Jude 1:18
What does Jude 1:18 mean?
A plain-English look at Jude 1:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Jude 1:18 means
The apostles warned that in the last time there would be mockers, walking after their own ungodly lusts. Jude applies this to the present. The "last time" stretches from Christ’s first coming to His return, a period marked by both gospel advance and opposition. Mockers scoff at God’s truth and moral boundaries, preferring desires to discipleship. Their presence does not disprove the gospel; it confirms apostolic prophecy and calls for steadfastness. By reminding the church of this prediction, Jude disarms the shock value of such people and reinforces the need to hold fast to the faith once delivered, rather than chasing teachers who make sin seem safe.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000that they said to you, In the last time there shall be mockers, walking after their own ungodly lusts.
KJV
King James Version · 1611How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901that they said to you, In the last time there shall be mockers, walking after their own ungodly lusts.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949How they said to you, In the last days there will be men who, guided by their evil desires, will make sport of holy things.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862that they said to you, that in the last time there shall be scoffers, after their own desires of impieties going on,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Who told you that in the last time there should come mockers, walking according to their own desires in ungodlinesses.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890that they said to you, that at [the] end of the time there should be mockers, walking after their own lusts of ungodlinesses.
Context
This verse quotes the essence of the apostles’ warning mentioned in verse 17, giving specific traits to watch for: mockery and lust-driven living. Verse 19 will sharpen the profile, naming their divisiveness and spiritual emptiness. With the threat clearly defined by Scripture and experience, Jude will then pivot in verses 20–21 to positive commands for believers’ spiritual health—building up, praying in the Holy Spirit, and keeping in God’s love while looking to Christ’s mercy unto eternal life.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Timothy 4:1
But the Spirit saith expressly, that in later times some shall fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons,
- Psalms 14:1
The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works; There is none that doeth good.
- 2 Peter 3:3
knowing this first, that in the last days mockers shall come with mockery, walking after their own lusts,
- 2 Peter 2:1
But there arose false prophets also among the people, as among you also there shall be false teachers, who shall privily bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master that bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.
- 2 Timothy 3:13
But evil men and impostors shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.
- 2 Timothy 4:3
For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts;
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