To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Jude concludes with ascription of praise to God. "The only wise God our Saviour" (Greek monō theō sōtēri hēmōn, μόνῳ θεῷ σωτῆρι ἡμῶν) combines several crucial attributes. "Only" (Greek monō, μόνῳ) emphasizes monotheism—one true God in contrast to pagan polytheism and false teachers' distortions. "Wise" (Greek sophō, σοφῷ) celebrates divine wisdom—God's perfect knowledge and skillful execution of His purposes. Against false teachers claiming superior knowledge, Jude affirms God alone possesses true wisdom. "Our Saviour" identifies God as the source and accomplisher of salvation—He saves, we don't save ourselves.
The fourfold ascription—"glory and majesty, dominion and power" (Greek doxa kai megalōsynē kratos kai exousia, δόξα καὶ μεγαλωσύνη κράτος καὶ ἐξουσία)—comprehensively praises God's attributes. "Glory" (Greek doxa) refers to divine radiance, majesty, worthiness of honor. "Majesty" (Greek megalōsynē) denotes greatness, grandeur, exalted status. "Dominion" (Greek kratos) means might, strength, sovereign rule. "Power" (Greek exousia) indicates authority, right to rule, legitimate sovereignty. Together, these affirm God's absolute supremacy over all creation, all powers, all authorities—including false teachers and their demonic influences.
"Both now and ever" (Greek kai nyn kai eis pantas tous aiōnas, καὶ νῦν καὶ εἰς πάντας τοὺς αἰῶνας) emphasizes eternal duration—God's glory exists presently and throughout all ages to come. "Amen" (Greek amēn, ἀμήν), from Hebrew amen meaning "so be it, truly, certainly," affirms the truth and adds assent—may it be so indeed. This liturgical conclusion invites readers to join in affirming these truths.
Historical Context
Jewish doxologies traditionally ascribed glory to God alone, refusing to share divine honor with any creature. Early Christians maintained this strict monotheism while recognizing Christ's deity—doxologies addressed to God sometimes include Christ (2 Peter 3:18, Revelation 1:5-6). Jude's doxology to "God our Saviour" can include both Father and Son, as New Testament applies "Saviour" to both (Luke 1:47, Titus 2:13).
The fourfold attributes echo Old Testament praise (1 Chronicles 29:11, Psalm 145). Jewish and Christian worship emphasized God's incomparable greatness, particularly important when facing opposition. Persecuted believers found comfort in God's sovereign power—earthly authorities might threaten, but God's dominion surpasses all. Eternal perspective relativized temporal troubles.
Early church worship incorporated such doxologies liturgically. Believers would respond "Amen" corporately, affirming truth and joining in praise. This communal affirmation strengthened unity and orthodox confession. Heretics often distorted worship by directing praise to lesser beings or deifying creation. Orthodox doxologies maintained pure worship of the one true God.
Questions for Reflection
How does ending with God-centered doxology provide proper perspective on the serious warnings Jude delivered?
What does it mean practically to ascribe 'glory, majesty, dominion, and power' to God in daily life?
How should corporate worship incorporate doxologies and 'Amens' to strengthen faith and resist false teaching?
Analysis & Commentary
To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Jude concludes with ascription of praise to God. "The only wise God our Saviour" (Greek monō theō sōtēri hēmōn, μόνῳ θεῷ σωτῆρι ἡμῶν) combines several crucial attributes. "Only" (Greek monō, μόνῳ) emphasizes monotheism—one true God in contrast to pagan polytheism and false teachers' distortions. "Wise" (Greek sophō, σοφῷ) celebrates divine wisdom—God's perfect knowledge and skillful execution of His purposes. Against false teachers claiming superior knowledge, Jude affirms God alone possesses true wisdom. "Our Saviour" identifies God as the source and accomplisher of salvation—He saves, we don't save ourselves.
The fourfold ascription—"glory and majesty, dominion and power" (Greek doxa kai megalōsynē kratos kai exousia, δόξα καὶ μεγαλωσύνη κράτος καὶ ἐξουσία)—comprehensively praises God's attributes. "Glory" (Greek doxa) refers to divine radiance, majesty, worthiness of honor. "Majesty" (Greek megalōsynē) denotes greatness, grandeur, exalted status. "Dominion" (Greek kratos) means might, strength, sovereign rule. "Power" (Greek exousia) indicates authority, right to rule, legitimate sovereignty. Together, these affirm God's absolute supremacy over all creation, all powers, all authorities—including false teachers and their demonic influences.
"Both now and ever" (Greek kai nyn kai eis pantas tous aiōnas, καὶ νῦν καὶ εἰς πάντας τοὺς αἰῶνας) emphasizes eternal duration—God's glory exists presently and throughout all ages to come. "Amen" (Greek amēn, ἀμήν), from Hebrew amen meaning "so be it, truly, certainly," affirms the truth and adds assent—may it be so indeed. This liturgical conclusion invites readers to join in affirming these truths.