Jude 1:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.”

Berean Standard Bible

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!”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jude 1:9 offers a unique and profound glimpse into the spiritual realm, recounting an incident where Michael the archangel contended with the devil over the body of Moses. This verse powerfully illustrates the proper conduct in spiritual warfare, emphasizing humility, deference to divine authority, and the absolute sovereignty of God in exercising judgment, even when confronting the ultimate adversary. Michael's refusal to bring a personal, railing accusation against the devil, choosing instead to declare, "The Lord rebuke thee," serves as a stark contrast to the arrogant and blasphemous behavior of the false teachers Jude condemns.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jude's epistle is a urgent warning against false teachers who have infiltrated the early Christian community. He describes these individuals as godless men who pervert the grace of God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ as Lord (cf. [Jude 1:4](/jude/1-4 "Jude 1:4 - False Teachers Defined")). Immediately preceding Jude 1:9, Jude describes these false teachers as those who "defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities" ([Jude 1:8](/jude/1-8 "Jude 1:8 - Description of False Teachers")). The example of Michael, a high-ranking angelic being, is introduced as a direct antithesis to their arrogant and blasphemous behavior. While they dare to revile celestial beings (or authorities), Michael, in a direct confrontation with Satan himself, demonstrates profound humility and restraint, refusing to utter a personal curse or judgment, thereby highlighting the gravity of the false teachers' sin.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The incident concerning Michael and the body of Moses is not explicitly found in the canonical Old Testament. Scholars widely believe Jude is referencing an extra-biblical Jewish tradition, most notably the "Assumption of Moses" (also known as the "Testament of Moses"), an apocryphal work popular in the first century CE. While the exact details of the dispute vary in surviving fragments, the core narrative involves a contention between Michael and Satan over Moses's body, possibly related to its burial place or its potential veneration. This reliance on non-canonical sources was not uncommon in early Jewish and Christian writings, as long as the accounts served to illustrate a theological truth consistent with revealed scripture. Jude's audience would likely have been familiar with such traditions, making Michael's deferential conduct a powerful and recognizable example of humility and proper spiritual protocol in contrast to the irreverence of the false teachers.
* **Key Themes:** [Jude 1:9](/jude/1-9 "Jude 1:9 - Michael's Example") contributes significantly to several key themes within the epistle and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Authority and Sovereignty**, underscoring that ultimate power and the prerogative of judgment belong solely to God. Michael's declaration, "[The Lord rebuke thee](/jude/1-9 "Jude 1:9 - The Lord Rebuke Thee")," echoes similar expressions of divine judgment found elsewhere, such as in [Zechariah 3:2](/zechariah/3-2 "Zechariah 3:2 - The Angel of the Lord Rebukes Satan"), reinforcing that even against the greatest adversary, human (or angelic) power is insufficient without God's direct intervention. This also highlights the theme of **Humility and Restraint in Spiritual Warfare**, contrasting Michael's measured response with the false teachers' audacious and blasphemous pronouncements. Michael, despite his immense power and authority as an archangel, models a profound reverence for God's exclusive right to condemn, teaching believers to avoid prideful or self-righteous engagement with evil. Finally, the verse touches on **God's Protection of His Saints**, as the dispute over Moses's body implicitly suggests God's care even for the physical remains of His chosen ones, and His ultimate victory over the forces of evil that seek to defile or misuse them.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Archangel (Greek, _archángelos_):** From the Greek words for "chief" (ἄρχω, _archō_) and "messenger" (ἄγγελος, _angelos_), this term literally means "chief angel" or "ruling angel." It signifies Michael's preeminent position among the angelic hosts, indicating a being of immense power and authority. The fact that even such a high-ranking heavenly figure defers to divine authority underscores the profound humility required in spiritual matters.
* **Railing (Greek, _blasphēmía_):** This word, often translated as "blasphemy" or "evil speaking," refers to abusive, slanderous, or reviling speech, particularly against God or sacred things. In this context, it describes the type of accusation Michael "durst not bring" against the devil. It implies a verbally abusive, personally condemning, or disrespectful judgment. Michael refrained from uttering such an accusation, even against Satan, demonstrating a profound restraint and respect for the divine prerogative of judgment.
* **Rebuke (Greek, _epitimáō_):** This verb means "to tax upon," "to censure," "to admonish," or "to forbid." When used in a divine context, as in "The Lord rebuke thee," it signifies a powerful, authoritative, and definitive command to cease or be silenced, often implying a judgment or restraint imposed by a higher power. Michael's choice to invoke the Lord's rebuke, rather than issuing his own, highlights that true authority over evil resides with God alone.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses":** This clause introduces the central figures and the setting of the conflict. Michael, identified by his specific title as "the archangel," is engaged in a "contention" and "dispute" with "the devil." The object of their dispute is "the body of Moses," an enigmatic detail likely drawn from extra-biblical tradition. The use of "yet" (G1161, _dé_) serves as an adversative particle, setting Michael's conduct in stark contrast to the false teachers mentioned in the preceding verse.
* **"durst not bring against him a railing accusation":** This phrase reveals Michael's extraordinary restraint. Despite the devil's inherent evil and his adversarial role, Michael, though powerful enough to contend with him, "durst not" (did not dare) "bring against him a railing accusation." This signifies Michael's refusal to engage in slanderous, abusive, or personally condemnatory speech, even against the ultimate adversary. It emphasizes a profound respect for the boundaries of his own authority and a recognition that certain forms of judgment belong exclusively to God.
* **"but said, The Lord rebuke thee.":** This final clause presents Michael's chosen response. Instead of a personal accusation, he invokes divine authority, declaring, "The Lord rebuke thee." This statement is not a plea for God to act, but a pronouncement of God's inherent power and right to silence and judge evil. It echoes a similar divine rebuke found in [Zechariah 3:2](/zechariah/3-2 "Zechariah 3:2 - The Lord Rebukes Satan"), reinforcing the idea that only God possesses the ultimate authority to issue such a definitive judgment against the forces of darkness.

