Jude 1:21

Authorized King James Version

Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἑαυτοὺς
G1438
yourselves
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#2
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#3
ἀγάπῃ
G26
the love
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
#4
Θεοῦ
G2316
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#5
τηρήσατε
G5083
Keep
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
#6
προσδεχόμενοι
G4327
looking for
to admit (to intercourse, hospitality, credence, or (figuratively) endurance); by implication, to await (with confidence or patience)
#7
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
ἔλεος
G1656
the mercy
compassion (human or divine, especially active)
#9
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
Κυρίου
G2962
Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#11
ἡμῶν
G2257
of our
of (or from) us
#12
Ἰησοῦ
G2424
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#13
Χριστοῦ
G5547
Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#14
εἰς
G1519
unto
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#15
ζωὴν
G2222
life
life (literally or figuratively)
#16
αἰώνιον
G166
eternal
perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)

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 love fundamental to theology proper, revealing God's essential nature and character and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show patron-client relationships and family loyalty concepts, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection