Jude 1:23

KJV

And others save with fear, pulling [them] out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} others {G3739} save {G4982} with {G1722} fear {G5401}, pulling {G726} them out of {G1537} the fire {G4442}; hating {G3404} even {G2532} the garment {G5509} spotted {G4695} by {G575} the flesh {G4561}.

Complete Jewish Bible

save others, snatching them out of the fire; and to yet others, show mercy, but with fear, hating even the clothes stained by their vices.

Berean Standard Bible

save others by snatching them from the fire; and to still others show mercy tempered with fear, hating even the clothing stained by the flesh.

American Standard Version

and some save, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jude 1:23 issues an urgent and multifaceted call to action for believers, instructing them on how to respond to those imperiled by sin and false teaching. It distinguishes between different approaches to intervention, advocating for a compassionate yet firm rescue of those on the brink of spiritual destruction, likened to snatching them from a consuming fire. Simultaneously, the verse emphasizes the non-negotiable imperative for believers to maintain their own spiritual purity, radically separating themselves from anything tainted by the corrupting influence of the world and the flesh.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jude 1:23 stands as a pivotal instruction within Jude's urgent epistle, immediately following his exhortation to "contend earnestly for the faith" found in [Jude 1:3](/jude/1-3 "Jude 1:3 - Contending for the Faith"). The letter's primary purpose is to warn believers against insidious false teachers who had infiltrated the church, distorting grace and promoting immorality. After describing the judgment awaiting these ungodly individuals (Jude 1:4-16) and reminding believers to build themselves up in the faith (Jude 1:20-21), Jude shifts to practical guidance on how to minister to those who have been swayed or are at risk. Verse 22 instructs believers to "have mercy on those who doubt," implying a gentler approach for those wavering in faith. Verse 23, however, addresses a more dire situation, calling for a forceful, fear-filled rescue from immediate spiritual peril, highlighting the varying degrees of spiritual danger and the appropriate responses. The epistle concludes with a magnificent doxology in [Jude 1:24-25](/jude/1-24-25 "Jude 1:24-25 - Doxology of Preservation"), emphasizing God's power to keep believers from stumbling and present them blameless.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The epistle of Jude was likely written in the late first century, a period when early Christian communities faced significant internal threats from antinomian (anti-law) and perhaps proto-Gnostic influences. These false teachers, described as ungodly persons who "pervert the grace of our God into sensuality" and "deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ" ([Jude 1:4](/jude/1-4 "Jude 1:4 - Warning Against False Teachers")), advocated for moral license under the guise of Christian freedom. This context explains Jude's intense concern for purity and his vivid imagery of defilement. The concept of a "spotted garment" would have resonated deeply with Jewish believers, who were familiar with Old Testament ceremonial laws regarding ritual purity and defilement. Contact with anything unclean, including certain bodily discharges or dead things, would render a person ritually impure, often requiring washing or separation. This cultural understanding of defilement underscores the severity of spiritual contamination by sin and false teaching, emphasizing the need for radical separation from anything that could compromise one's holiness.

