Jude 1:13

Authorized King James Version

Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

Word-by-Word Analysis

κύματα

G2949

waves

a billow (as bursting or toppling)

ἄγρια

G66

Raging

wild (as pertaining to the country), literally (natural) or figuratively (fierce)

θαλάσσης

G2281

of the sea

the sea (genitive case or specially)

ἐπαφρίζοντα

G1890

foaming out

to foam upon, i.e., (figuratively) to exhibit (a vile passion)

τὰς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἑαυτῶν

G1438

their own

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

αἰσχύνας

G152

shame

shame or disgrace (abstractly or concretely)

ἀστέρες

G792

stars

a star (as strown over the sky), literally or figuratively

πλανῆται

G4107

wandering

a rover ("planet"), i.e., (figuratively) an erratic teacher

#10

οἷς

G3739

to whom

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#11

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#12

ζόφος

G2217

the blackness

gloom (as shrouding like a cloud)

#13

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#14

σκότους

G4655

of darkness

shadiness, i.e., obscurity (literally or figuratively)

#15

εἰς

G1519

for

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#16

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#17

αἰῶνα

G165

ever

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

#18

τετήρηται

G5083

is reserved

to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jude. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?