What does Jude 1:8 mean?

Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. Jude 1:8

Explanation

Jude 1:8 refers to a group of people who are described with three specific behaviors that are condemned. These individuals are called “filthy dreamers,” which could mean they indulge in morally impure fantasies or false visions, leading them into actions that defile their own bodies and disregard moral restraint. The phrase “defile the flesh” suggests engaging in behavior that is sexually immoral or otherwise sinful according to biblical standards.

The term “despise dominion” implies a disdain or rejection of authority. This could mean earthly authorities, like governments and church leadership, or it could refer to heavenly or spiritual authorities. Their rebellious nature is further emphasized by their willingness to “speak evil of dignities,” which means they are bold critics of honorable members of society, or in a religious sense, they speak against angelic or divine beings.

In a deeper sense, these actions can reflect a broader attitude of disregard for divine order, religious tradition, and the established norms of conduct, which are meant to sustain a healthy and holy community.

Historical Context

Jude, the author of this epistle, is traditionally understood to be Jude, brother of Jesus and James. The letter of Jude was written in the context of early Christianity, most likely between 65-80 AD, when the Church was facing internal and external challenges, including false teachings and moral laxity. Jude’s aim was to warn and encourage Christians to remain steadfast in the faith delivered to the saints and to contend against false teachers infiltrating the church.

During this time, the early Christian community was grappling with how to maintain the purity of their faith amidst a wider Greco-Roman culture that often had conflicting values. Jude’s letter addresses the threats posed by Gnostic teachings and other heretical views that undermined the authority of the apostles and the moral code that was espoused by early Christians.

Theological Insights

From an orthodox Christian perspective, Jude 1:8 serves as a warning against heretical teachings and immorality. It reinforces the belief that Christians should respect authority and uphold moral standards. Some theologians may view this verse as addressing not only human authorities but underlying spiritual principles and entities that God has ordained.

On the other hand, liberation or progressive theologians might focus on the necessity of questioning unjust “dominions” and “dignities” when those in positions of power are corrupt or when authorities perpetuate systemic injustices.

Reformist theologians might interpret the verse as an admonition against the dangers of an unchecked interpretation of dreams and visions, underscoring the need for a grounded and community-validated approach to spiritual revelation and authority.

Practical Applications

Practically speaking, Jude 1:8 might teach individuals the importance of respecting established authorities and guidelines, while also promoting the practice of moral purity. For believers, it emphasizes the need to approach positions of authority—whether spiritual or secular—with respect and to be cautious in issuing judgment or criticism.

It encourages self-examination and calls for maintaining a respectful dialogue when challenging leadership. Within faith communities, it underscores the importance of discernment in identifying false teachings and the faithful adherence to the teachings and traditions of the faith.

Cross-References

• 2 Peter 2:10 – “But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.”
• 1 Corinthians 6:18 – “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.”
• Romans 13:1-2 – “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.”
• 2 Peter 2:18 – “For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.”

Language Study

• “Filthy dreamers”: The original Greek word for “filthy” (miaino) implies defilement or pollution. “Dreamers” (enypniazomai) suggests those who are deluded by dreams or falsely claim divine visions.
• “Defile the flesh”: The word “defile” comes from the same Greek root (miaino), and “flesh” (sarx) often denotes the sinful nature in contrast to the spiritual life.
• “Despise dominion”: “Despise” (atheteo) means to reject or disregard, and “dominion” (kyriotes) refers to lordship or authority, which could be divine or human in nature.
• “Speak evil of dignities”: “Speak evil” (blasphemeo) carries the connotation of reviling or denouncing, and “dignities” (doxa) often translates to glory, which may hint at divine beings or persons of high honor.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The theme of rebelling against spiritual authorities has parallels in other religious and mythological traditions. For instance, the story of Prometheus in Greek mythology, who defied the gods by bringing fire to humanity, might reflect a similar trope of challenging divine order.

Comparatively, in Judaic tradition, there are narratives of angels, such as the Watchers in the Book of Enoch, who defied God’s commands and were punished for their rebellion. This theme underscores a commonality across cultures where there is a line drawn between divine or established orders and human actions that rebel against them.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse itself doesn’t directly intersect with scientific ideas, modern psychology might shed light on the behaviors described in the verse. Today, concepts such as authority defiance and behavioral misconduct are studied in various psychological frameworks. For instance, researchers may explore the roots and consequences of anti-authority behavior or the cognitive processes involved in dream experiences and how they influence human behavior.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer different interpretations of this verse. Matthew Henry’s commentary emphasizes the grave nature of these sins and the boldness of the individuals in their presumptuous defiance. John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible suggests that these individuals not only defiled the flesh but also rejected government and spoke against those with glory, potentially indicating spiritual beings.

Modern commentaries often highlight the need for contextual understanding, acknowledging that Jude was combating very specific threats to early Christian orthodoxy and morality. These experts assert that while the immediate application was to the early church, the principles behind Jude’s condemnations remain relevant for contemporary Christianity.