Jude 1:3

Authorized King James Version

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἀγαπητοί,
G27
Beloved
beloved
#2
πᾶσαν
G3956
all
all, any, every, the whole
#3
σπουδὴν
G4710
diligence
"speed", i.e., (by implication) despatch, eagerness, earnestness
#4
ποιούμενος
G4160
when I gave
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#5
γράψαι
G1125
to write
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
#6
ὑμῖν
G5213
unto you
to (with or by) you
#7
περὶ
G4012
of
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
#8
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
κοινῆς
G2839
the common
common, i.e., (literally) shared by all or several, or (ceremonially) profane
#10
σωτηρίας
G4991
salvation
rescue or safety (physically or morally)
#11
ἀνάγκην
G318
needful
constraint (literally or figuratively); by implication, distress
#12
ἔσχον
G2192
for me
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#13
γράψαι
G1125
to write
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
#14
ὑμῖν
G5213
unto you
to (with or by) you
#15
παρακαλῶν
G3870
and exhort
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
#16
ἐπαγωνίζεσθαι
G1864
you that ye should earnestly contend
to struggle for
#17
τῇ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
ἅπαξ
G530
which was once
one (or a single) time (numerically or conclusively)
#19
παραδοθείσῃ
G3860
delivered
to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit
#20
τοῖς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
ἁγίοις
G40
unto the saints
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
#22
πίστει
G4102
for the faith
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

Cross References

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Analysis

Within the broader context of Jude, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of faith connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about faith, 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