Jude 1:8

Authorized King James Version

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Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.

Original Language Analysis

Ὁμοίως Likewise G3668
Ὁμοίως Likewise
Strong's: G3668
Word #: 1 of 14
similarly
μέντοι G3305
μέντοι
Strong's: G3305
Word #: 2 of 14
indeed though, i.e., however
καὶ also G2532
καὶ also
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 3 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὗτοι these G3778
οὗτοι these
Strong's: G3778
Word #: 4 of 14
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ἐνυπνιαζόμενοι filthy dreamers G1797
ἐνυπνιαζόμενοι filthy dreamers
Strong's: G1797
Word #: 5 of 14
to dream
σάρκα G4561
σάρκα
Strong's: G4561
Word #: 6 of 14
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
μὲν the flesh G3303
μὲν the flesh
Strong's: G3303
Word #: 7 of 14
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
μιαίνουσιν defile G3392
μιαίνουσιν defile
Strong's: G3392
Word #: 8 of 14
to sully or taint, i.e., contaminate (ceremonially or morally)
κυριότητα dominion G2963
κυριότητα dominion
Strong's: G2963
Word #: 9 of 14
mastery, i.e., (concretely and collectively) rulers
δὲ G1161
δὲ
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 10 of 14
but, and, etc
ἀθετοῦσιν despise G114
ἀθετοῦσιν despise
Strong's: G114
Word #: 11 of 14
to set aside, i.e., (by implication) to disesteem, neutralize or violate
δόξας of dignities G1391
δόξας of dignities
Strong's: G1391
Word #: 12 of 14
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
δὲ G1161
δὲ
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 13 of 14
but, and, etc
βλασφημοῦσιν speak evil G987
βλασφημοῦσιν speak evil
Strong's: G987
Word #: 14 of 14
to vilify; specially, to speak impiously

Analysis & Commentary

Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. After three historical examples, Jude applies them to the false teachers: "likewise also these" (Greek homoiōs mentoi kai houtoi, ὁμοίως μέντοι καὶ οὗτοι)—similarly, these present false teachers. "Filthy dreamers" (Greek enypniazomenoi, ἐνυπνιαζόμενοι) literally means "dreaming" or "visionaries," possibly claiming special revelations or living in moral delusion. Their "dreams" produce defilement rather than truth.

They commit three sins paralleling the examples:

  1. "Defile the flesh" (Greek sarka mēn miainousin, σάρκα μὲν μιαίνουσιν)—corrupt the body through sexual immorality, like Sodom.
  2. "Despise dominion" (Greek kyriotēta de athētousin, κυριότητα δὲ ἀθετοῦσιν)—reject lordship/authority, like rebellious Israel and fallen angels. The term kyriotēs refers to divine lordship; they refuse submission to Christ.
  3. "Speak evil of dignities" (Greek doxas de blasphēmousin, δόξας δὲ βλασφημοῦσιν)—slander glorious ones, possibly angelic beings or church authorities.

    The present tense verbs indicate ongoing, habitual behavior—this is their pattern of life, not occasional failures.

The triple indictment echoes the three examples: moral corruption (Sodom), rejection of authority (Israel), and spiritual arrogance exceeding proper bounds (angels). These false teachers combine all three forms of rebellion.

Historical Context

Gnostic and proto-Gnostic teachers in the first century often claimed special visions or revelations giving them superior knowledge (gnōsis). They taught that spiritual enlightenment transcended moral law—since matter was evil but spirit was pure, bodily actions didn't affect spiritual status. This led to antinomianism: license for sexual immorality and rejection of behavioral restrictions.

The phrase "speak evil of dignities" likely refers to mocking angelic authorities or despising church leaders who maintained moral standards. Some Gnostics viewed the Old Testament God (creator of material world) as inferior to the true spiritual God, leading them to reject Old Testament moral law and authorities. Others claimed such spiritual superiority that they needed no human teachers or accountability.

Early church fathers (Irenaeus, Tertullian) extensively refuted Gnosticism's false claims to special revelation. The church insisted on apostolic succession—teaching transmitted from the apostles, not secret knowledge from private visions. Jude's condemnation of these "dreamers" established that authentic Christian teaching comes through apostolic tradition, not mystical experiences or claimed revelations contradicting Scripture.

Questions for Reflection