Jude 1:16
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jude 1:16
16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.
Chapter Context
Jude 1 is a polemical epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of grace, salvation, discipleship. Written during the late first century CE (c. 65-80 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Libertine teaching undermined moral standards by distorting grace.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-25: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Jude and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Jude 1:16
16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.
Analysis
These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage. After quoting Enoch's prophecy, Jude returns to characterizing false teachers. "Murmurers" (Greek gongystai, γογγυσταί) means chronic complainers who grumble against God's providence—the term used for Israel's wilderness murmuring (Exodus 15-17, Numbers 11, 14). "Complainers" (Greek mempsimoiroi, μεμψίμοιροι) literally means "fault-finders with their lot," those dissatisfied with God's provision, always seeking something different or better.
"Walking after their own lusts" (Greek kata tas epithymias heautōn poreuomenoi, κατὰ τὰς ἐπιθυμίας ἑαυτῶν πορευόμενοι) indicates their life-direction follows personal desires rather than God's will. "Walking" denotes habitual conduct, settled pattern. "Lusts" (Greek epithymias) means strong desires, particularly sinful passions. Their theology serves their appetites; they twist Scripture to justify chosen behaviors rather than conforming to revealed truth.
"Their mouth speaketh great swelling words" (Greek to stoma autōn lalei hyperonka, τὸ στόμα αὐτῶν λαλεῖ ὑπέρογκα) means arrogant, inflated speech—grandiose claims exceeding truth. 2 Peter 2:18 uses identical language. They impress through rhetorical skill and confident assertions, not substantive truth. "Having men's persons in admiration because of advantage" (Greek thaumazontes prosōpa ōpheleias charin, θαυμάζοντες πρόσωπα ὠφελείας χάριν) means flattering people for profit—showing favoritism to those who can benefit them, using manipulation for personal gain.
Historical Context
Murmuring characterized Israel's wilderness rebellion—constant complaining against Moses and God despite miraculous provision (Exodus 16:2-12, Numbers 14:2, 16:11). Such grumbling revealed unbelief and ingratitude. Paul warned Christians against following this pattern (1 Corinthians 10:10, Philippians 2:14). Jude's readers would immediately recognize the comparison: false teachers replicate Israel's rebellious attitude.
The Greco-Roman world valued rhetorical skill highly. Sophists made careers through impressive oratory, often prioritizing persuasive speech over truthful content. Early Christianity faced sophisticated orators who could sway audiences through eloquence regardless of doctrinal accuracy. Paul deliberately avoided such manipulation (1 Corinthians 2:1-5), but false teachers embraced it.
"Having men's persons in admiration" reflects the patronage system dominating first-century society. Teachers often depended on wealthy patrons for support, potentially compromising message to please sponsors. James condemned showing partiality to the rich (James 2:1-9). False teachers would flatter influential people, craft messages pleasing to donors, and manipulate for financial advantage—using ministry as business rather than service.
Reflection
- How can believers distinguish legitimate critique from the ungodly murmuring and complaining Jude describes?
- What are contemporary examples of theology shaped by personal desires rather than biblical truth?
- How should churches guard against showing favoritism to wealthy or influential members?
Cross-References
- Kingdom: 2 Peter 3:3
- Word: 2 Peter 2:18
- Parallel theme: Jude 1:18, Psalms 15:4, 1 Corinthians 10:10, Philippians 2:14, 1 Timothy 6:5, 1 Peter 2:11