Jude 1:11

Authorized King James Version

Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
οὐαὶ
G3759
Woe
woe
#2
αὐτοῖς
G846
unto them
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#3
ὅτι
G3754
! for
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#4
τῇ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ὁδῷ
G3598
in the way
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
#6
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
Κάϊν
G2535
of Cain
cain, (i.e., cajin), the son of adam
#8
ἐπορεύθησαν
G4198
they have gone
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
#9
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
τῇ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
πλάνῃ
G4106
the error
objectively, fraudulence; subjectively, a straying from orthodoxy or piety
#12
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
Βαλαὰμ
G903
of Balaam
balaam, a mesopotamian (symbolic of a false teacher)
#14
μισθοῦ
G3408
for reward
pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad
#15
ἐξεχύθησαν
G1632
ran greedily after
to pour forth; figuratively, to bestow
#16
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
τῇ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
ἀντιλογίᾳ
G485
in the gainsaying
dispute, disobedience
#19
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
Κορὲ
G2879
of Core
core (i.e., korach), an israelite
#21
ἀπώλοντο
G622
perished
to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jude, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to Jude's theological argument.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Jude Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection