Jude 1:8

KJV

¶ Likewise also these [filthy] dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Likewise, these people, with their visions, defile their own flesh, despise godly authority and insult angelic beings.

Berean Standard Bible

Yet in the same way these dreamers defile their bodies, reject authority, and slander glorious beings.

American Standard Version

Yet in like manner these also in their dreamings defile the flesh, and set at nought dominion, and rail at dignities.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jude 1:8 vividly describes the audacious characteristics of false teachers who had surreptitiously infiltrated the early Christian communities, presenting a stark warning against their destructive influence. These individuals, whom Jude labels "dreamers," are depicted as morally corrupt, showing contempt for divine and human authority, and slandering glorious spiritual beings, thereby inviting God's certain judgment, much like historical figures who rebelled against God's established order.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jude's epistle is a concise yet fervent call to "contend earnestly for the faith" ([Jude 1:3](/jude/1-3 "Jude 1:3 - Contend for the Faith")). The letter immediately precedes this verse with a series of historical examples of divine judgment upon rebellion: the Israelites who did not believe ([Jude 1:5](/jude/1-5 "Jude 1:5 - Judgment on Unbelieving Israel")), angels who abandoned their proper domain ([Jude 1:6](/jude/1-6 "Jude 1:6 - Judgment on Fallen Angels")), and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah for their immorality ([Jude 1:7](/jude/1-7 "Jude 1:7 - Judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah")). These examples serve as a powerful backdrop, illustrating God's consistent and severe judgment against those who defy His authority and indulge in ungodliness. Verse 8 then directly applies these principles to the contemporary false teachers, showing that their actions parallel the historical rebellions that met with divine wrath.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church faced constant threats from within, particularly from various forms of Gnosticism and antinomianism. These movements often promoted a dualistic worldview, separating the spiritual from the material and sometimes leading to the belief that actions of the body had no bearing on the spirit's salvation. This could manifest as libertinism, where moral restraints were discarded, leading to sexual immorality and a disregard for ethical living. The "dreamers" likely refers to those who claimed special revelations or spiritual insights, perhaps through dreams or visions, which they used to justify their immoral behavior and challenge established apostolic teaching and authority. Their disrespect for "dominion" and "dignities" could reflect a broader cultural tendency to reject traditional hierarchies, combined with a specific theological error that diminished the authority of Christ, apostles, or even angelic beings.
* **Key Themes:** Jude 1:8 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the epistle and the broader New Testament. One prominent theme is the **danger of apostasy** and the necessity of **contending for the faith** against those who subvert it. The verse highlights the **moral depravity** that often accompanies theological error, linking false teaching directly to ungodly living. It also underscores the theme of **divine judgment**, asserting that God will indeed punish those who rebel against His established order and authority, whether human or angelic. Furthermore, the passage emphasizes the importance of **respect for authority**, both divine and human, contrasting the false teachers' arrogance with the humility exemplified by Michael the archangel in [Jude 1:9](/jude/1-9 "Jude 1:9 - Michael and the Devil"). This theme is echoed throughout the New Testament, such as in [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities") concerning civil rulers and [Hebrews 13:17](/hebrews/13-17 "Hebrews 13:17 - Obey Your Leaders") regarding spiritual leaders.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **dreamers (Greek, _enypniázomai'_):** From G1797, meaning "to dream." This term is used in the middle voice, suggesting "dreaming ones" or "those who dream." It implies that these false teachers were guided by their own deluded imaginations, subjective experiences, or false visions, rather than by divine revelation or sound doctrine. Their teachings and actions were rooted in their own corrupt minds, leading them astray and causing them to lead others astray.
* **defile (Greek, _miaínō'_):** From G3392, meaning "to sully or taint, i.e. contaminate (ceremonially or morally)." This verb indicates that the actions of these false teachers morally pollute or corrupt the "flesh" (sárx, G4561). This refers not merely to physical defilement but to a deep moral corruption, especially in the realm of sexual immorality, which was a common characteristic of the antinomian groups Jude was addressing. Their teachings led to unholy living, contaminating themselves and the community.
* **despise (Greek, _athetéō'_):** From G114, meaning "to set aside, i.e. (by implication) to disesteem, neutralize or violate." This word signifies a profound contempt and rejection of authority. It's not merely a disagreement but an active nullification or disregard for legitimate rule. In this context, it applies to their rejection of "dominion" (kyriótēs, G2963), indicating a rebellious spirit that dismisses any form of established authority, whether divine, ecclesiastical, or even angelic.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Likewise also these filthy dreamers":** Jude introduces the false teachers by comparing their actions to the historical examples of rebellion he just cited. The term "dreamers" (ἐνυπνιαζόμενοι) suggests that their teachings and immoral practices originate from their own deluded imaginations or false spiritual experiences, rather than from God's truth. The KJV's addition of "filthy" (in brackets) emphasizes the moral corruption inherent in their deluded state, though the Greek primarily focuses on their being "dreaming ones."
* **"defile the flesh":** This phrase points directly to the moral depravity of these individuals. "Flesh" (σάρξ) here refers to human nature, particularly its sinful inclinations and physical desires. Their actions, often characterized by sexual immorality and sensuality, polluted their own bodies and, by extension, the purity of the Christian community. They indulged in licentious behavior, claiming a false freedom that led to moral corruption.
* **"despise dominion":** This signifies a profound disrespect and rebellion against legitimate authority. "Dominion" (κυριότης, _kyriótēs_) refers to lordship or authority, encompassing both divine authority (Christ's rule) and potentially human authorities established by God, such as church leaders or civil rulers. These false teachers rejected any form of spiritual or moral governance, asserting their own autonomy and defying God's established order.
* **"and speak evil of dignities":** The term "dignities" (δόξας, _doxas_) literally means "glories" and most likely refers to glorious beings, specifically angelic powers, whether good or evil. This clause indicates that these false teachers not only rejected human authority but also slandered or reviled spiritual authorities, perhaps even divine beings or high-ranking angels. This extreme arrogance highlights their ungodly presumption, as they dared to speak ill of beings far superior to themselves, a point contrasted with Michael the archangel's restraint in [Jude 1:9](/jude/1-9 "Jude 1:9 - Michael's Dispute with the Devil").

