but for the effective application of grace, aiming to rescue and preserve those who might yet be drawn back to the truth. This active compassion reflects the very heart of the Gospel, which offers salvation to all who turn to Christ, regardless of their past errors.

* [Matthew 9:13](/matthew/9-13 "Matthew 9:13 - I desire mercy, not sacrifice")
* [Galatians 6:1](/galatians/6-1 "Galatians 6:1 - Restoring a Brother Gently")
* [James 5:19-20](/james/5-19-20 "James 5:19-20 - Turning a Sinner Back")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jude 1:22 offers timeless wisdom for navigating relationships within the church and beyond, especially in an age where information overload and diverse viewpoints can lead to spiritual confusion or wavering faith. It challenges believers to move beyond simplistic judgments and embrace a posture of active, discerning mercy. This means cultivating empathy for those who struggle, taking the time to understand their doubts, and responding not with immediate condemnation but with patient instruction and compassionate support. It calls us to be instruments of God's restorative grace, recognizing that our ultimate goal is not to win arguments but to win souls, preserving them from error and drawing them closer to Christ. This requires spiritual maturity, humility, and a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit to guide our interactions, ensuring that our compassion is both genuine and effective in making a lasting spiritual difference.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to judge rather than show compassion to those who are struggling or seem to be in error?**
* **How can I cultivate greater spiritual discernment to "make a difference" in my interactions, tailoring my approach to the specific needs of individuals?**
* **What practical steps can I take to extend mercy and support to someone I know who is wavering in their faith or influenced by unhelpful ideas?**
* **How does my understanding of God's mercy influence my willingness to be merciful to others, even when their actions are frustrating or misguided?**

### FAQ
**What does "making a difference" truly mean in Jude 1:22?**

Answer: The phrase "making a difference" (KJV) translates the Greek word _diakrínō_ (G1252), which carries a range of meanings including "to judge," "to discern," "to distinguish," or "to separate." In the context of Jude 1:22, scholarly consensus leans heavily towards "making a distinction" or "discerning between." It means that believers are called to carefully assess the spiritual state of individuals who are influenced by false teaching or doubt. Not everyone who strays is in the same category; some might be genuinely struggling with doubts, others might be deceived, and still others might be actively rebellious. This discernment allows for a tailored, appropriate response, ensuring that compassion is applied wisely and effectively. It's about differentiating between those who might be rescued through mercy and those who might require a sterner warning or even separation, as hinted in the following verse, [Jude 1:23](/jude/1-23 "Jude 1:23 - Pulling Others from the Fire").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jude 1:22, with its call to discerning compassion, finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect example in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. Our Lord consistently demonstrated profound mercy towards the lost, the struggling, and the marginalized, embodying the very compassion Jude commands. He "came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance" [Matthew 9:13](/matthew/9-13 "Matthew 9:13 - Jesus Calls Sinners"). Yet, His compassion was always coupled with perfect discernment. He distinguished between those who genuinely sought truth (like Nicodemus in [John 3](/john/3 "John 3 - Nicodemus and New Birth")) and those who were hardened in their unbelief or hypocrisy (like the Pharisees in [Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). Jesus's approach was never one-size-fits-all; He knew the hearts of men [John 2:24-25](/john/2-24-25 "John 2:24-25 - Jesus Knew All People"). His ultimate act of compassion, the cross, was for those "while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - Christ Died for Us"). Therefore, in extending compassionate discernment, believers are not merely following an ethical guideline but are participating in the ongoing redemptive work of Christ, seeking to rescue souls from the brink, just as He did and continues to do through His 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

James 5:19

Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;

James 5:20

Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

Galatians 6:1

¶ Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

1 John 5:16

If any man see his brother sin a sin [which is] not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.

1 John 5:18

¶ We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

Ezekiel 34:17

¶ And [as for] you, O my flock, thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I judge between cattle and cattle, between the rams and the he goats.

Hebrews 6:4

For [it is] impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,