1:7 1:7

Jude 1:8

1:9 1:9

Bible Versions

¶ Likewise also these [filthy] dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
Likewise {G3668}{G3305} also {G2532} these {G3778} filthy dreamers {G1797} defile {G3392} the flesh {G3303}{G4561},{G1161} despise {G114} dominion {G2963}, and {G1161} speak evil {G987} of dignities {G1391}.
Likewise, these people, with their visions, defile their own flesh, despise godly authority and insult angelic beings.
Yet in the same way these dreamers defile their bodies, reject authority, and slander glorious beings.
Yet in like manner these also in their dreamings defile the flesh, and set at nought dominion, and rail at dignities.

Jude 1:8 serves as a stark warning within Jude's brief but potent epistle, describing the insidious characteristics of false teachers who had infiltrated the early Christian communities. This verse immediately follows a series of historical judgments (like those upon rebellious Israel, fallen angels, and Sodom and Gomorrah) that Jude uses to illustrate God's certain judgment against those who defy Him.

Context

The Epistle of Jude is a powerful call to contend earnestly for the faith against a specific type of ungodly individual who had crept in unawares (Jude 1:4). These individuals were characterized by their moral depravity and theological error. Verse 8 describes three primary ways these "dreamers" manifested their apostasy, drawing parallels to the rebellion of Korah mentioned earlier by Jude (Jude 1:11).

Key Themes

  • Defilement of the Flesh: The phrase "defile the flesh" points to moral corruption, especially sexual immorality. These false teachers often promoted a libertine lifestyle, claiming spiritual freedom while indulging in sinful practices, thereby polluting themselves and the church.
  • Despising Dominion: "Despise dominion" indicates a profound disrespect for authority. This could refer to Christ's divine authority, the authority of church leaders, or even angelic authorities. It signifies a rebellious spirit that rejects legitimate rule and order.
  • Speaking Evil of Dignities: The term "dignities" (Greek: doxas, meaning "glories") often refers to glorious beings, particularly angelic powers, whether good or evil. These false teachers slandered or reviled spiritual authorities, similar to the accusations made against them in 2 Peter 2:10. Their arrogant disrespect extended even to heavenly realms.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "filthy dreamers" translates the Greek enypniazomenoi (ἐνυπνιαζόμενοι), meaning "dreaming ones." This suggests that their false doctrines and immoral behavior stemmed from their own deluded imaginations or visions, rather than divine revelation. They were guided by their own corrupt thoughts and desires, perhaps even claiming special spiritual insights received in dreams, which led them astray.

Cross-References & Connections

The description of these false teachers in Jude 1:8 bears a striking resemblance to the characteristics outlined by Peter in his second epistle, particularly 2 Peter 2:10, which speaks of those who "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." This highlights a consistent problem within the early church regarding false teachers. The call to respect authority is a recurring biblical theme, as seen in Romans 13:1 regarding civil authorities and Hebrews 13:17 concerning spiritual leaders.

Practical Application

Jude 1:8 remains highly relevant today. It warns believers to be vigilant against those who promote moral compromise or disrespect for legitimate authority, whether in the church, family, or government. True faith leads to holiness and submission to God's established order, not to licentiousness or rebellion. This verse encourages discernment of spirits and a commitment to sound doctrine that produces godly living and proper respect for all God-ordained structures.

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 13:17

    Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that [is] unprofitable for you.

  • 2 Peter 2:10

    ¶ 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.

  • 2 Peter 2:12

    But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;

  • 1 Peter 2:17

    Honour all [men]. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

  • 1 Timothy 1:10

    For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;

  • Acts 23:5

    Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.

  • Ecclesiastes 10:20

    Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.
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