Jude 4

Jude 4

For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

a. NLT: I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

b. NIV: For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.

c. YLT: For there did come in unobserved certain men, long ago having been written beforehand to this judgment, impious, the grace of our God perverting to lasciviousness, and our only Master, God, and Lord -- Jesus Christ -- denying,

d. Amplified Bible Classic:  For certain men have crept in stealthily [[a]gaining entrance secretly by a side door]. Their doom was predicted long ago, ungodly (impious, profane) persons who pervert the grace (the spiritual blessing and favor) of our God into lawlessness and wantonness and immorality, and disown and deny our sole Master and Lord, Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).

e. Worrell Translation: For there crept in stealthily certain men, who were of old set forth for this condemnation, ungodly men, changing the grace of our God into lasciviousness; and denying the only Master and our Lord Jesus Christ.

f. Wuest Translation: For certain men entered surreptitiously who were of old predicted with reference to this judgment, men destitute of reverential awe towards God, perverting the grace of our God into moral anarchy and lack of self-restraint, and denying the only absolute masters, even our Lord Jesus Christ.

1. “For there are certain men crept in unawares…”

a. For [Strong: 1063 gar gar a primary particle; properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles):--and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet.]

b. there are certain [Strong: 5100 tis tis an enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object:--a (kind of), any (man, thing, thing at all), certain (thing), divers, he (every) man, one (X thing), ought, + partly, some (man, -body, - thing, -what), (+ that no-)thing, what(-soever), X wherewith, whom(-soever), whose(-soever).]

c. men [Strong: 444 anthropos anth'-ro-pos from 435 and ops (the countenance; from 3700); man-faced, i.e. a human being:--certain, man.]

d. crept in unawares [Strong: 3921 pareisduno par-ice-doo'-no from 3844 and a compound of 1519 and 1416; to settle in alongside, i.e. lodge stealthily:--creep in unawares.] [Zodhiates:  pareisduo; para-unto at the side of; eisduo-to enter in. To enter in craftily, secretly, without notice, like a thief.]

1). John 10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not in by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

2). Cp. John 10:9, 10 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

3). See 1 John 2:18-23 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

2:20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.

2:21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.

2:22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.

2:23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: [(but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also]

4). Institute Of Creation Research Daily Devotional 11/25/13 The special word chosen by the Holy Spirit is most helpful in understanding this warning. The Greek term translated “crept in unawares” is pareisduno, a uniquely compounded word meaning to “sink down in alongside.” What could be more descriptive? These kinds of sneaky people have been written about before, Jude says, and are prime examples of those who transpose the grace of God into uncontrolled lust. Paul uses a similar word in his letter to Timothy to warn him about the ungodly men of the last days who “creep into houses” and undermine the lifestyles of “silly women” (2 Timothy 3:6, 7). The imagery implies the subtlety and cleverness of these “ungodly men,” but there is a horrible consequence of this replacement of God’s grace with “lasciviousness.” Jude lists the terrible judgment on the people of Israel who refused to believe the good report of Joshua and Caleb when the 12 spies returned from the land of Canaan. God “destroyed” those who embraced the fearful and faithless report of the 10 (Numbers 14). Even the angels who led the world of Noah into corruption (genesis 6:1-4) were chained in “darkness” for their disobedience (2 Peter 2:4). Sodom and Gomorrah, Cain, Balaam, and Korah (Core) are all given as examples by Jude of God’s stern judgment on those who knew better but chose to lead a rebellion against the righteous lifestyles or leadership of God’s people. God does not take lightly the misuse of His instructions. Even the “least” of the commandments are important (Matthew 5:19). After all, “thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name” (Psalm 138:2). HMM III

5). Because Jude and 2 Peter 2 address many of the same examples it is necessary to compare the two to get a fuller picture of what the Scriptures are saying for they complement one another. Therefore both will be compared when the subject matter is the same.

a). 2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

(1) privily (Zodhiates) (3919 * pareisago) To bring in by the side of, to introduce along with others. In the N.T., to lead or bring in secretly or craftily, to smuggle in. [Note DC: pareisago is synonymous with pareisduo, used in Jude 4, “crept in unawares”.]