#### Literary Devices
Jude 1:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The use of **Metaphor** is evident in the term "dreamers," which serves as a derogatory label for the false teachers, suggesting that their teachings and actions are born out of delusion and fantasy rather than divine truth or reality. This metaphor highlights their detachment from spiritual and moral reality. There is also clear **Parallelism** in the structure of the three accusations: "defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities," which creates a rhythmic and emphatic condemnation of their multi-faceted rebellion. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Contrast** by implicitly setting the false teachers' arrogance against the humility and respect for authority exemplified by Michael the archangel in the subsequent verse ([Jude 1:9](/jude/1-9 "Jude 1:9 - Michael's Example of Respect")). This contrast underscores the severity of the false teachers' sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jude 1:8 serves as a crucial theological warning, highlighting the inseparable link between sound doctrine and moral conduct. It asserts that true faith produces holiness and submission to God's established order, while false teaching inevitably leads to moral depravity and rebellion against legitimate authority. The contempt these "dreamers" show for "dominion" and "dignities" reveals a deep-seated spiritual arrogance that challenges the very fabric of divine order and human governance. This verse underscores the biblical principle that all authority ultimately derives from God, and to despise any legitimate authority is, in essence, to despise God Himself. The New Testament consistently warns against such individuals and calls believers to discernment and steadfastness in the face of their corrupting influence.

