Jude 1:20
What does Jude 1:20 mean?
A plain-English look at Jude 1:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Jude 1:20 means
In contrast to the sensual and Spirit-less, believers are to build themselves up on their most holy faith, the apostolic truth centered on Jesus Christ. Growth is communal and intentional; we strengthen one another upon this unchanging foundation. Praying in the Holy Spirit means seeking God’s face under His guidance and power, not mere human effort. Such prayer aligns the heart with God’s will and supplies strength to persevere. Jude’s strategy is constructive: instead of staring at error, cultivate health. When the foundation is honored and dependence on the Spirit is practiced, the church becomes resilient, discerning, and ready to contend with grace and courage.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,
KJV
King James Version · 1611But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But you, my loved ones, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, and making prayers in the Holy Spirit,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And ye, beloved, on your most holy faith building yourselves up, in the Holy Spirit praying,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But you, my beloved, building yourselves upon your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But ye, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,
Context
This is the first of a cluster of positive commands following the long warning. It answers the deficits in verse 19 by directing believers to the true source of life and unity. Verse 21 will continue the sequence—keeping in God’s love and looking for Christ’s mercy unto eternal life. Verses 22–23 will then extend this strength outward in merciful rescue of those wavering or endangered. The flow shifts from diagnosis to prescription: what nourishes stability in an age of mockers.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- James 2:22
Thou seest that faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect;
- Acts 26:18
to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive remission of sins and an inheritance among them that are sanctified by faith in me.
- Revelation 13:10
If any man is for captivity, into captivity he goeth: if any man shall kill with the sword, with the sword must he be killed. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
- Ephesians 4:12
for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering, unto the building up of the body of Christ:
- 1 Corinthians 14:15
What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
- Romans 8:15
For ye received not the spirit of bondage again unto fear; but ye received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
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