Jude 1:22
What does Jude 1:22 mean?
A plain-English look at Jude 1:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Jude 1:22 means
Jude first urges mercy toward those who doubt. Not everyone swept up in confusion is hardened. Some waver, unsettled by persuasive voices or personal struggles. The church’s response should be patient, compassionate engagement, not harsh dismissal. Mercy creates space for truth to land and for trust to be rebuilt. This counsel recognizes differing conditions of souls and tailors care accordingly. It also echoes Jude’s opening wish that mercy be multiplied among believers. Merciful clarity can steady the unsure and draw them back from edge. Contending for the faith includes shepherding the fragile with tenderness and truth.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And on some have mercy, who are in doubt;
KJV
King James Version · 1611And of some have compassion, making a difference:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And on some have mercy, who are in doubt;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And have pity on those who are in doubt;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and to some be kind, judging thoroughly,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And some indeed reprove, being judged:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And of some have compassion, making a difference,
Context
Having established a strong foundation for believers in verses 20–21, Jude now turns outward. Verse 22 begins a graded approach to those affected by false teaching. The first group are doubters needing mercy. Verse 23 will name others closer to destruction who require urgent rescue and still others who require mercy mixed with fear, with careful avoidance of defilement. These instructions keep the church from a one-size-fits-all response and model wise, compassionate ministry amid deception.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezekiel 34:17
And as for you, O my flock, thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Behold, I judge between sheep and sheep, the rams and the he-goats.
- Hebrews 6:4
For as touching those who were once enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit,
- 1 John 5:16
If any man see his brother sinning a sin not unto death, he shall ask, and God will give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: not concerning this do I say that he should make request.
- Galatians 4:20
but I could wish to be present with you now, and to change my tone; for I am perplexed about you.
- Galatians 6:1
Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
- Jude 1:4
For there are certain men crept in privily, even they who were of old written of beforehand unto this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
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