Jude 1:4

For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

For {G1063} there are certain {G5100} men {G444} crept in unawares {G3921}, who {G3588} were before {G4270} of old {G3819} ordained {G4270} to {G1519} this {G5124} condemnation {G2917}, ungodly men {G765}, turning {G3346} the grace {G5485} of our {G2257} God {G2316} into {G1519} lasciviousness {G766}, and {G2532} denying {G720} the only {G3441} Lord {G1203} God {G2316}, and {G2532} our {G2257} Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}.

For certain individuals, the ones written about long ago as being meant for this condemnation, have wormed their way in — ungodly people who pervert God’s grace into a license for debauchery and disown our only Master and Lord, Yeshua the Messiah.

For certain men have crept in among you unnoticed—ungodly ones who were designated long ago for condemnation. They turn the grace of our God into a license for immorality, and they deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

For there are certain men crept in privily, even they who were of old written of beforehand unto this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Commentary

Context of Jude 1:4

The short epistle of Jude is a powerful and urgent warning against apostasy and false teachers who had infiltrated the early Christian church. Written by Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James (likely James, the brother of Jesus), the letter shifts abruptly from an intended discussion of common salvation to an impassioned plea to "contend earnestly for the faith" (Jude 1:3). Verse 4 introduces the reason for this urgency: the presence of deceitful individuals who threaten the purity of Christian doctrine and practice. This verse sets the stage for Jude's subsequent descriptions of these ungodly men and the divine judgment awaiting them.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Stealthy Infiltration: The phrase "crept in unawares" highlights the deceptive and subtle nature of these false teachers. They did not overtly declare their opposition but blended in, seeking to corrupt from within. This emphasizes the need for spiritual discernment within the community.
  • Predetermined Condemnation: "Who were before of old ordained to this condemnation" speaks to God's foreknowledge and righteous judgment. It signifies that their ungodly path and the just consequences for it were known to God, reinforcing His sovereignty and justice, not that they were predestined to sin.
  • Perversion of Grace: A central charge against these men is "turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness." This describes the dangerous error of misinterpreting God's boundless grace as a license for immoral behavior and unrestrained indulgence, rather than as a call to holiness and genuine freedom from sin. This perversion stands in stark contrast to the true purpose of God's grace, which teaches us to live godly lives.
  • Denial of Christ's Lordship: The ultimate theological error of these individuals is "denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ." This denial could manifest in various ways: rejecting His divine authority, His atoning sacrifice, His exclusive claim to salvation, or His very deity. Their actions and teachings fundamentally undermined the person and work of Jesus Christ, echoing warnings found in other New Testament epistles concerning false teachers.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Crept in unawares" (pareisduno): This Greek verb literally means "to slip in alongside," "to steal in," or "to enter secretly." It vividly portrays the surreptitious manner in which these individuals gained influence, avoiding detection until their corrupting influence began to spread.
  • "Lasciviousness" (aselgeia): This term denotes unrestrained, shameless sensuality, often characterized by a defiant disregard for moral decency and public opinion. It implies a blatant indulgence in sinful desires without remorse or shame.
  • "Denying" (arneomai): More than just verbal denial, this Greek word can also imply disowning, repudiating, or rejecting through one's actions and lifestyle. Their ungodly conduct served as a practical denial of the Lord they claimed to follow.

Practical Application and Reflection

Jude 1:4 serves as a timeless warning for believers today. It underscores the importance of vigilance and discernment within the church. We must be wary of those who, whether subtly or overtly, twist biblical truth, particularly regarding God's grace. True grace empowers us to overcome sin, not to embrace it. This verse calls us to:

  • Discernment: Be alert to teachings or behaviors that contradict the clear message of the Gospel.
  • Sound Doctrine: Ground ourselves firmly in biblical truth so we can recognize error.
  • Holiness: Remember that God's grace is not a license for sin but a powerful motivation and means for living a life of godliness and obedience.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Galatians 2:4 (31 votes)

    And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:

  • 2 Peter 2:1 (31 votes)

    ¶ But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

  • 2 Peter 2:3 (31 votes)

    ¶ And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

  • 2 Peter 2:10 (19 votes)

    ¶ But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous [are they], selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

  • Titus 1:15 (16 votes)

    Unto the pure all things [are] pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving [is] nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

  • Titus 1:16 (16 votes)

    They profess that they know God; but in works they deny [him], being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

  • 1 John 2:22 (13 votes)

    Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.