Jude 1:6

Authorized King James Version

And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἀγγέλους
G32
the angels
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
#2
τε
G5037
And
both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)
#3
τοὺς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
μὴ
G3361
not
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#5
τετήρηκεν
G5083
he hath reserved
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
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
ἑαυτῶν
G1438
their
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#8
ἀρχὴν
G746
first estate
(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)
#9
ἀλλὰ
G235
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#10
ἀπολιπόντας
G620
left
to leave behind (passively, remain); by implication, to forsake
#11
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
ἴδιον
G2398
their own
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
#13
οἰκητήριον
G3613
habitation
a residence (literally or figuratively)
#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
κρίσιν
G2920
the judgment
decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law)
#16
μεγάλης
G3173
of the great
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
#17
ἡμέρας
G2250
day
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
#18
δεσμοῖς
G1199
chains
a band, i.e., ligament (of the body) or shackle (of a prisoner); figuratively, an impediment or disability
#19
ἀϊδίοις
G126
in everlasting
everduring (forward and backward, or forward only)
#20
ὑπὸ
G5259
under
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
#21
ζόφον
G2217
darkness
gloom (as shrouding like a cloud)
#22
τετήρηκεν
G5083
he hath reserved
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

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 divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection