1:4 1:4

Jude 1:5

1:6 1:6

Bible Versions

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.
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}.
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.
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.
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 on Jude 1:5

In this concise but potent epistle, Jude urgently warns believers against false teachers who had infiltrated the early church. Verse 5 serves as the first of three stark historical examples Jude employs to underscore God's unwavering judgment on disobedience and unbelief, even among those who have experienced His profound salvation.

Context

Jude begins his letter by exhorting his readers to "contend earnestly for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude 1:3), implying a battle against spiritual deception. To reinforce the gravity of his warning, he reminds them of God's past actions, demonstrating His consistent character as both a deliverer and a judge. This verse specifically recalls a well-known event from Israelite history, emphasizing that even those who witnessed God's mighty acts of salvation were not exempt from His wrath when they turned to unbelief.

Historical and Cultural Context

The phrase "having saved the people out of the land of Egypt" refers to the monumental Exodus deliverance, where God miraculously freed the Israelites from centuries of slavery under Pharaoh. This event was the cornerstone of Israel's identity and a powerful testament to God's covenant faithfulness and omnipotence. However, despite this incredible act of salvation, the subsequent generation demonstrated profound unbelief and rebellion in the wilderness.

The statement "afterward destroyed them that believed not" directly references the consequences of their disobedience, particularly the incident at Kadesh-Barnea (Numbers 13-14). After hearing the discouraging report of the ten spies, the Israelites refused to enter the Promised Land, choosing to believe in their own fears rather than God's power. As a result, God decreed that the entire adult generation, with the exception of Joshua and Caleb, would die in the wilderness and not enter the land of promise.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment on Unbelief: This verse powerfully illustrates that God's salvation does not negate His righteous judgment. Even those who experience His grace can face severe consequences if they reject Him through persistent unbelief and disobedience.
  • Remembrance as a Warning: Jude's purpose in reminding his readers of this known history is to provide a stark warning. Past divine actions, both of salvation and judgment, serve as crucial lessons for present-day believers.
  • God's Consistent Character: The verse underscores God's unchanging nature. He is faithful to save, but also just to judge those who spurn His commands and grace.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "destroyed" (apōlesen - ἀπώλεσεν) is a strong term, signifying utter ruin, perishing, or being lost. It emphasizes the complete and irreversible nature of the judgment that fell upon the unbelieving Israelites, highlighting the severity of God's response to their lack of faith.

Practical Application

Jude 1:5 serves as a crucial warning against spiritual complacency and taking God's grace for granted. It reminds believers that:

  • Genuine faith requires perseverance: It's not enough to have a past experience of salvation; faith must be active and sustained through obedience. As Hebrews 3:19 similarly states, "So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief."
  • God's justice is real: While God is merciful and loving, He is also just. His past judgments are precedents for His future dealings with those who rebel against His truth and authority.
  • Heed the warnings: In an era of spiritual deception, this verse calls believers to learn from history, strengthening their resolve to live lives consistent with sound doctrine and to remain steadfast in their 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.

  • 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:
 Back

Search Scripture