* [2 Peter 2:10](/2_peter/2-10 "2 Peter 2:10 - False Teachers Despise Authority")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [Hebrews 13:17](/hebrews/13-17 "Hebrews 13:17 - Obey Your Leaders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jude 1:8 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, serving as a timeless warning against the insidious nature of spiritual deception and moral compromise. It calls us to cultivate a robust discernment that can identify those who, like the "dreamers," promote a false sense of freedom that leads to licentiousness rather than true liberation in Christ. We are challenged to uphold biblical standards of purity, respecting the sanctity of our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit, and to honor all legitimate authority, whether in the church, family, or civil government, recognizing that such authority is divinely ordained. This verse encourages a steadfast commitment to sound doctrine that produces not only intellectual assent but also a life of godliness, humility, and submission to God's will, guarding against the arrogance that seeks to undermine divine order and slander those in positions of spiritual or temporal authority.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might "dreamers" or deluded thinking manifest in contemporary spiritual movements, and how can we discern such influences?**
* **How does a disregard for moral purity (defiling the flesh) often accompany a rejection of spiritual authority in today's context?**
* **What specific "dominions" or "dignities" might believers be tempted to despise or speak evil of in our current cultural climate, and how can we counter this tendency with biblical humility?**
* **How does a proper understanding of God's authority inform our respect for human authorities, even when we disagree with them?**

### FAQ

**Who are these "filthy dreamers" Jude refers to?**

Answer: The "dreamers" (Greek: _enypniazomenoi_) are false teachers who had infiltrated the early Christian communities. Jude describes them as individuals whose teachings and immoral behaviors stemmed from their own deluded imaginations or false spiritual insights, rather than from divine revelation. They likely claimed special knowledge or visions (hence "dreamers") to justify their ungodly lifestyle and challenge established apostolic authority. The KJV's addition of "filthy" (in brackets) emphasizes the moral corruption associated with their deluded state.

**What does it mean to "despise dominion"?**

Answer: To "despise dominion" (Greek: _athetéō kyriótēs_) means to reject or show contempt for legitimate authority. "Dominion" refers to lordship or established rule. In this context, it encompasses various forms of authority: the ultimate authority of Christ, the authority of the apostles and church leaders, and potentially even angelic authorities or civil governments established by God. These false teachers exhibited a rebellious spirit, refusing to submit to any form of spiritual or moral governance, thereby undermining the divine order. This rejection of authority is a recurring theme in warnings against false teachers, as seen in [2 Peter 2:10](/2_peter/2-10 "2 Peter 2:10 - Despising Authority").

**What are the "dignities" that these dreamers speak evil of?**

Answer: The "dignities" (Greek: _doxas_, meaning "glories") most likely refer to glorious spiritual beings, specifically angelic powers, whether good or evil. Jude contrasts the false teachers' arrogant slandering of these "dignities" with the humility of Michael the archangel, who, even when disputing with the devil, did not bring a railing accusation against him but said, "The Lord rebuke thee" ([Jude 1:9](/jude/1-9 "Jude 1:9 - Michael's Example")). This suggests that the false teachers were so presumptuous that they dared to revile spiritual authorities far superior to themselves, demonstrating an extreme lack of reverence and an inflated sense of their own spiritual standing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jude 1:8, in its condemnation of those who defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities, profoundly illuminates the antithesis found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While these false teachers embody moral corruption and rebellion, Christ is the very embodiment of purity and perfect submission. He is the one who did not "defile the flesh" but lived a sinless life, offering His body as a pure sacrifice for our sins ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")). Furthermore, far from despising dominion, Jesus perfectly submitted to the will of the Father, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). He is the ultimate "dominion" and "dignity," the Lord of all creation, to whom "every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth" ([Philippians 2:10](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). The false teachers slandered glorious beings, but Christ is the "brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")), the one who upholds all things by the word of His power. Thus, Jude's warning implicitly calls believers to cling to Christ, who is the standard of purity, the source of all legitimate authority, and the supreme glory worthy of all reverence, standing in stark contrast to the destructive path of the "dreamers."

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 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.