Jude 1:16

Authorized King James Version

These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
οὗτοί
G3778
These
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#2
εἰσιν
G1526
are
they are
#3
γογγυσταί,
G1113
murmurers
a grumbler
#4
μεμψίμοιροι
G3202
complainers
blaming fate, i.e., querulous (discontented)
#5
κατὰ
G2596
after
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#6
τὰς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
ἐπιθυμίας
G1939
lusts
a longing (especially for what is forbidden)
#8
αὐτῶν
G846
their
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
#9
πορευόμενοι
G4198
walking
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
#10
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
στόμα
G4750
mouth
the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e
#13
αὐτῶν
G846
their
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
#14
λαλεῖ
G2980
speaketh
to talk, i.e., utter words
#15
ὑπέρογκα
G5246
great swelling
bulging over, i.e., (figuratively) insolent
#16
θαυμάζοντες
G2296
in admiration
to wonder; by implication, to admire
#17
πρόσωπα
G4383
words having men's persons
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
#18
ὠφελείας
G5622
of advantage
usefulness, i.e., benefit
#19
χάριν
G5484
because
through favor of, i.e., on account of

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

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