Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jude isn't just recounting a historical event; he's highlighting God's consistent pattern of saving a people while simultaneously judging those who reject Him, revealing that divine deliverance doesn't automatically guarantee safety for the unfaithful. This dual action—saving and destroying—underscores the gravity of rejecting God, even after experiencing His salvation.
Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jude begins this section by pivoting from the dangers of false teachers to the consequences of apostasy, using a specific historical example. He reminds his readers of the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, a powerful act of salvation, but immediately contrasts it with God's judgment upon those who later disbelieved. This sets the stage for Jude to draw parallels between these ancient examples of divine wrath and the present danger posed by the ungodly within the church.
Jude reminds his readers of a familiar story: God delivered His people from Egypt. But this wasn't the whole story, was it?
Jude uses the Exodus event to highlight God's consistent character. He is the God who rescues, but He is also the God who judges. Notice how he pairs these two actions: 'saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.' This wasn't a contradiction, but a demonstration of His holiness. He secured a people for Himself, a significant act of grace. Yet, within that same redeemed nation, judgment fell on those who actively rejected His promises and commands. This isn't about God changing His mind; it's about Him holding firm to His covenant, upholding justice even amidst mercy.
Jude states that his readers 'once knew this.' But what does 'once knew' really mean here, and why is it important for how we approach God's Word?
The Greek word translated 'once' (or 'once for all') here isn't just about a past event. It suggests a truth that has been fully and completely revealed, something you can possess entirely. Jude isn't introducing a brand-new concept; he's reminding them of foundational truths they already understand. The implication is that this knowledge isn't just historical data; it's a living reality that should shape their present understanding and choices. When Jude says they 'knew all things' (as some translations suggest), it points to a comprehensive grasp of God's character and history. This means we don't need to reinvent the wheel; we need to be reminded and re-engage with the enduring truths God has already given us.
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Understand the original words
apisteō · Greek Verb
To lack trust, reliance, or faith in God's word and promises. It is viewed in Scripture as a foundational sin that leads to disobedience and judgment.
Jude reminds his readers that even God's chosen people, rescued from Egypt, faced severe judgment when they chose disbelief. This historical event serves as a stark warning against spiritual complacency and the devastating consequences of rejecting God's salvation.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt under Moses' leadership, initiating their journey toward the Promised Land.
c. 1446-1406 BC— this verse
Wilderness Wanderings and Rebellion
During their 40-year journey, many Israelites repeatedly rebelled against God and Moses, refusing to enter the Promised Land due to disbelief.
c. 1406 BC
Destruction of Unbelieving Generation
The generation that left Egypt but refused to believe and enter the Promised Land perished in the wilderness as God judged their unbelief.
This passage highlights the Israelites' immediate regret and doubt after their miraculous deliverance from Egypt, directly paralleling the 'destroyed those who did not believe' aspect of Jude's warning.
Numbers 14:28-30This text records God's direct judgment on the generation that refused to enter the Promised Land due to unbelief, underscoring the consequence of not trusting the Lord even after salvation.
Hebrews 3:16-19The author of Hebrews explicitly connects the Israelites' rebellion and unbelief in the wilderness to their inability to enter God's rest, reinforcing Jude's point about salvation not guaranteeing entry for the faithless.
1 Corinthians 10:1-5Paul uses the very same example of Israel's exodus and subsequent destruction in the wilderness to warn believers against falling into similar patterns of sin and unbelief.
Deuteronomy 1:34-36This passage shows God decreeing that the generation saved from Egypt would not enter the Promised Land because of their grumbling and unbelief, emphasizing the severity of such actions even for those who experienced redemption.
clarkeJude 1:5: "I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not."
I will therefore put you in remembrance - That is, how such persons were proscribed, and condemned to bear the punishment due to such crimes. Though ye once knew this - The word ἁπαξ, here translated once, has greatly puzzled many interpreters. It has two meanings in the sacred writings, and indeed in the…
jfbJude 1:5: "I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not."
- (Heb 3:16; 4:13.)therefore—Other oldest manuscripts and Vulgate read, "But"; in contrast to the ungodly Jude 4.though ye once—rather, "once for all." Translate, "I wish to remind you, as knowing ALL (namely, that I am referring to; so the oldest manuscripts, versions, and Fathers) once for all." As alre…
Jude isn't just recounting a historical event; he's highlighting God's consistent pattern of saving a people while simultaneously judging those who reject Him, revealing that divine deliverance doesn't automatically guarantee safety for the unfaithful. This dual action—saving and destroying—underscores the gravity of rejecting God, even after experiencing His salvation.
Jude begins this section by pivoting from the dangers of false teachers to the consequences of apostasy, using a specific historical example. He reminds his readers of the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, a powerful act of salvation, but immediately contrasts it with God's judgment upon those who later disbelieved. This sets the stage for Jude to draw parallels between these ancient examples of divine wrath and the present danger posed by the ungodly within the church.
Jude begins this section by pivoting from the dangers of false teachers to the consequences of apostasy, using a specific historical example. He reminds his readers of the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, a powerful act of salvation, but immediately contrasts it with God's judgment upon those who later disbelieved. This sets the stage for Jude to draw parallels between these ancient examples of divine wrath and the present danger posed by the ungodly within the church.
"Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe." — Jude isn't just recounting a historical event; he's highlighting God's consistent pattern of saving a people while simultaneously judging those who reject Him, revealing that divine deliverance doe…
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Last reviewed October 2026