(New American Standard Bible)
just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, since they in the same way as these indulged in gross immorality and went after strange flesh, are exhibited as an example in undergoing the punishment of eternal fire. Yet in the same way these men, also by dreaming, defile the flesh, and reject authority, and revile angelic majesties
NLT
(New Living Translation)
And don’t forget Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring towns, which were filled with immorality and every kind of sexual perversion. Those cities were destroyed by fire and serve as a warning of the eternal fire of God’s judgment. In the same way, these people—who claim authority from their dreams—live immoral lives, defy authority, and scoff at supernatural beings.
SIDENOTE: I missed a day posting, y'all, so I'm combining verses 7 and 8. Let's jump right in and see what Jude is telling us today.
There's no getting around it...Jude is talking about sex in these verses. Moreover, he's talking about sexual immorality, perverseness, and what happens when we partake in it. Let's break down these verses and find out why Jude's message is as important today as it was when he wrote it.
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for free Lexicons, Dictionaries, Cross-References & Commentaries.
- indulged in gross immorality - ἐκπορνεύω ekporneúō this Greek word translates to 'go a-whoring, or give one's self over to fornication.' The prefix 'ek' suggests 'a lust that gluts itself.' The suffix 'porneuo' is not just committing fornication. It implies a person allows themselves to be drawn away by another into idolatry. Whenever we give over to anyone or anything by extremes, in essence glorifying, we are guilty of idolatry.
- going after strange flesh - Fausset's commentary explains this phrase as "departing from the course of nature, and going after that which is unnatural. In later times the most enlightened heathen nations indulged in the sin of Sodom without compunction or shame."
- the punishment of eternal fire - Jude is reminding us what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah when the people chose to turn away from God and follow the desires of their flesh. It serves as a warning to us. Guzik's commentary says
"This example gives two lessons. First, it assures us that the certain men causing trouble will be judged, no matter how much they had been blessed in the past. ...Second, it warns us that we also must continue walking with Jesus. If the blessings of the past didn't guarantee their future spiritual state, then neither does ours."
- these men, also by dreaming - ἐνυπνιάζομαι enypniázomai This Greek word is used metaphorically by Jude to help us understand the certain men of which he spoke. He intended it as to be beguiled with sensual images and carried away to an impious course of conduct. SIDENOTE: The King Jimmy (KJV) translated it as 'filthy dreamers' which I think gives us a better view of what Jude was really trying to tell us. Jamieson, Fausset, & Brown commentary points out " All sinners are spiritually asleep, and their carnal activity is as it were a dream."
These verses are starkly black and white, with no room for ambiguity. They are harsh, though they are Truth. If we choose to dream in darkness and partake in sexual perversity, we will be judged for it. Don't give up the blessings He so wants to bestow upon you for a moment of flesh. Let us strive to live in the Light, and keep our eyes on Him.
Stay alert, friends.
Share His Love with others today.
Share His Love with others today.
What stood out most to you in this verse?
