Jude 1:5
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)
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The phrase "though ye once knew this" is a subtle pointer that the original readers were thoroughly instructed in these matters, not just vaguely aware. This implies Jude isn't introducing new information, but rather reinforcing known truth, highlighting the gravity of the dangers they faced by reminding them of severe, past divine judgments.
Jude begins by stating his intention to remind his readers of a critical truth, even though they already know it thoroughly. This truth concerns God's consistent judgment on disobedience, exemplified by how He both saved the Israelites from Egypt and then destroyed those among them who refused to believe. This sets the stage for Jude's warning against false teachers who twist grace into license.
Jude’s readers knew this story, but he wants to remind them. Why is remembering crucial when facing present danger?
A Reminder for the Present
Jude opens this section by saying, "I want to remind you..." This isn't about sharing new information; it's about calling to mind something his readers already knew. The phrase "though you once knew this" or "though you know all things once for all" (as some translations suggest) emphasizes that the knowledge was already there, deeply ingrained.
Jude uses the exodus from Egypt – a foundational story for Israel and for Jewish believers – as a case study. God, in His faithfulness, saved His people from slavery. But crucially, He also judged those who didn't believe Him during that same saving event.
This isn't just ancient history; it's a divine pattern. God's actions in the past reveal His character and His consistent dealings with humanity. Remembering these events isn't just an intellectual exercise; it’s a vital spiritual discipline that equips us to understand and navigate present challenges.
God saved His people, but He also destroyed others. How can one God be both merciful and wrathful in the same event?
Mercy and Judgment, Hand in Hand
The story of the Exodus isn't a simple tale of liberation. It's a powerful illustration of God's dual action: saving a chosen "people" while simultaneously judging those within or alongside that group who rejected Him.
The key here is "those who did not believe." This highlights that salvation is not automatic, even for those who are part of God's redemptive plan. Unbelief, in the context of God’s revealed truth and saving work, carries consequences.
Jude uses this to make a sharp point: God's saving acts are real and powerful, but they are intrinsically linked to His holiness and His demand for faith. The deliverance of Israel from Egypt is inseparable from the destruction of the unbelieving. This sets the stage for Jude's warning against those who twist grace into license.
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 of Israel's history, showing that God's deliverance isn't a guarantee against judgment if people turn away in unbelief. This ancient example serves as a stark warning about the consequences of rejecting God, even after experiencing His saving power.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt through Moses, marking the beginning of their journey toward the Promised Land.
c. 1445-1406 BC— this verse
Wilderness Wandering
Due to widespread unbelief and disobedience, the generation that left Egypt is doomed to wander and die in the desert over a period of 40 years.
c. 1406 BC
Entry into Canaan
The new generation of Israelites, born in the wilderness, finally enters and begins to conquer the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership.
This passage describes God leading the Israelites out of Egypt with a pillar of cloud and fire, mirroring the initial act of salvation mentioned in Jude. It sets the stage for the subsequent disobedience and judgment.
Numbers 14:22-23This passage directly addresses the consequence of disbelief after God's deliverance, stating that those who saw His glory and signs but still did not obey would not enter the promised land. This highlights the core message of Jude 1:5 about destruction following salvation due to unbelief.
Hebrews 3:16-19The author of Hebrews explicitly draws the parallel between the Israelites who were saved out of Egypt and their subsequent destruction in the wilderness due to unbelief, directly supporting Jude's argument and reinforcing the theme of God's judgment on disobedience.
1 Corinthians 10:5-10Paul uses the same historical event of the Exodus and the wilderness wanderings to warn the Corinthians against falling into similar patterns of sin and unbelief, emphasizing that God's deliverance does not guarantee immunity from judgment when faith falters.
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…
The phrase "though ye once knew this" is a subtle pointer that the original readers were thoroughly instructed in these matters, not just vaguely aware. This implies Jude isn't introducing new information, but rather reinforcing known truth, highlighting the gravity of the dangers they faced by reminding them of severe, past divine judgments.
Jude begins by stating his intention to remind his readers of a critical truth, even though they already know it thoroughly. This truth concerns God's consistent judgment on disobedience, exemplified by how He both saved the Israelites from Egypt and then destroyed those among them who refused to believe. This sets the stage for Jude's warning against false teachers who twist grace into license.
Jude begins by stating his intention to remind his readers of a critical truth, even though they already know it thoroughly. This truth concerns God's consistent judgment on disobedience, exemplified by how He both saved the Israelites from Egypt and then destroyed those among them who refused to believe. This sets the stage for Jude's warning against false teachers who twist grace into license.
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"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." — The phrase "though ye once knew this" is a subtle pointer that the original readers were thoroughly instructed in these matters, not just vaguely aware. This implies Jude isn't introducing new info…
