Jude 1:23
What does Jude 1:23 mean?
A plain-English look at Jude 1:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Jude 1:23 means
Jude widens the scope: some must be saved by snatching them out of the fire—decisive action to rescue those on the brink of judgment. With others, show mercy with fear, aware of the danger of contamination. Hate even the garment stained by the flesh—maintain holy distance from sin’s pollution while loving the sinner. This balance of urgency and caution protects both the endangered and the rescuer. It guards against naive compromise and against cold withdrawal. True mercy is neither careless nor cowardly; it is courageous and careful. The church must be ready to act swiftly, yet always with reverence for God and a commitment to purity.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and some save, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and some save, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And to some give salvation, pulling them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the clothing which is made unclean by the flesh.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and some in fear save ye, out of the fire snatching, hating even the coat from the flesh spotted.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But others save, pulling them out of the fire. And on others have mercy, in fear, hating also the spotted garment which is carnal.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890but others save with fear, snatching [them] out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
Context
This verse completes Jude’s triad of pastoral responses begun in verse 22. It adds intensity and discernment to mercy, reflecting the varied conditions created by false teachers. Having given these practical instructions, Jude turns in verses 24–25 to a soaring doxology. The closing praise lifts eyes from human frailty and danger to God’s keeping power and eternal glory through Jesus Christ. The structure leads from warning to equipping to worship, reinforcing confidence in God’s ability to preserve His people.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 7:10
For godly sorrow worketh repentance unto salvation, a repentance which bringeth no regret: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:14
And if any man obeyeth not our word by this epistle, note that man, that ye have no company with him, to the end that he may be ashamed.
- 1 Timothy 4:16
Take heed to thyself, and to thy teaching. Continue in these things; for in doing this thou shalt save both thyself and them that hear thee.
- Leviticus 14:47
And he that lieth in the house shall wash his clothes; and he that eateth in the house shall wash his clothes.
- Amos 4:11
I have overthrown cities among you, as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and ye were as a brand plucked out of the burning: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith Jehovah.
- Leviticus 15:17
And every garment, and every skin, whereon is the seed of copulation, shall be washed with water, and be unclean until the even.
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