* **Key Themes:** Jude 1:23 contributes significantly to several key themes within the epistle and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the **Urgency of Rescue**, vividly portrayed by the image of "pulling them out of the fire," which underscores the severe and eternal consequences of spiritual deception and unrepentant sin. This theme aligns with the biblical emphasis on evangelism and discipleship as life-saving missions, reflecting the heart of God who "desires all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth" ([1_timothy/2-4](/1_timothy/2-4 "1 Timothy 2:4 - God's Desire for All to Be Saved")). Another crucial theme is **Discerning Ministry**, as Jude differentiates between those who need compassion (verse 22) and those who require a more forceful intervention, highlighting the need for wisdom in approaching individuals caught in sin. Finally, the verse powerfully conveys the theme of **Uncompromising Holiness and Purity**. The command to "hate even the garment spotted by the flesh" is a radical call to personal sanctification, demanding not just the avoidance of overt sin but also a complete separation from anything associated with its defiling influence. This echoes the call for God's people to be holy as He is holy, a theme found throughout Scripture, from [Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy") to [1_peter/1-16](/1_peter/1-16 "1 Peter 1:16 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **save (Greek, _sṓzō'_):** (G4982) This primary word means "to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)." In this context, it signifies a spiritual rescue, delivering individuals from the destructive power of sin and false teaching, which leads to judgment. It implies a comprehensive act of salvation, encompassing both spiritual restoration and preservation from eternal peril.
* **fear (Greek, _phóbos'_):** (G5401) Derived from a primary word meaning "to be put in fear," _phóbos_ denotes "alarm or fright," but can also imply "profound reverence" or "terror." Here, "with fear" suggests a solemn awareness of the grave danger faced by those being rescued (the "fire" of judgment), a holy reverence for God's judgment, and perhaps a cautious awe concerning the spiritual battle involved in such a rescue, lest the rescuer also be defiled. It is not a paralyzing fear, but a motivating, reverent dread of the consequences of sin and the holiness of God.
* **flesh (Greek, _sárx'_):** (G4561) This term, "flesh," primarily refers to the physical body or meat. However, in a broader theological sense, especially in the New Testament, it often signifies "human nature (with its frailties (physically or morally) and passions)" or the fallen, sinful human condition prone to rebellion against God. In Jude 1:23, "spotted by the flesh" refers to the defilement that arises from sinful human nature and its corrupting influences, encompassing both immoral acts and the pervasive spiritual corruption they represent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And others save with fear":** This clause introduces a distinct group of individuals requiring a different approach than those mentioned in the preceding verse (Jude 1:22). While some may be swayed by doubt and require compassionate understanding, "others" are in more severe spiritual jeopardy, necessitating an urgent and decisive intervention. The phrase "with fear" conveys the gravity of the situation, implying a profound reverence for God's holiness and judgment, a deep awareness of the peril of those being rescued, and a cautious approach to avoid personal spiritual contamination. This "fear" is not cowardice, but a holy dread that prompts zealous action.
* **"pulling [them] out of the fire;":** This vivid and powerful metaphor illustrates the extreme danger faced by those being saved. "The fire" symbolizes imminent judgment, spiritual destruction, or the consuming power of sin and its consequences. The act of "pulling" (Greek _harpázō_, G726, meaning "to seize" or "to snatch by force") conveys the urgency, decisiveness, and forceful nature of the rescue required. It suggests that these individuals are not merely wavering but are actively engulfed in a perilous situation, requiring immediate and forceful extraction. This is a desperate, life-or-death intervention.
* **"hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.":** This final phrase provides a crucial qualification for those engaged in the rescue mission. While compassionately saving others, believers must simultaneously maintain radical personal purity. The "garment" (Greek _chitṓn_, G5509, a tunic or shirt worn close to the body) symbolizes one's innermost being, character, or sphere of influence. "Spotted by the flesh" (Greek _spilóō_, G4695, to stain or soil, literally or figuratively; and _sárx_, G4561, referring to sinful human nature) signifies defilement by sin, immorality, or the corrupting influences of the world. The command to "hate" (Greek _miséō_, G3404, to detest or persecute, by extension to love less) implies a profound and uncompromising aversion to anything associated with sin, even its residual effects or symbols. It emphasizes that while engaging with the defiled to rescue them, believers must not allow themselves to be contaminated, maintaining a rigorous standard of holiness and separation from all forms of evil.

#### Literary Devices
Jude 1:23 is rich in **Imagery** and **Metaphor**, creating a potent and memorable call to action. The central metaphor of "pulling them out of the fire" vividly portrays the extreme spiritual peril of those entangled in sin and false teaching, likening their condition to being consumed by a literal blaze of judgment. This evokes a sense of urgency and desperation for intervention. Complementing this, the phrase "hating even the garment spotted by the flesh" employs another powerful **Metaphor**, where the "garment" symbolizes one's spiritual integrity or character, and "spotted by the flesh" represents defilement by sin. This imagery draws from Old Testament concepts of ritual purity, emphasizing the need for radical separation from anything that contaminates. The verse also employs **Contrast**, setting the act of saving the imperiled against the imperative of maintaining personal purity, highlighting the tension and balance required in ministry. The forceful verb "pulling" (**Hyperbole** or intense verb choice) underscores the decisive and urgent nature of the rescue operation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jude 1:23 encapsulates a profound theological tension: the imperative to engage actively in the spiritual rescue of others while simultaneously maintaining an uncompromising standard of personal holiness. It highlights the reality of spiritual warfare and the destructive power of sin, echoing the biblical narrative of humanity's fallen state and the urgent need for salvation. The "fear" associated with saving can be understood as a reverent dread of God's judgment and a sober recognition of the eternal stakes, motivating believers to act decisively. This verse underscores the church's missional mandate to reach the lost, but with a critical caveat: this engagement must not lead to compromise or defilement. It calls for a discerning compassion that recognizes varying degrees of spiritual danger and applies appropriate, sometimes forceful, intervention, all while upholding the sanctity of God's people.

