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.
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. Jude's second example of judgment concerns fallen angels. "Kept not their first estate" (Greek tous mē tērēsantas tēn heautōn archēn, τοὺς μὴ τηρήσαντας τὴν ἑαυτῶν ἀρχήν) literally means "not keeping their own beginning/authority"—they didn't maintain their original position or authority. "Left their own habitation" (Greek alla apolipantas to idion oikētērion, ἀλλὰ ἀπολιπόντας τὸ ἴδιον οἰκητήριον) indicates deliberate abandonment of their assigned dwelling/sphere.
God's response was immediate and severe: "reserved in everlasting chains under darkness" (Greek desmois aidiois hypo zophon tetērēken, δεσμοῖς ἀϊδίοις ὑπὸ ζόφον τετήρηκεν). The perfect tense "has reserved" indicates completed action with ongoing effect—they remain imprisoned. "Everlasting chains" denotes permanent, unbreakable bondage. "Darkness" (Greek zophos, ζόφος) refers to deep gloom, the absence of God's glory. This imprisonment awaits "the judgment of the great day"—the final judgment when all rebellion will be condemned.
The specific sin of these angels is debated. Some connect this to Genesis 6:1-4 and the "sons of God" cohabiting with humans. Others see it as the original satanic rebellion. 2 Peter 2:4 provides a parallel account. Jewish literature (1 Enoch, which Jude quotes in v. 14-15) elaborates on angelic rebellion. Regardless of specifics, the point is clear: even angels who abandoned their assigned position face eternal judgment.
Historical Context
Jewish apocalyptic literature, particularly 1 Enoch, extensively discussed fallen angels. While not Scripture, 1 Enoch was widely read in Jude's time and provided shared reference points for Jewish audiences. The Book of the Watchers (1 Enoch 1-36) describes angels who descended to earth, took human wives, and taught humanity forbidden knowledge, resulting in corruption requiring the flood.
Early Christians understood that spiritual rebellion occurs in both earthly and heavenly realms. Paul describes principalities and powers, spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12). Jesus spoke of seeing Satan fall like lightning (Luke 10:18). Revelation 12:7-9 describes war in heaven and Satan's expulsion. The rebellion of angels—beings of great power and privilege in God's presence—demonstrates that no creature is immune to temptation toward pride and rebellion.
This example would have particularly resonated given Jude's context. If angels who dwelt in God's presence could fall through abandoning their position, how much more should humans beware? The false teachers Jude addresses had abandoned their assigned place in the faith, much like these angels left their habitation. Both face certain judgment.
Questions for Reflection
What does angelic rebellion teach about the danger of pride and abandoning one's God-given position?
How does the permanence of angelic judgment highlight both God's justice and the preciousness of human redemption?
In what ways might Christians be tempted to 'abandon their habitation' or depart from their assigned calling?
Analysis & Commentary
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. Jude's second example of judgment concerns fallen angels. "Kept not their first estate" (Greek tous mē tērēsantas tēn heautōn archēn, τοὺς μὴ τηρήσαντας τὴν ἑαυτῶν ἀρχήν) literally means "not keeping their own beginning/authority"—they didn't maintain their original position or authority. "Left their own habitation" (Greek alla apolipantas to idion oikētērion, ἀλλὰ ἀπολιπόντας τὸ ἴδιον οἰκητήριον) indicates deliberate abandonment of their assigned dwelling/sphere.
God's response was immediate and severe: "reserved in everlasting chains under darkness" (Greek desmois aidiois hypo zophon tetērēken, δεσμοῖς ἀϊδίοις ὑπὸ ζόφον τετήρηκεν). The perfect tense "has reserved" indicates completed action with ongoing effect—they remain imprisoned. "Everlasting chains" denotes permanent, unbreakable bondage. "Darkness" (Greek zophos, ζόφος) refers to deep gloom, the absence of God's glory. This imprisonment awaits "the judgment of the great day"—the final judgment when all rebellion will be condemned.
The specific sin of these angels is debated. Some connect this to Genesis 6:1-4 and the "sons of God" cohabiting with humans. Others see it as the original satanic rebellion. 2 Peter 2:4 provides a parallel account. Jewish literature (1 Enoch, which Jude quotes in v. 14-15) elaborates on angelic rebellion. Regardless of specifics, the point is clear: even angels who abandoned their assigned position face eternal judgment.