What does Jude 1:25 mean?

To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Jude 1:25

Explanation

Jude 1:25 is the concluding doxology of the epistle of Jude, a short but powerful letter in the New Testament. A doxology is a short hymn of praises to God that can be a part of Christian worship. This particular verse extols the nature of God as the sole possessor of wisdom, framing Him as the Savior and attributing to Him several attributes: glory, majesty, dominion, and power. In a literal sense, this verse ascribes honor and exaltation unequivocally to God. On a deeper level, it carries the recognition of God’s omniscience, omnipotence, and sovereignty. The passage acknowledges God not only for the present moment but extends this acknowledgment to eternity with “both now and ever.”

Historical Context

The Epistle of Jude was penned around 65-80 A.D., a period when the early Christian communities were struggling with issues of false teachings and ungodly individuals infiltrating the church. Jude, identified as the brother of James and likely also of Jesus, is addressing an audience that would have been familiar with Jewish traditions and beliefs and was likely a mix of Jewish and Gentile Christians. The letter serves as a warning against heresy and a call to remain faithful to the established Christian doctrine. This doxology at the end of the epistle reinforces the supremacy of God after discussing the dangers the believers faced.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Jude 1:25 highlights several key attributes of God:

• Wisdom: Jude emphasizes that God is the “only wise” being, which reflects the belief in God’s perfect knowledge and divine plan.
• Savior: The term validates the Christian doctrine of salvation through Jesus Christ, who is one with God.
• Attributes of God: The mentioning of “glory and majesty, dominion and power” reaffirms that God is worthy of worship and is omnipotent and majestic.
• Eternality: By stating “both now and ever,” Jude affirms the everlasting nature of God, which transcends time.

Different Christian traditions may slightly vary in their emphasis on aspects of this doxology. For example, Eastern Orthodoxy often stresses the mystical aspect of God’s wisdom and omnipotence, while Protestantism may focus on the individual’s relationship to such a powerful being.

Practical Applications

On a practical level, Jude 1:25 can be a source of comfort and empowerment for believers. It reminds Christians that they worship a God of infinite wisdom and power, capable of delivering them from any adversity. The verse encourages believers to praise God in all circumstances, acknowledging His supremacy and control over the universe. Furthermore, it serves as a call to maintain faith amidst trials, upholding God’s attributes as an anchor for one’s spiritual life.

Cross-References

• 1 Timothy 1:17: “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
• Romans 16:27: “To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.”
• Revelation 4:11: “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, several key words stand out:

• Monō (only) stresses the exclusivity of God possessing the attribute of being wise.
• Sophō (wise) hints at a profound wisdom that is beyond human understanding.
• Sōtēri (our Saviour) refers to one who saves or delivers, indicating theological implications tied to Christ.
• Doxa (glory) and Megalōsynē (majesty) speak to the honor and grandeur attributable to God.
• Kratos (dominion) and Exousia (power) denote authority, strength, and the ability to exert will.

Understanding these words in their original context deepens the appreciation of how Jude conveys the nature of God with emphatic language and theological depth.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The Judeo-Christian conception of God as depicted in Jude 1:25 vastly differs from many ancient myths, where gods were often seen as fallible or capricious. In contrast, the attributes given to God in Jude are ones of perfection and constancy. Compared to polytheistic beliefs of the time, this verse emphasizes the uniqueness of God in Christian monotheism. In many religious interpretations, a supreme being possesses similar traits, although described and understood in varying frameworks.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse does not explicitly intersect with scientific ideas, it brings up the concept of wisdom. Modern science acknowledges the complexity of the universe, and from a religious standpoint, the wisdom ascribed to God could be seen as the divine intelligence behind the laws of nature and the intricate design of creation.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have commented on Jude 1:25:

• Matthew Henry’s commentary stresses the solemnity and sincerity of praising God and points out that Jude had an eye to God as our Savior, which he says is very suitable to his discourse in the epistle.
• John Gill observes the eternal nature of God’s dominion and power, noting that it is not derived from others and cannot be taken away.
• The Pulpit Commentary highlights the deliberate connection between the characteristics attributed to God and the final “Amen,” which serves not only as a conclusion but as an affirmation and seal of the proclaimed truth.

These commentaries, among others, explore the depth and implications of this exhortation to praise, providing a rich theological and historical understanding for believers and readers of the Bible.