(2) In Jude 4 the men themselves “crept in unawares”, while in 2 Peter 2:1 it’s their heresies that they “privily shall bring in”.

(3) damnable (Zodhiates) (684 * apoleia) In the N.T. apoleia refers to the state after death wherein exclusion from salvation is a realized fact…In 2 Peter 2:1 [it means] “Heresies of destruction”.

(4) It is interesting to note that Peter writes in future tense, “there shall be”, while Jude writes in present tense, “there are”. This leads me to believe that Peter wrote his second epistle before Jude wrote his. Unger’s Bible Dictionary has the date of 2 Peter at 66-67 A.D. and Jude dated at any time between 66 and 75-80 A.D. is possible.

b). Other Scriptures that warn of false teachers are:

(1) Acts 20:28-30 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

20:30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

(2) We must remember that Paul was saying this to the elders of Ephesus. Centuries later, true to the prophetic warning, it was a Ephesus in 431 A.D., at the Council of Ephesus, that Mary the mother of Jesus was also officially declared the Mother of God.

(3) CHURCH PROCLAIMS MARY MOTHER OF GOD, Pope John Paul II: Contemplation of the mystery of the Saviour's birth has led Christian people not only to invoke the Blessed Virgin as the Mother of Jesus, but also to recognize her as Mother of God. This truth was already confirmed and perceived as belonging to the Church's heritage of faith from the early centuries of the Christian era, until it was solemnly proclaimed at the Council of Ephesus in 431.” http://www.ewtn.com/library/papaldoc/jp2bvm37.htm

c). See also: 1 Timothy 4:1-3; Revelation 2:11-16; Revelation 2:18-29; 2 Timothy 2:4:2-4 .

2. “…who were before of old ordained to this condemnation,…”

a. who [Strong: 3588 ho ho, including the feminine he hay, and the neuter to to in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):--the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.]

b. were before…ordained [Strong: 4270 prographo prog-raf'-o from 4253 and 1125; to write previously; figuratively, to announce, prescribe:--before ordain, evidently set forth, write (afore, aforetime).] [Zodhiates: To write before.]

c. of old [Strong: 3819 palai pal'-ahee probably another form for 3825 (through the idea of retrocession); (adverbially) formerly, or (by relatively) sometime since; (elliptically as adjective) ancient:--any while, a great while ago, (of) old, in time past.]

d. to [Strong: 1519 eis ice a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases:--(abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), ...ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).]

e. this [Strong: 5124 touto too'-to neuter singular nominative or accusative case of 3778; that thing:--here (-unto), it, partly, self(-same), so, that (intent), the same, there(-fore, -unto), this, thus, where(-fore).]

f. condemnation [Strong: 2917 krima kree'-mah from 2919; a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ("crime")):--avenge, condemned, condemnation, damnation, + go to law, judgment.]

3. “…ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness…”

a. ungodly [men] [Strong: 765 asebes as-eb-ace' from 1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of 4576; irreverent, i.e. (by extension) impious or wicked:-- ungodly (man).]  [Zodhiates; asebes; a-without; sebomai-to worship, venerate; Basically it means godless, without fear and reverence of God. It does not mean irreligious, but one who actively practices the opposite of what the fear of God demands.]

b. turning [Strong: 3346 metatithemi met-at-ith'-ay-mee from 3326 and 5087; to transfer, i.e. (literally) transport, (by implication) exchange, (reflexively) change sides, or (figuratively) pervert:--carry over, change, remove, translate, turn.]

c. the grace [Strong: 5485 charis khar'-ece from 5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude):--acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace(- ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank(-s, -worthy).]

d. of our [Strong 2257 hemon hay-mone' genitive case plural of 1473; of (or from) us:--our (company), us, we.]

e. God [Strong: 2316 theos theh'-os of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).]

f. into [Strong: 1519 eis ice a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases:--(abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), ...ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).]

g. lasciviousness [Strong: 766 aselgeia as-elg'-i-a from a compound of 1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed selges (of uncertain derivation, but apparently meaning continent); licentiousness (sometimes including other vices):--filthy, lasciviousness, wantonness.] [Zodhiates: License, debauchery, sexual excess, absence of restraint, insatiable desire for pleasure.]

