JUDE 10-12a

 Jude 10

The language used by Jude in this verse is unfortunately a little less than crystal clear. The context is probably a further comment on the example of Michael and Satan presented in vv. 8-9 since the key word “slander” appears in both places.

Thus, E. Penetcost says, “This abusive speech may refer to their slandering of angels (v. 8)...Rather than comprehending what was above them (the angels), they really understood only what was below them (the animals). Jude thus demolished their Gnostic claim to superior knowledge.”

Wheaton sees a slightly broader application of this verse in stating that “it could more widely just mean 'spiritual things'...Having no time for spiritual things, they limit their knowledge to the physical world, and in this they find their downfall as they allow the physical side of their being to dominate, just like animals.”

In this regard, it is interesting to see F.F. Bruce cite this verse in the light of some early heresies in church history:

“Whereas Tertullian could say, 'we have all things in common, except our wives..., Epiphanes and the Carpocratians appear to have gone farther and said, 'we have all things in common, including our wives.' Epiphanes justified this policy by an appeal to the principles of divine righteousness or equity as embodied not in the law of Moses but in the law of nature. He pointed to the example of the animal creation, and thus incurred the rebuke of Jude: 'by those things that they know by instinct, as irrational animals do, they are destroyed' (Jude 10).”

Jude 11

Just as verses 5-7 presented three examples from the Old Testament of those who were punished by God for their disobedience, Jude presents another triad of OT personages from the Pentateuch to characterize the behavior and fate of those who oppose God and His people. They are compared, in turn to Cain, Balaam, and Korah. The first two of these need little explanation. Korah is not quite as well known to many.

There are several people of that name in the OT, but the Korah being referred to here is not the temple official mentioned in the titles of eleven psalms or one of the descendants of Esau found in Genesis 36. Instead it is the levitical leader mentioned first in Exodus 6, leader with Dathan and Abiram of a rebellion against Moses and Aaron (Numbers 16) only to be destroyed by God for going against the duly constituted leadership.

Carson describes the probable reason for Korah's actions: “His attack on Moses and Aaron is motivated by lust for their authority and is defended by the argument that since all the people of Israel are holy, therefore Moses and Aaron have no right to take on special authority that other Israelites cannot enjoy.” Interestingly, modern populist politicians often utilize the same argument with the more successful demagogues among them generally becoming dictators instead.

Jude 12a

There are a number of textual and translation issues in this passage, giving rise to a variety of renderings in English:

    “These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear.” (KJV)

    “These are blemishes* on your love feasts, as they boldly carouse together, looking after themselves.” (RSV) *or reefs

    “These men are a menace to the good fellowship of your feasts, for they eat in your company without a qualm yet they care for no one but themselves.” (Phillips)

    “These men are a blot on your love-feasts, where they eat and drink without reverence. They are shepherds who take care only for themselves.” (NEB)

    “They are a dangerous obstacle* to your community meals, coming for the food and quite shamelessly only looking after themselves.” (JB) * or reefs

    “These are the hidden reefs at your love meals,* where they brazenly feast with you while looking out for themselves.” (AB) *or “in their deceptions”

    “These are blemishes* on your love-feasts, while they feast with you without fear, feeding themselves.**” (NRSV) *or reefs **or “without fear. They are shepherds who care only for themselves.”

A few comments are in order regarding this sentence. In the first place, you may be curious where the alternative Anchor Bible translation of “in their deceptions” comes from. Bruce Metzger explains that although the overwhelming number of ancient manuscripts read agapais (“love feasts”) at this point in the text, a few others read apatais (“deceits”) instead, probably influenced by the parallel passage in II Peter 2:13 where the latter word appears.

Also, you should note that there is a parallel of sorts to the behavior of these false teachers found in Paul's writings as well. “When you come together, it is not really to eat the Lord's supper. For when the time comes to eat, each of you goes ahead with your own supper, and one goes hungry and another becomes drunk. What! Do you not have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you show contempt for the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What should I say to you? Should I commend you? In this manner I do not commend you!” (I Corinthians 11:20-22, NRSV)

Some similar behavior was even noted in OT times among the false leaders of the people. Thus, in Ezekiel 34 the prophet denounces the shepherds (i.e. rulers) of Israel who take good care of themselves while totally ignoring the needs of the sheep. 

                                                 Jude 10-12 (1984)