* [Amos 4:11](/amos/4-11 "Amos 4:11 - Brands Plucked from the Fire")
* [Zechariah 3:2](/zechariah/3-2 "Zechariah 3:2 - A Brand Plucked from the Fire")
* [1 Corinthians 5:9-11](/1_corinthians/5-9-11 "1 Corinthians 5:9-11 - Do Not Associate with Immoral Believers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jude 1:23 challenges believers to embody a robust and discerning faith that is both outwardly missional and inwardly pure. It compels us to look beyond mere compassion for those struggling with doubt (as in Jude 1:22) and recognize that some are in such grave spiritual danger—ensnared by sin or false doctrine—that they require immediate, forceful intervention, as if being snatched from a burning building. This calls for a profound sense of urgency and a willingness to engage in difficult, perhaps even confrontational, conversations or actions for the sake of another's soul. However, this rescue mission is not without its perils. The command to "hate even the garment spotted by the flesh" serves as a stark warning: while reaching into the "fire" to save others, we must vigilantly guard our own hearts and lives against contamination. This means cultivating a radical aversion to sin in all its forms, avoiding not just overt immorality but also anything that might compromise our spiritual integrity, witness, or relationship with God. It's a call to proactive holiness, recognizing that even subtle associations with ungodliness can defile. This verse ultimately encourages a balanced approach to ministry: zealous for the salvation of others, yet uncompromising in personal purity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "fires" (spiritual dangers, false teachings, destructive lifestyles) do you see people around you being consumed by today, and how might you be called to "pull them out"?**
* **How do you balance the urgency of rescuing others with the imperative of maintaining your own spiritual purity and avoiding defilement?**
* **What does "hating even the garment spotted by the flesh" look like in your daily life? Are there subtle influences or associations you need to separate from for the sake of your holiness?**
* **In what ways might "saving with fear" impact your approach to evangelism or discipleship, fostering both zeal and caution?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to "save with fear"?**

Answer: To "save with fear" (Greek _phóbos_) implies a multifaceted reverence and caution. It's not about being afraid of the people you're trying to save, nor is it a fear that paralyzes action. Instead, it encompasses a profound reverence for God's holiness and His impending judgment on sin, which motivates urgent action. It also signifies a sober awareness of the extreme spiritual danger faced by those being rescued, recognizing the eternal stakes involved. Furthermore, it suggests a cautious approach to the rescue mission itself, acknowledging the potential for spiritual contamination or defilement (as highlighted by the subsequent phrase about the "spotted garment") even as one seeks to help others. This "fear" is a holy awe that prompts both zealous effort and careful self-preservation in ministry, ensuring that the rescuer remains pure while engaging with the defiled.

**What is the "garment spotted by the flesh" and why should we hate it?**

Answer: The "garment spotted by the flesh" is a powerful metaphor for anything tainted by sin, immorality, or the corrupting influences of fallen human nature. The "garment" (Greek _chitṓn_) refers to an undergarment worn close to the body, symbolizing one's inner character, spiritual integrity, or even the pervasive influence of sin in one's life or environment. "Spotted by the flesh" (Greek _sárx_) refers to defilement originating from sinful human nature. To "hate" (Greek _miséō_) this garment means to have a radical, uncompromising aversion to all forms of sin and its defiling effects, not just overt acts but even the subtle associations or residual influences of ungodliness. It's a call to extreme spiritual hygiene, ensuring that while believers engage with the world to rescue the lost, they do not allow themselves to be contaminated by its pervasive sinfulness. This reflects a commitment to personal holiness and a clear separation from anything that would dishonor God or compromise one's witness, echoing the biblical call to be "unspotted from the world" as found in [James 1:27](/james/1-27 "James 1:27 - Pure and Undefiled Religion").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jude 1:23, with its urgent call to rescue and its emphasis on purity, finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent Rescuer, who, motivated by divine love and a holy zeal, descended into the "fire" of a fallen world to "save" humanity from the consuming flames of sin and judgment. His mission was precisely to "seek and to save the lost" ([luke/19-10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Came to Seek and Save the Lost")), pulling us out of the spiritual abyss. Moreover, Christ perfectly exemplified the command to "hate even the garment spotted by the flesh." Though He entered our defiled world and associated with sinners, He remained utterly without sin, His "garment" (His very being and character) always unspotted ([hebrews/4-15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus Was Tempted Yet Without Sin")). He was the Lamb of God, pure and spotless, whose sacrifice cleanses us from our defilement, making us holy and blameless before God ([ephesians/5-27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ Presents the Church Blameless")). Through His atoning work, we are not only snatched from the fire but also clothed in His righteousness ([2_corinthians/5-21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")), enabling us to pursue the holiness that Jude commands, empowered by His Spirit. Thus, Christ is both the model for our rescue efforts and the source of our ability to maintain purity in a defiled world.

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 Timothy 4:16

Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

1 Corinthians 15:33

Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

Revelation 3:4

Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

2 Corinthians 7:10

For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

2 Corinthians 7:12

¶ Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, [I did it] not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.

Zechariah 3:2

And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: [is] not this a brand plucked out of the fire?

Zechariah 3:5

And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the LORD stood by.