Jude 1:10

Authorized King James Version

But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
οὗτοι
G3778
these
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#2
δὲ
G1161
But
but, and, etc
#3
ὅσα
G3745
of those things which
as (much, great, long, etc.) as
#4
μὲν
G3303
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
#5
οὐκ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#6
οἴδασιν
G1492
they know
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#7
βλασφημοῦσιν
G987
speak evil
to vilify; specially, to speak impiously
#8
ὅσα
G3745
of those things which
as (much, great, long, etc.) as
#9
δὲ
G1161
But
but, and, etc
#10
φυσικῶς
G5447
naturally
"physically", i.e., (by implication) instinctively
#11
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#12
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
ἄλογα
G249
brute
irrational
#14
ζῷα
G2226
beasts
a live thing, i.e., an animal
#15
ἐπίστανται
G1987
they know
to put the mind upon, i.e., comprehend, or be acquainted with
#16
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#17
τούτοις
G5125
those things
to (for, in, with or by) these (persons or things)
#18
φθείρονται
G5351
they corrupt themselves
properly, to shrivel or wither, i.e., to spoil (by any process) or (generally) to ruin (especially figuratively, by moral influences, to deprave)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection