To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. This continues Enoch's prophecy, elaborating Christ's judgment purpose. "Execute judgment upon all" (Greek poiēsai krisin kata pantōn, ποιῆσαι κρίσιν κατὰ πάντων) indicates universal, comprehensive judgment—no one escapes divine scrutiny. This echoes Jesus' teaching that all will stand before God's throne (Matthew 25:31-46, Romans 14:10-12, 2 Corinthians 5:10).
"To convince all that are ungodly" (Greek kai elengxai pasan psychēn peri pantōn tōn ergōn asebeias autōn, καὶ ἐλέγξαι πᾶσαν ψυχὴν περὶ πάντων τῶν ἔργων ἀσεβείας αὐτῶν) means to convict, expose, prove guilty. The judgment isn't arbitrary but evidential—God will demonstrate the justice of His verdicts by exposing sin's reality. No excuses will remain; every mouth will be stopped (Romans 3:19). "Ungodly" (Greek asebeia) means without reverence for God, living as if God doesn't exist or doesn't matter.
The fourfold repetition of "ungodly" emphasizes the comprehensive wickedness: ungodly people committing ungodly deeds through ungodly means. Additionally, judgment addresses "hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him" (Greek peri pantōn tōn sklērōn hōn elalēsan kat autou hamartōloi asebeis, περὶ πάντων τῶν σκληρῶν ὧν ἐλάλησαν κατ᾽ αὐτοῦ ἁμαρτωλοὶ ἀσεβεῖς). "Hard speeches" denotes harsh, rebellious words—blasphemy, mockery, rejection of God's authority. People will answer not only for deeds but words (Matthew 12:36-37).
Historical Context
The concept of universal judgment was central to Jewish and Christian eschatology, distinguishing biblical faith from pagan religions that lacked moral accountability. Greek and Roman gods didn't execute righteous judgment; they acted capriciously according to personal whims. Biblical faith insists on a day when all injustice will be rectified, all evil punished, all good rewarded—God's character guarantees this.
Early Christians, often persecuted and marginalized, took great comfort in judgment doctrine. Present injustices would be reversed; persecutors would face consequences; faithful sufferers would be vindicated. This wasn't vindictive but righteous—God's justice demands accountability. The delay of judgment demonstrates God's patience, giving opportunity for repentance (2 Peter 3:9), not indifference to evil.
The emphasis on both deeds and words reflects biblical understanding that accountability extends to all aspects of life. Ancient cultures often separated public behavior from private thoughts or casual speech. Scripture insists coherence—hearts, words, and deeds all reveal character and face judgment. Jesus taught that words reveal heart condition (Matthew 12:34-37); thoughtless speech demonstrates spiritual reality.
Questions for Reflection
How should the certainty of comprehensive judgment affect daily decisions, priorities, and behaviors?
What's the balance between preaching judgment to warn sinners and preaching grace to save them?
How does accountability for words as well as deeds shape the way believers speak about God and others?
Analysis & Commentary
To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. This continues Enoch's prophecy, elaborating Christ's judgment purpose. "Execute judgment upon all" (Greek poiēsai krisin kata pantōn, ποιῆσαι κρίσιν κατὰ πάντων) indicates universal, comprehensive judgment—no one escapes divine scrutiny. This echoes Jesus' teaching that all will stand before God's throne (Matthew 25:31-46, Romans 14:10-12, 2 Corinthians 5:10).
"To convince all that are ungodly" (Greek kai elengxai pasan psychēn peri pantōn tōn ergōn asebeias autōn, καὶ ἐλέγξαι πᾶσαν ψυχὴν περὶ πάντων τῶν ἔργων ἀσεβείας αὐτῶν) means to convict, expose, prove guilty. The judgment isn't arbitrary but evidential—God will demonstrate the justice of His verdicts by exposing sin's reality. No excuses will remain; every mouth will be stopped (Romans 3:19). "Ungodly" (Greek asebeia) means without reverence for God, living as if God doesn't exist or doesn't matter.
The fourfold repetition of "ungodly" emphasizes the comprehensive wickedness: ungodly people committing ungodly deeds through ungodly means. Additionally, judgment addresses "hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him" (Greek peri pantōn tōn sklērōn hōn elalēsan kat autou hamartōloi asebeis, περὶ πάντων τῶν σκληρῶν ὧν ἐλάλησαν κατ᾽ αὐτοῦ ἁμαρτωλοὶ ἀσεβεῖς). "Hard speeches" denotes harsh, rebellious words—blasphemy, mockery, rejection of God's authority. People will answer not only for deeds but words (Matthew 12:36-37).