Jude 1:25

KJV

To the only wise God our Saviour, [be] glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

KJV (with Strong's)

To the only {G3441} wise {G4680} God {G2316} our {G2257} Saviour {G4990}, be glory {G1391} and {G2532} majesty {G3172}, dominion {G2904} and {G2532} power {G1849}, both {G2532} now {G3568} and {G2532} ever {G1519}{G3956}{G165}. Amen {G281}.

Complete Jewish Bible

to God alone, our Deliverer,
through Yeshua the Messiah, our Lord —
be glory, majesty, power and authority
before all time, now and forever.

Amen.

Berean Standard Bible

to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord before all time, and now, and for all eternity. Amen.

American Standard Version

to the only God our Saviour, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and power, before all time, and now, and for evermore. Amen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jude 1:25 concludes the Epistle of Jude with a magnificent doxology, a profound declaration of praise and adoration directed to God. This verse serves as a climactic affirmation of God's unique wisdom, His role as Savior, and His eternal, absolute sovereignty, providing a powerful counterpoint to the warnings against apostasy that dominate the letter. It shifts the focus from the pervasive threat of false teaching to the unshakeable truth of God's ultimate power and ability to preserve His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jude's epistle is a succinct yet fervent appeal to believers to "contend earnestly for the faith" [Jude 1:3](/jude/1-3 "Jude 1:3 - Contending for the Faith"). The letter is structured as a powerful warning against false teachers who have infiltrated the church, characterized by their immorality, rebellion, and divisive doctrines. After vividly describing the judgment awaiting these ungodly individuals (e.g., [Jude 1:5-16](/jude/1-5-16 "Jude 1:5-16 - Judgment of the Ungodly")), Jude pivots to exhorting believers on how to persevere. He encourages them to build themselves up in their most holy faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, keep themselves in God's love, and await Christ's mercy ([Jude 1:20-21](/jude/1-20-21 "Jude 1:20-21 - Exhortations for Believers")). The doxology in [Jude 1:24-25](/jude/1-24-25 "Jude 1:24-25 - The Concluding Doxology") acts as a glorious capstone, moving from the human responsibility of contending for the faith to God's divine capability to preserve His own, offering a final, comforting assurance of His omnipotence and faithfulness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Written likely in the late first century, Jude addresses a Christian community grappling with internal threats. The historical context is one where early Christian communities faced not only external persecution but also internal corruption from individuals who distorted Christian doctrine for personal gain or license. These false teachers, often Gnostic or proto-Gnostic in their tendencies, denied the authority of Christ, indulged in immoral behavior, and sowed discord. The cultural milieu was diverse, with various philosophical and religious currents, some of which influenced or were syncretized with Christian beliefs. Jude's strong language, drawing on Old Testament examples of judgment (e.g., [Jude 1:5-7](/jude/1-5-7 "Jude 1:5-7 - Old Testament Examples of Judgment")) and apocalyptic imagery, reflects the urgency and gravity with which he viewed these spiritual dangers. The doxology, therefore, is not merely a formal closing but a theological anchor, reminding believers that despite the chaos, God remains sovereign and capable of ultimate victory.

