What does Jude 1:19 mean?

Explanation

Jude 1:19 contains a warning about people who cause divisions within the community of believers.

The verse describes these individuals as "they who separate themselves," meaning they divide or set themselves apart from the larger group.

The term "sensual" here translates to being governed by natural, unspiritual instincts, and suggests that these individuals are not led by spiritual concerns but by their own desires.

The phrase "having not the Spirit" indicates that they do not possess the Holy Spirit, which is essential for true understanding and living according to God's will.

This verse underscored the concern for the spiritual integrity of the faith community and the potential for harm posed by those who operate outside of Spirit-led guidance.

Historical Context

Jude is a short book in the New Testament, written as an epistle or letter.

The author of the letter is traditionally believed to be Jude, a brother of James and Jesus.

This epistle was likely written in the late first century A.D. to early Christian communities facing corruption and the influence of false teachers.

During this time, there were many philosophical and religious ideas circulating, and some individuals purported to be followers of Christ while denying or twisting key Christian doctrines.

Jude's letter emphasizes the need for believers to contend for the faith and to be wary of those who would lead them astray.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse speaks to the nature of the church as a community of believers guided by the Holy Spirit. According to Jude, the absence of the Spirit in these divisive individuals is a stark contrast to true believers who live in the Spirit.

Theologically, this raises the issue of discernment in the Christian community, how believers should recognize and respond to those who do not uphold sound doctrine and who live by their carnal nature rather than by the guidance of the Spirit.

Practical Applications

Practically, Jude 1:19 can be used to emphasize the importance of unity within the Christian community and the pursuit of spiritual maturity.

Believers are encouraged to be discerning of false teachings and to foster a spirit-led life, which is in contrast to being guided by mere natural instincts and desires.

This verse suggests that such discernment is important not only for personal spiritual growth but for the preservation of the community's doctrinal purity.

Cross-References

• Romans 8:9 – "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his."

• Galatians 5:19-21 – "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,..."
• 1 Corinthians 2:14 – "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of Jude 1:19 are:

• "ἀποδιορίζοντες" (apodiorizontes) – often translated as "separate themselves," this word implies making divisions or distinctions.
• "ψυχικοί" (psychikoi) – translated as "sensual," it refers to that which is natural or of the human nature, often contrasted with the spiritual or divine.
• "πνεῦμα" (pneuma) – meaning "Spirit," it often references the Holy Spirit in the New Testament.

These terms emphasize the dichotomy between the spiritual life led by the Holy Spirit and the natural life governed by human desires.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This caution against divisiveness and a lack of spirituality has parallels in other cultures and religions, which also emphasize unity and spiritual guidance.

For example, in some forms of Buddhism, individuals are encouraged to rise above their base desires to achieve a state of enlightenment, which somewhat mirrors the Christian idea of living a life led by the Spirit rather than the flesh.

Scientific Perspectives

While the scientific study typically does not address spiritual entities such as the Holy Spirit, psychology could provide insight into the nature of human behavior described as "sensual" in this verse.

Modern psychology examines how people's actions are often driven by their subconscious desires and instincts, which could be compared to the "sensual" nature mentioned in Jude.

commentaries

Commentaries on Jude 1:19 offer various expert interpretations:

• Matthew Henry's Commentary suggests that those who separate themselves from the body of believers show that they are sensual and do not have the Spirit.

This action signifies their carnal state and lack of divine guidance.

• The Geneva Study Bible notes that the division spoken of is not just physical separation but an ideological separation that reflects a fundamental difference in values and priorities.
• John Gill's Exposition of the Bible comments that the phrase "having not the Spirit" indicates that these individuals were never part of the true church, as they lacked the grace of the Spirit and the fruits thereof.