Jude 1:20

Authorized King James Version

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὑμεῖς

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

δέ,

G1161

But

but, and, etc

ἀγαπητοί,

G27

beloved

τῇ

G3588

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

ἁγίῳ

G40

most holy

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

ὑμῶν

G5216

on your

of (from or concerning) you

πίστει

G4102

faith

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

ἐποικοδομοῦντες

G2026

building up

to build upon, i.e., (figuratively) to rear up

ἑαυτοὺς

G1438

yourselves

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

#10

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#11

πνεύματι

G4151

Ghost

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

#12

ἁγίῳ

G40

most holy

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

#13

προσευχόμενοι

G4336

praying

to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship

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 faith central to epistemology and the means by which humans receive divine revelation 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 faith in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on faith address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?