#### Literary Devices
Jude 1:9 employs several significant literary devices. **Allusion** is central, as the verse alludes to an extra-biblical Jewish tradition concerning the dispute over Moses's body, which would have been familiar to Jude's original audience. This allusion serves to immediately ground the theological point in a recognized narrative, even if not canonical. **Contrast** is another powerful device, as Michael's humble and deferential conduct is presented in stark opposition to the arrogant and blasphemous behavior of the false teachers described in [Jude 1:8](/jude/1-8 "Jude 1:8 - Contrast with False Teachers"). This juxtaposition highlights the severity of the false teachers' sin by showing how even a mighty archangel exercises restraint where they do not. Furthermore, the phrase "The Lord rebuke thee" functions as a form of **Apostrophe**, a direct address to the devil, but it is delivered not by Michael's own authority but by invoking the higher authority of God. This demonstrates **Indirect Speech** or **Reported Speech** where the content of Michael's address is given, emphasizing the source of true power. Finally, the entire scene serves as a **Paradigm** or **Exemplum**, providing a model of appropriate spiritual conduct and humility for believers in the face of evil.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jude 1:9 powerfully articulates the theological truth that ultimate authority and the prerogative of judgment belong exclusively to God. Even Michael, a chief angel of immense power, recognized the boundaries of his own authority and refused to usurp God's role as judge. This serves as a vital lesson for believers: in spiritual warfare and in confronting evil, our power is not inherent but derived from God. We are called to humility and reliance on divine sovereignty, trusting that God alone holds the power to rebuke and overcome the forces of darkness. The passage underscores that engaging in personal condemnation or slander, even against adversaries, steps outside the bounds of godly conduct and encroaches upon God's unique domain of judgment. Our role is to stand in God's truth, invoke His authority, and trust in His ultimate justice.

* [Zechariah 3:2](/zechariah/3-2 "Zechariah 3:2 - The Angel of the Lord Rebukes Satan"): "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 2:10-11](/2_peter/2-10-11 "2 Peter 2:10-11 - Angels Do Not Revile Authorities"): "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. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord."
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance Belongs to God"): "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jude 1:9 offers profound practical lessons for every believer navigating the complexities of spiritual life and interaction with the world. Michael's example calls us to a radical humility, particularly when confronting evil or dealing with those who oppose God. It reminds us that our strength in spiritual warfare does not come from our own cleverness, self-righteous indignation, or ability to verbally assault our adversaries, but from humble reliance on God's supreme authority. In a world often characterized by harsh rhetoric, personal attacks, and a rush to judgment, Michael's restraint serves as a powerful counter-cultural model. We are challenged to guard our tongues, to avoid slander and abusive language, and to recognize that ultimate judgment belongs to the Lord. Our task is to pray, to stand firm in faith, and to trust God to execute His perfect justice, rather than taking matters into our own hands with ungodly speech or actions. This humility not only honors God but also preserves our own spiritual integrity and witness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to take judgment into your own hands rather than deferring to God's authority?**
* **How can Michael's example of humility and restraint inform your interactions with those you disagree with, especially in contentious situations?**
* **What does it mean practically to say, "The Lord rebuke thee," in your own spiritual battles or when confronting evil?**
* **How does trusting God with ultimate judgment free you from the burden of personal condemnation and the temptation to engage in "railing accusations"?**

