Jude 1:5

KJV

I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.

KJV (with Strong's)

I will {G1014} therefore {G1161} put {G5279} you {G5209} in remembrance {G5279}, though ye {G5209} once {G530} knew {G1492} this {G5124}, how that {G3754} the Lord {G2962}, having saved {G4982} the people {G2992} out of {G1537} the land {G1093} of Egypt {G125}, afterward {G1208} destroyed {G622} them that believed {G4100} not {G3361}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Since you already know all this, my purpose is only to remind you that Adonai, who once delivered the people from Egypt, later destroyed those who did not trust.

Berean Standard Bible

Although you are fully aware of this, I want to remind you that after Jesus had delivered His people out of the land of Egypt, He destroyed those who did not believe.

American Standard Version

Now I desire to put you in remembrance, though ye know all things once for all, that the Lord, having saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jude 1:5 serves as a foundational warning within Jude's urgent epistle, reminding his readers of God's consistent character as both a deliverer and a righteous judge. The verse specifically recalls the Exodus generation: how the Lord miraculously saved the Israelites from Egyptian bondage, yet subsequently destroyed those among them who succumbed to unbelief in the wilderness. This historical precedent underscores the critical truth that initial salvation does not guarantee ultimate preservation if one's faith proves to be insincere or ultimately rejected through disobedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jude's letter is a concise yet fervent appeal to believers to "contend earnestly for the faith" ([Jude 1:3](/jude/1-3 "Jude 1:3 - Contending for the Faith")). He writes because "certain men have crept in unawares" ([Jude 1:4](/jude/1-4 "Jude 1:4 - Warning Against False Teachers")), false teachers who distort grace into license and deny Christ. To combat their deceptive influence and warn his audience against similar spiritual apostasy, Jude employs a series of three historical examples of divine judgment: the unbelieving Israelites (Jude 1:5), the disobedient angels ([Jude 1:6](/jude/1-6 "Jude 1:6 - Judgment of Disobedient Angels")), and the immoral cities of Sodom and Gomorrah ([Jude 1:7](/jude/1-7 "Jude 1:7 - Judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah")). Verse 5 is the first and arguably most poignant of these examples, directly addressing the danger of unbelief even among those who have witnessed God's mighty acts of salvation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The event referenced in Jude 1:5—the Exodus and subsequent judgment in the wilderness—was the defining moment in Israel's history. The deliverance from Egypt ([Exodus 12-14](/exodus/12-14 "The Passover and Red Sea Crossing")) was God's foundational act of salvation, establishing Israel as His covenant people. It was a constant reminder of His power, faithfulness, and the basis of their national identity. However, despite this miraculous rescue, the generation that came out of Egypt largely failed to trust God, particularly at Kadesh-Barnea when they refused to enter the Promised Land due to fear and unbelief after the spies' report ([Numbers 13-14](/numbers/13-14 "The Spies and Rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea")). As a result, God decreed that all those twenty years and older, except Joshua and Caleb, would die in the wilderness. This history was well-known to Jude's Jewish Christian audience, serving as a powerful and undeniable illustration of God's righteous judgment against unbelief, even within His chosen people.

* **Key Themes:** Jude 1:5 powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in the epistle and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment on Unbelief**, demonstrating that God's saving grace does not negate His righteous wrath against those who spurn His commands and refuse to trust Him. Even those who experience initial deliverance are not immune to judgment if their faith proves to be superficial or ultimately rejected. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Remembrance as a Warning**, as Jude explicitly states his intention to "put you in remembrance." This act of recalling past divine actions, both of salvation and judgment, serves as a crucial didactic tool, urging believers to learn from history and avoid similar pitfalls. This theme resonates with other New Testament warnings, such as those found in [1 Corinthians 10:1-12](/1_corinthians/10-1-12 "1 Corinthians 10:1-12 - Warnings from Israel's History") and [Hebrews 3:7-19](/hebrews/3-7-19 "Hebrews 3:7-19 - The Wilderness Generation's Unbelief"). Lastly, it underscores **God's Consistent Character**, portraying Him as both merciful to save and just to judge, revealing an unchanging divine nature that demands genuine faith and obedience.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **remembrance (Greek, _hypomimnḗskō'_):** This verb signifies "to remind quietly" or "to suggest to one's own memory." It implies that Jude is not introducing new information but rather bringing to the forefront of his readers' minds truths they already possess. This pastoral approach is gentle yet firm, aiming to stir up their understanding and resolve by recalling foundational historical facts.
* **saved (Greek, _sṓzō'_):** This word means "to deliver or protect," "to heal," or "to make whole." In the context of the Exodus, it refers to God's mighty act of physical and spiritual liberation, rescuing the Israelites from the oppressive bondage of Egypt. It highlights the initial, powerful, and undeniable act of divine intervention and grace.
* **believed not (Greek, _pisteúō'_ with negation _mḗ'_):** The verb _pisteúō_ means "to have faith," "to credit," or "to entrust oneself to." When combined with the negative particle _mḗ_, it signifies a deliberate and persistent refusal to trust or have faith. This is the crucial element that led to their destruction, emphasizing that their physical deliverance was not enough; a continuing, active faith was required for them to enter God's promised rest.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will therefore put you in remembrance":** Jude's pastoral intention is clear. He is not teaching new doctrine but rather recalling established truths. The "therefore" connects this reminder to his previous warning about false teachers, indicating that these historical examples will serve as a powerful deterrent and instruction.
* **"though ye once knew this":** This phrase acknowledges the audience's prior knowledge of the Old Testament narratives. It suggests that the problem is not ignorance, but perhaps complacency or a failure to apply known truths to their current spiritual state and the dangers posed by false teachers.
* **"how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt":** This clause refers to the miraculous Exodus, the foundational act of God's salvation for Israel. It highlights God's immense power and grace in delivering His chosen people from slavery, establishing the premise of His initial, undeniable faithfulness.
* **"afterward destroyed them that believed not":** This is the stark counterpoint to the initial salvation. Despite being delivered, a generation was destroyed due to their unbelief and rebellion in the wilderness. This demonstrates that God's grace is not unconditional license, and that a lack of genuine, persistent faith has severe consequences, even for those who have experienced His mighty works.