* **Key Themes:** Jude 1:25 powerfully reinforces several overarching themes of the epistle. Firstly, it highlights **God's Sovereignty and Power**, emphasizing that He alone possesses ultimate authority and might, capable of preserving His people amidst spiritual warfare. This directly counters the deceptive influence of the false teachers, whose limited power is ultimately subject to divine judgment. Secondly, the verse underscores **Divine Wisdom and Preservation**, particularly God's unique wisdom in guiding and safeguarding believers from apostasy, a theme introduced in [Jude 1:24](/jude/1-24 "Jude 1:24 - God's Ability to Keep from Falling"). Thirdly, it is a profound expression of **Worship and Adoration**, shifting the reader's focus from the earthly struggle to the eternal majesty of God, inviting a response of praise for His inherent attributes and redemptive work. This doxological conclusion serves as a theological anchor, grounding the believers' hope and security in God's unchanging character, even as they are called to "keep yourselves in the love of God" ([Jude 1:21](/jude/1-21 "Jude 1:21 - Keeping in God's Love")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **only (Greek, _mónos'_):** From the base meaning "remaining," this word signifies "sole" or "single." In the context of "only wise God," it powerfully asserts God's unique and unrivaled wisdom, distinguishing Him as the singular source of all true wisdom, unparalleled by any human or created being. This emphasizes His absolute distinctiveness and supremacy in knowledge and understanding.
* **Saviour (Greek, _sōtḗr'_):** Derived from the verb "to save," this noun denotes "a deliverer" or "preserver." Here, it highlights God's essential role as the one who rescues, protects, and keeps His people from spiritual peril and the destructive influence of false teaching. It speaks to His active intervention and redemptive work on behalf of humanity.
* **glory (Greek, _dóxa'_):** From a root meaning "to seem" or "to think," this word refers to "glory as very apparent," encompassing dignity, honor, praise, and worship. It speaks to God's inherent splendor, radiant majesty, and the honor due to Him. It's the visible manifestation of His inherent excellence and worth.
* **power (Greek, _exousía'_):** From a word meaning "it is permitted," this term signifies "privilege," "force," "capacity," "competency," "freedom," or "mastery." It refers to delegated influence or authority, implying a rightful ability to act and command. In this verse, it speaks to God's rightful, inherent, and ultimate authority and capacity to govern and execute His will over all creation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To the only wise God our Saviour":** This opening phrase directs the doxology to God, specifically identifying Him by two crucial attributes. "Only wise" (Greek: _monos sophos Theos_) underscores His singular, unparalleled, and perfect wisdom, which stands in stark contrast to the folly and deception of the false teachers. The designation "our Saviour" (Greek: _sōtēri hēmōn_) emphasizes His personal relationship with believers and His active role as their deliverer and preserver, particularly relevant given the epistle's warnings.
* **"be glory and majesty":** This clause declares that "glory" (Greek: _dóxa_) and "majesty" (Greek: _megalōsynē_) are rightfully ascribed to God. "Glory" speaks to His inherent splendor, honor, and radiant presence, while "majesty" refers to His supreme greatness and awe-inspiring dignity. These attributes highlight God's intrinsic worth and the reverence He commands.
* **"dominion and power":** This continues the ascription of divine attributes, proclaiming God's "dominion" (Greek: _kratos_) and "power" (Greek: _exousía_). "Dominion" signifies His vigor, might, and inherent strength, denoting His absolute rule and sovereignty. "Power" refers to His authority, capacity, and rightful ability to execute His will. Together, these terms affirm God's irresistible might and absolute control over all things.
* **"both now and ever":** This temporal phrase underscores the eternal and unchanging nature of God's attributes and His reign. His glory, majesty, dominion, and power are not limited by time or circumstance; they are realities "now" (Greek: _nyn_) in the present age and will continue "ever" (Greek: _eis panta ton aiōna_), throughout all ages, into eternity. This provides a profound sense of stability and assurance.
* **"Amen.":** This concluding Hebrew word, transliterated into Greek, functions as an affirmation, meaning "so be it," "truly," or "let it be established." It serves as a strong, solemn endorsement of all that has been declared, expressing the profound agreement and heartfelt desire of the worshiper that God's glory and dominion be eternally recognized and upheld.

#### Literary Devices
Jude 1:25 is a masterful example of a **doxology**, a formal expression of praise to God, which is a common feature in biblical literature. The verse employs **parallelism** through the pairing of divine attributes: "glory and majesty," and "dominion and power." This rhythmic structure enhances the solemnity and comprehensive nature of the praise. The use of **Apostrophe** is evident as the author directly addresses God, shifting from speaking *about* God to speaking *to* Him. Furthermore, the phrase "both now and ever" functions as a **hyperbole** to emphasize the eternal, unending nature of God's attributes, transcending all temporal limitations. The cumulative effect of these devices is to elevate the reader's gaze from the earthly struggles described in the letter to the transcendent, eternal, and all-powerful nature of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This concluding doxology in Jude 1:25 serves as a profound theological statement, anchoring the believer's hope and security in the unchanging character of God. It affirms God's unique wisdom as the ultimate antidote to human folly and spiritual deception, His role as the sovereign Savior who preserves His people, and His eternal dominion over all creation. In a letter primarily focused on the dangers of apostasy, this verse redirects the reader's attention from the pervasive threat of evil to the unshakeable reality of God's supremacy. It is a declaration that despite the chaos and corruption in the world, God remains fully in control, worthy of all praise, and capable of bringing His purposes to fruition. This doxology not only expresses adoration but also instills confidence in God's ability to keep His people from falling and to present them blameless before His glorious presence ([Jude 1:24](/jude/1-24 "God's Power to Preserve")).

