New Testament
Jude 1:4
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
For certain people have secretly crept in, who were long ago marked out for this condemnation, ungodly people, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness and denying the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Compare translations
For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
What Jude 1:4 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jude warns that certain individuals have infiltrated the Christian community without being noticed. These people are described as ungodly and are said to have been destined for condemnation long ago. They misuse God's grace, turning it into a license for immoral behavior, which is referred to as lasciviousness. Additionally, they deny the authority of God and Jesus Christ, undermining the core beliefs of Christianity. This warning serves as a reminder to be vigilant against false teachings and to uphold the true message of the Gospel, as these individuals can lead others astray by distorting the understanding of grace and the nature of God.
How to apply Jude 1:4 to your life
To apply this verse, Christians should remain alert to teachings that distort the message of grace. It is essential to study the Bible and understand its teachings to avoid being misled by those who may twist the truth for their own purposes. Upholding the integrity of faith is crucial.
Curated for this public verse page. Jude Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Paul's story: The Stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:57–8:2)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Paul
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Jude 1:4
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Jude 1:4
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Jude
- Author
- Jude, the brother of James
- Written
- Around AD 65-80
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- Christians facing false teachers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jude 1:4 mean?
Jude 1:4 warns that certain ungodly individuals have secretly infiltrated the Christian community, misusing God's grace for immoral behavior and denying the authority of God and Jesus Christ.
What is the meaning of 'lasciviousness' in Jude 1:4?
In Jude 1:4, 'lasciviousness' refers to a lifestyle characterized by excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures and immoral behavior, which these false teachers promote by distorting the concept of grace.
Who are the 'certain people' mentioned in Jude 1:4?
The 'certain people' in Jude 1:4 are individuals who have infiltrated the church with the intent to distort the teachings of Christianity and promote immoral behavior under the guise of grace.
How can Christians apply Jude 1:4 in their lives?
Christians can apply Jude 1:4 by staying vigilant against false teachings, studying the Bible to understand true doctrine, and ensuring they uphold the integrity of their faith.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.