#### Literary Devices
Jude 1:5 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its urgent message. **Allusion** is central, as the verse directly references the well-known historical events of the Exodus and the subsequent judgment of the wilderness generation. This allows Jude to tap into a shared understanding and the profound theological weight of these narratives without needing to detail them. There is also a powerful **Juxtaposition** between "having saved" and "afterward destroyed," highlighting the dramatic and tragic shift from divine deliverance to divine judgment. This stark contrast underscores the severity of unbelief. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Didacticism**, serving as a direct teaching moment through historical precedent. Jude uses the past to instruct and warn his present audience, emphasizing the enduring principles of God's character and the consequences of spiritual apostasy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jude 1:5 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that salvation, while initiated by God's grace, requires a response of enduring faith and obedience. It challenges any notion of "once saved, always saved" if that doctrine is interpreted as an excuse for spiritual complacency or a license for sin. The verse underscores that God's character is consistently just; He is faithful to deliver, but also righteous to judge those who, despite experiencing His grace, ultimately reject His authority through persistent unbelief. This historical example serves as a potent reminder that genuine faith is not merely a past event but an ongoing trust and submission to God's will, without which even those who have been recipients of divine favor can fall.

* [Numbers 14:29-30](/numbers/14-29-30 "Numbers 14:29-30 - The Judgment on the Unbelieving Generation")
* [Hebrews 3:16-19](/hebrews/3-16-19 "Hebrews 3:16-19 - The Warning from Israel's Unbelief")
* [1 Corinthians 10:5-12](/1_corinthians/10-5-12 "1 Corinthians 10:5-12 - Warnings from Israel's History")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jude 1:5 serves as a sobering and vital warning for believers today, urging us to examine the nature of our faith and guard against spiritual complacency. It reminds us that having experienced God's saving grace is not a guarantee against future judgment if our hearts turn from Him in unbelief or disobedience. The historical example of the Israelites teaches us that a past deliverance, no matter how miraculous, does not exempt us from the need for ongoing, active trust and obedience. We are called to persevere in faith, to remain vigilant against the deceptive influences that would lead us astray, and to take seriously the warnings of Scripture. This verse compels us to cultivate a living, dynamic faith that continually trusts in God's power and submits to His will, recognizing that while God is merciful, He is also just, and His standards for righteousness remain unwavering.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be taking God's past acts of grace for granted in my own life?**
* **How does the example of the wilderness generation challenge my understanding of what it means to truly "believe"?**
* **What specific areas of my life might indicate a lack of active trust or a tendency towards spiritual complacency?**
* **How can I cultivate a more enduring and obedient faith in light of Jude's warning?**

### FAQ

**Why does Jude use Old Testament examples to warn New Testament believers?**

Answer: Jude uses Old Testament examples like the Exodus generation because they provide clear, undeniable historical precedents for God's consistent character and His unwavering judgment against unbelief and rebellion. For his audience, many of whom were Jewish Christians, these stories were foundational to their understanding of God's dealings with humanity. By recalling events like the destruction of the unbelieving Israelites ([Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - The Rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea")), the fallen angels ([Genesis 6:1-4](/genesis/6-1-4 "Genesis 6:1-4 - The Sons of God and Daughters of Men")), and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah ([Genesis 19:1-29](/genesis/19-1-29 "Genesis 19:1-29 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah")), Jude demonstrates that God's justice is not arbitrary or new, but a consistent principle throughout history. These examples serve as powerful warnings that even those who have experienced God's grace are not exempt from judgment if they turn to apostasy and deny the Lord who bought them ([Jude 1:4](/jude/1-4 "Jude 1:4 - Warning Against False Teachers")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jude 1:5, while rooted in Old Testament history, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The "Lord" who saved the people out of Egypt and afterward judged the unbelieving is the same God who, in Christ, offers a far greater salvation and pronounces a more profound judgment. Jesus is the ultimate Deliverer, accomplishing a spiritual Exodus from the bondage of sin and death for all who believe in Him ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness into Light")). His blood is the new Passover, securing eternal redemption ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Precious Blood")). However, just as the Israelites faced destruction for their unbelief despite their physical deliverance, so too does the New Testament warn of severe consequences for those who, having heard the Gospel and even outwardly associated with Christ, ultimately reject Him in unbelief. Jesus Himself declares that "whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God" ([John 3:18](/john/3-18 "John 3:18 - Condemnation for Unbelief")). The warning of Jude 1:5 thus points to the supremacy of Christ's salvation and the critical importance of enduring faith in Him, for He is the one who leads His people into the true promised rest, a rest that can only be entered through genuine and persistent belief in His name ([Hebrews 4:1-11](/hebrews/4-1-11 "Hebrews 4:1-11 - Entering God's Rest Through Faith")).

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

Hebrews 3:16

For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.

Hebrews 4:2

For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard [it].

Numbers 26:64

But among these there was not a man of them whom Moses and Aaron the priest numbered, when they numbered the children of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai.

Numbers 26:65

For the LORD had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.

1 Corinthians 10:1

¶ Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;

1 Corinthians 10:12

Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

Psalms 106:26

Therefore he lifted up his hand against them, to overthrow them in the wilderness: