Jude 1:24

Authorized King James Version

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

Word-by-Word Analysis

Τῷ

G3588

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

δὲ

G1161

Now

but, and, etc

δυναμένῳ

G1410

unto him that is able

to be able or possible

φυλάξαι

G5442

to keep

to watch, i.e., be on guard (literally of figuratively); by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἀπταίστους

G679

from falling

not stumbling, i.e., (figuratively) without sin

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

στῆσαι

G2476

to present

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

κατενώπιον

G2714

before the presence

directly in front of

#10

τῆς

G3588

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

#11

δόξης

G1391

glory

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

#12

αὐτοῦ

G846

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

#13

ἀμώμους

G299

you faultless

unblemished (literally or figuratively)

#14

ἐν

G1722

with

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

#15

ἀγαλλιάσει

G20

exceeding joy

exultation; specially, welcome

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ John 10:28 John 10:28
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
— None shall pluck them out
² 1 Peter 1:5 1 Peter 1:5
Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
— Kept by power of God

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jude, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of glory connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about glory, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to Jude's theological argument.

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 cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on glory address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Jude chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of glory differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?