1:8 1:8

Jude 1:9

1:10 1:10

Bible Versions

Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
Yet {G1161} Michael {G3413} the archangel {G743}, when {G3753} contending {G1252} with the devil {G1228} he disputed {G1256} about {G4012} the body {G4983} of Moses {G3475}, durst {G5111} not {G3756} bring against him {G2018} a railing {G988} accusation {G2920}, but {G235} said {G2036}, The Lord {G2962} rebuke {G2008} thee {G4671}.
When Mikha’el, one of the ruling angels, took issue with the Adversary, arguing over the body of Moshe, he did not dare bring against him an insulting charge, but said, “May Adonai rebuke you.”
But even the archangel Michael, when he disputed with the devil over the body of Moses, did not presume to bring a slanderous charge against him, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”
But Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing judgment, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

Jude 1:9 presents a unique and powerful scene, offering a glimpse into the unseen spiritual realm and the proper conduct within it. It describes an encounter between Michael the archangel and the devil, disputing over the body of Moses. This verse highlights the profound humility and deference to divine authority even among the highest of God's created beings.

Context

This verse stands out in the New Testament because the incident involving Michael and the body of Moses is not explicitly recounted in the canonical Old Testament. Scholars believe Jude likely drew this account from an extra-biblical Jewish tradition, possibly the "Assumption of Moses," an apocryphal work known in the early Christian era. Jude, writing to warn believers against the dangers of false teachers and their ungodly ways, uses Michael's example to illustrate a stark contrast. Unlike the arrogant and blasphemous false teachers who "speak evil of dignities" (Jude 1:8), Michael, despite his immense power, chose to defer to God's authority rather than bringing a personal, railing accusation against even the devil himself.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Authority Over Evil: The primary message is that true power and authority in spiritual warfare belong to God alone. Michael, a chief angel, did not rely on his own might or position to rebuke the devil, but instead invoked the Lord's power, saying, "The Lord rebuke thee." This emphasizes that our victory over evil comes through God's sovereignty.
  • Humility in Spiritual Warfare: Even when confronting the ultimate adversary, Michael demonstrates profound humility and restraint. He refused to engage in a "railing accusation" or slanderous judgment, setting an example for believers to avoid prideful or self-righteous confrontation when dealing with spiritual opposition.
  • God's Sovereignty and Judgment: The phrase "The Lord rebuke thee" underscores that God is the ultimate judge and has the sole prerogative to execute judgment. It points to a reliance on God's justice rather than engaging in personal condemnation.

Linguistic Insights

  • Michael (Μιχαήλ - Michaēl): Meaning "Who is like God?", Michael is identified as an archangel (ἀρχάγγελος - archangelos), signifying a "chief angel" or "ruling angel." He is a significant figure in biblical prophecy, also appearing in Daniel and Revelation as a protector of God's people.
  • Railing accusation (κρίσιν βλασφημίας - krisin blasphemias): This phrase literally translates to "judgment of blasphemy" or "slanderous judgment." It implies Michael refrained from uttering an abusive, disrespectful, or personally condemning judgment against the devil, even though the devil is a fallen being. He withheld a personal condemnation.
  • The Lord rebuke thee (Ἐπιτιμήσαι σοι Κύριος - Epitemēsai soi Kyrios): This exact phrase is also found in the Old Testament in Zechariah 3:2, where the Angel of the Lord uses it to rebuke Satan concerning Joshua the high priest. This parallel reinforces the idea that only God possesses the inherent authority to issue such a powerful and definitive rebuke.

Practical Application

Jude 1:9 offers crucial lessons for believers engaged in spiritual warfare and daily life:

  • Rely on God's Authority: When faced with spiritual opposition or confronting evil, we should not rely on our own strength, cleverness, or self-righteousness. Instead, like Michael, we are called to humble ourselves and invoke the mighty authority of God.
  • Exercise Humility and Restraint: The verse teaches us to be cautious with our words, even when dealing with adversaries. It's a reminder to avoid slander, abuse, or personal condemnation, leaving ultimate judgment to God.
  • Recognize God's Ultimate Sovereignty: This passage underscores that God is in ultimate control and has the power to overcome all evil. Our role is to align with His will and trust in His power, rather than engaging in prideful or ungodly behavior, which Jude condemns throughout his letter.
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.

  • Zechariah 3:2

    And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: [is] not this a brand plucked out of the fire?

  • 2 Peter 2:11

    Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.

  • Revelation 12:7

    And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,

  • Deuteronomy 34:6

    And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.

  • Daniel 12:1

    ¶ And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation [even] to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

  • Daniel 10:21

    But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and [there is] none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.

  • Daniel 10:13

    But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.
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