1). These false teachers will have no reverence for God, they will teach that the grace of God covers any kind of fleshly excess, including sexual excess [sex outside of marriage, living together, homosexuality].

2). But the Scriptures teach something different.

a). Romans 6:1, 2 “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid…”

b). Titus 2:11, 12 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

4. “…and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.”

a. and [Strong: 2532 kai kahee apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.]

b. denying [Strong: 720 arneomai ar-neh'-om-ahee perhaps from 1 (as a negative particle) and the middle voice of 4483; to contradict, i.e. disavow, reject, abnegate:--deny, refuse.]

c. the [Strong: 3588 ho ho, including the feminine he hay, and the neuter to to in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):--the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.]

d. only [Strong: 3441 monos mon'-os probably from 3306; remaining, i.e. sole or single; by implication, mere:--alone, only, by themselves.]

e. Lord [Strong: 1203 despotes des-pot'-ace perhaps from 1210 and posis (a husband); an absolute ruler ("despot"):--Lord, master.]

f. God [Strong: 2316 theos theh'-os of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).]

g. and [Strong: 2532 kai kahee apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.]

h. our [Strong 2257 hemon hay-mone' genitive case plural of 1473; of (or from) us:--our (company), us, we.]

i. Lord [Strong: 2962 kurios koo'-ree-os from kuros (supremacy); supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful title):-- God, Lord, master, Sir.]

j. Jesus [Strong: 2424 Iesous ee-ay-sooce' of Hebrew origin (3091); Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites:--Jesus.]

k. Christ [Strong: 5547 Christos khris-tos' from 5548; anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus:--Christ.]

1). NOTE: Because of the similarity between Jude and 2 Peter, we will continue 2 Peter where Jude leaves off.

a). 2 Peter 2:1, 2 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

2:2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

(1) denying [Strong: 720 arneomai ar-neh'-om-ahee perhaps from 1 (as a negative particle) and the middle voice of 4483; to contradict, i.e. disavow, reject, abnegate:--deny, refuse.] [Zodhiates: To deny…decline, reject, give up.]

(2) evil spoken of [Strong: 987 blasphemeo blas-fay-meh'-o from 989; to vilify; specially, to speak impiously:--(speak) blaspheme(-er, -mously, -my), defame, rail on, revile, speak evil.] [Zodhiates: To blaspheme, revile. To hurt the reputation or smite with reports of words, speak evil of, slander.]

(3) Many shall follow these destructive and ungodly heresies because of who is doing the teaching. [Cp. 2 Timothy 4:3, 4.] They will teach blasphemy.

b). 2 Peter 2:3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you, whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

(1) feigned [Strong: 4112 plastos plas-tos' from 4111; moulded, i.e. (by implication) artificial or (figuratively) fictitious (false):--feigned.]    [Zodhiates: Eng. Plastic; Artificial, false, hypocritical, deceitful. [Words] easily shaped as desired.]

(2) merchandise [Strong: 1710  emporeuomai em-por-yoo'-om-ahee from 1722 and 4198; to travel in (a country as a pedlar), i.e. (by implication) to trade:--buy and sell, make merchandise.] [Zodhiates: To go or enter in, travel about in journey. In the N.T., to travel about as a merchant or trader on a large scale…]

c). Because they contradict, reject, refuse and deny our Lord Jesus Christ they are anti-Christs.

(1) 1 John 2:18-22 Little Children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

2:20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.

2:21 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.