* [Romans 16:27](/romans/16-27 "Romans 16:27 - Doxology to the Only Wise God")
* [1 Timothy 1:17](/1_timothy/1-17 "1 Timothy 1:17 - Doxology to the King Eternal")
* [Revelation 5:13](/revelation/5-13 "Revelation 5:13 - Universal Praise to God and the Lamb")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jude 1:25 offers immense comfort and a powerful call to worship for believers navigating a world filled with spiritual challenges and moral decay. In an age where truth is often distorted and authority questioned, this verse reminds us that there is an "only wise God" whose wisdom is perfect, unchallengeable, and ultimately triumphant over all human folly and deception. Our salvation and preservation are not dependent on our own strength or intellect, but on the unfailing power of "our Saviour." This truth should cultivate a deep sense of peace and security, knowing that the God who began a good work in us is fully capable of bringing it to completion. The doxology also serves as an invitation to a life of continuous worship and adoration. By acknowledging God's glory, majesty, dominion, and power "both now and ever," we are called to live with an eternal perspective, allowing His supreme reign to shape our values, priorities, and responses to the world around us. This verse compels us to shift our gaze from the temporary struggles and deceptions to the eternal, unchanging majesty of our Creator and Redeemer, fostering gratitude, humility, and unwavering trust.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God as the "only wise God" influence your approach to difficult decisions or confusing circumstances in your life?**
* **In what ways does knowing God as "our Saviour" provide comfort and assurance in the face of spiritual or personal challenges?**
* **How can you more intentionally ascribe "glory and majesty, dominion and power" to God in your daily life and worship?**
* **What does it mean for God's attributes to be "both now and ever," and how does this eternal perspective impact your hope for the future?**

### FAQ
**Why does Jude emphasize God as "only wise" in this doxology?**

Answer: Jude emphasizes God as "only wise" (Greek: _monos sophos Theos_) to highlight His singular, unparalleled, and perfect wisdom. This attribute is crucial within the context of the letter, which warns against false teachers who operate with deceptive and destructive "wisdom" that is not from God. By declaring God as the "only wise," Jude asserts that true wisdom, capable of discerning truth from error and preserving believers, resides solely in Him. It underscores that God's plan and knowledge are supreme, providing a firm foundation against the folly and spiritual blindness of those who have departed from the faith. This divine wisdom is what enables God to keep His people from falling and to present them blameless ([Jude 1:24](/jude/1-24 "Jude 1:24 - God's Ability to Keep from Falling")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jude 1:25 directly addresses "the only wise God our Saviour," its Christ-centered fulfillment is profoundly evident in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is God manifest in the flesh. The New Testament consistently presents Jesus as the embodiment of divine wisdom and the ultimate expression of God's saving power. He is "the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God")) and the one "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, the Treasure of Wisdom")). As "our Saviour," Jesus perfectly fulfills this role through His atoning death and resurrection, delivering humanity from sin and death ([Titus 2:13-14](/titus/2-13-14 "Titus 2:13-14 - Christ Our Blessed Hope and Savior")). The "glory and majesty, dominion and power" ascribed to God in this doxology are fully realized and demonstrated in Christ, who has been given "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")). He is the one before whom "every knee should bow" ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")) and the one who reigns "both now and ever" as King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). Thus, this doxology to God is ultimately a doxology to the Father and the Son, who share in these eternal attributes and in the work of salvation and sovereign rule.

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 1:17

Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, [be] honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Revelation 5:13

And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, [be] unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

Revelation 5:14

And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four [and] twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

1 Peter 5:10

¶ But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].

1 Peter 5:11

To him [be] glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

John 5:44

How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that [cometh] from God only?

Revelation 4:9

And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,