### FAQ
**What is the "body of Moses" that Michael and the devil disputed over?**

Answer: The Bible does not explicitly state what the "body of Moses" refers to or why it was disputed. The most widely accepted scholarly view is that Jude is referencing an extra-biblical Jewish apocryphal work known as the "Assumption of Moses" or "Testament of Moses." While the full text of this work is not preserved, fragments and ancient references suggest a narrative where Michael and Satan contended over Moses's body after his death (cf. [Deuteronomy 34:5-6](/deuteronomy/34-5-6 "Deuteronomy 34:5-6 - Moses' Death and Burial")). The exact nature of the dispute is debated, but possibilities include Satan wanting to use the body for idolatrous purposes, or to accuse Moses of some sin, or simply to prevent God's chosen burial. Regardless of the specific details, Jude uses this familiar narrative to illustrate Michael's humble and deferential conduct.

**Why didn't Michael the archangel rebuke the devil directly with his own authority?**

Answer: Michael, despite his immense power as an archangel, "durst not" (did not dare) bring a "railing accusation" against the devil. This highlights his profound humility and recognition that ultimate authority and the prerogative to judge belong solely to God. By saying, "The Lord rebuke thee," Michael demonstrates that true power over evil comes from God's sovereignty, not from any created being's inherent might or right to condemn. This act serves as a direct contrast to the false teachers Jude condemns, who presumptuously "speak evil of dignities" ([Jude 1:8](/jude/1-8 "Jude 1:8 - False Teachers' Arrogance")). It teaches believers to rely on divine authority in spiritual warfare and to avoid prideful or slanderous speech, even against the most wicked adversaries.

**Where else is Michael mentioned in the Bible, and what is his role?**

Answer: Michael is one of the few angels explicitly named in the Bible and is consistently portrayed as a powerful warrior angel, often associated with the protection of God's people, Israel. He is referred to as "one of the chief princes" in [Daniel 10:13](/daniel/10-13 "Daniel 10:13 - Michael, Chief Prince") and "your prince" in [Daniel 10:21](/daniel/10-21 "Daniel 10:21 - Michael, Prince of Israel"), indicating his role as a guardian over Israel. In [Daniel 12:1](/daniel/12-1 "Daniel 12:1 - Michael Stands Up"), he is depicted as standing up for God's people during a time of great distress. In [Revelation 12:7](/revelation/12-7 "Revelation 12:7 - Michael Fights the Dragon"), Michael and his angels are shown fighting against the dragon (Satan) and his angels, casting them out of heaven. Across these passages, Michael consistently appears as a powerful, loyal, and protective servant of God, engaged in spiritual warfare on behalf of God's elect.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jude 1:9, while focusing on Michael's exemplary humility, ultimately points to the supreme authority and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Michael's deference to "The Lord rebuke thee" foreshadows the ultimate authority of Christ, who alone possesses the inherent power to silence and overcome Satan. Unlike Michael, who could only invoke the Lord's rebuke, Jesus, as the incarnate God, directly and definitively rebuked demons and Satan himself with His own divine authority (e.g., [Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus' Authority Over Demons"), [Luke 4:8](/luke/4-8 "Luke 4:8 - Jesus Rebukes Satan")). The dispute over Moses's body, hinting at Satan's desire to defile or misuse what belongs to God, finds its ultimate resolution in Christ, who, through His death and resurrection, utterly triumphed over the powers of darkness (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Furthermore, Michael's humility in not bringing a "railing accusation" against the devil reflects the perfect humility of Christ, who, though divine, "made himself of no reputation" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility")) and endured the ultimate railing accusations on the cross, yet "committed himself to him that judgeth righteously" ([1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example of Suffering")). Thus, Michael's conduct serves as a created echo of the divine humility and absolute authority found perfectly in our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom all spiritual battles are decisively won.

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

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.