Jude 1:11
Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam’s error and perished in Korah’s rebellion.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse doesn't just list three bad examples; it shows these troublemakers are active and reckless, not just passively falling into sin. The Greek word translated "ran greedily" literally means they "poured themselves out," suggesting a wild, unchecked flood of self-will fueled by their greed and rebellion. This isn't just a mistake, but a full-blown, uncontainable stampede away from God.
Jude is fiercely denouncing false teachers who have infiltrated the church, warning believers to contend for the faith. He calls down "woe" upon these individuals, illustrating their destructive nature by comparing them to three notorious rebels from the Old Testament: Cain, Balaam, and Korah. These ancient figures serve as a stark warning of the dire consequences awaiting those who reject God's authority and lead others astray for personal gain or pride.
Why does Jude immediately bring up Cain, the first murderer? It's more than just a horrific act; it points to a dangerous inner state that infects the church.
The Seed of Enmity
Jude warns these false teachers by pointing to Cain, the first murderer. Cain’s sin wasn’t just a spontaneous act of violence; it stemmed from deep-seated envy and hatred towards his righteous brother, Abel.
Balaam is known for his donkey, but his real downfall was a love for money that corrupted his message and led people astray. Does this sound familiar?
Love of Money, Love of Error
The second figure Jude names is Balaam, a prophet lured by 'reward.' His story is a stark warning against the corrupting power of greed.
Understand the original words
ouai · Greek Interjection
An interjection of lament, grief, or impending divine judgment. It signifies a pronouncement of calamity or curse upon those who oppose God or His people.
derek · Hebrew Noun
In a biblical context, refers to a lifestyle or moral path. It denotes the ethical conduct and direction of one’s life, reflecting either obedience to God or rebellion against Him.
Qayin · Hebrew Noun
The first-born son of Adam and Eve, who murdered his brother Abel. In biblical typology, he represents the archetype of envy, false worship, and murderous rebellion against God's requirements.
Bilaam · Hebrew Noun
A non-Israelite prophet hired by Moab to curse Israel. He represents greed, compromise, and leading God's people into spiritual and moral corruption for personal profit.
~1400 BC
Korah's Rebellion Against Moses
Korah led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, challenging their authority. The rebellion was violently suppressed, with Korah and his followers being consumed by the earth.
~1400 BC
Balaam's Covetousness and Seduction of Israel
The prophet Balaam, hired by the Moabites, advised them to entice the Israelites into sexual immorality and idolatry, leading to God's judgment. Balaam himself was later killed by the Israelites.
Early 1st century AD
Apostolic Ministry and Spread of False Teaching
The apostles, including Jude's brother James and later Jude himself, were actively teaching and establishing churches. During this period, deceptive individuals began to infiltrate and corrupt these nascent communities with false doctrines and immoral practices.
c. AD 60-70— this verse
Writing of Jude
Jude, writing his letter, observes the pervasive spread of false teachers within the church. He warns believers against these individuals, drawing parallels to historical figures of rebellion and greed to highlight the severity of their threat.
This passage details Cain's murder of his brother Abel out of envy and his subsequent curse from God, mirroring the ungodly's destructive envy and their eventual ruin.
2 Peter 2:14-16Peter also warns against false teachers, describing them as having 'eyes full of adultery' and being 'cursed children' who follow Balaam's path for gain, directly correlating with Jude's accusations.
Revelation 2:14This passage speaks of the 'teaching of Balaam,' which led the Israelites to commit sexual immorality and eat food sacrificed to idols, highlighting the corrupting influence Jude warns against.
jfbJude 1:11: "Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core."
- Woe—See on [2668]2Pe 2:14, "cursed children."Cain—the murderer: the root of whose sin was hatred and envy of the godly, as it is the sin of these seducers.ran greedily—literally, "have been poured forth" like a torrent that has burst its banks. Reckless of what it costs, the loss of God's favor and heaven, on they rush after gain l…
clarkeJude 1:11: "Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core."
They have gone in the way of Cain - They are haters of their brethren, and they that are such are murderers; and by their false doctrine they corrupt and destroy the souls of the people. The error of Balaam - For the sake of gain they corrupt the word of God and refine away its meaning, and let it down so as to suit the passions of the…
The verse doesn't just list three bad examples; it shows these troublemakers are active and reckless, not just passively falling into sin. The Greek word translated "ran greedily" literally means they "poured themselves out," suggesting a wild, unchecked flood of self-will fueled by their greed and rebellion. This isn't just a mistake, but a full-blown, uncontainable stampede away from God.
Jude is fiercely denouncing false teachers who have infiltrated the church, warning believers to contend for the faith. He calls down "woe" upon these individuals, illustrating their destructive nature by comparing them to three notorious rebels from the Old Testament: Cain, Balaam, and Korah. These ancient figures serve as a stark warning of the dire consequences awaiting those who reject God's authority and lead others astray for personal gain or pride.
Jude is fiercely denouncing false teachers who have infiltrated the church, warning believers to contend for the faith. He calls down "woe" upon these individuals, illustrating their destructive nature by comparing them to three notorious rebels from the Old Testament: Cain, Balaam, and Korah. These ancient figures serve as a stark warning of the dire consequences awaiting those who reject God's authority and lead others astray for personal gain or pride.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Jude 1:11 is available in the Sola app.
Korah’s rebellion wasn't just about questioning authority; it was a direct assault on God’s appointed order. Jude sees this same spirit in the church.
Against Divine Order
Finally, Jude points to Korah, who led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron. This isn't just about disagreeing; it's about rejecting God-ordained leadership and structure.
Qorach · Hebrew Noun
A Levite who led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, challenging God-ordained authority. He symbolizes pride, insurrection, and the catastrophic consequences of rejecting divine leadership.
"Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam’s error and perished in Korah’s rebellion." — The verse doesn't just list three bad examples; it shows these troublemakers are active and reckless, not just passively falling into sin. The Greek word translated "ran greedily" literally means…
