New Testament

Jude 1:6

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

And the angels who did not keep their first estate, but left their own habitation, he has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

What Jude 1:6 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Jude refers to a group of angels who did not remain in their proper place or role as servants of God. Instead, they abandoned their assigned duties and chose to rebel. As a consequence of their actions, God has bound them in chains, keeping them in darkness until the final judgment day. This serves as a warning about the seriousness of disobedience and the consequences that follow. The imagery of chains and darkness emphasizes the severity of their punishment and the certainty of divine judgment. Jude uses this example to remind believers of the importance of remaining faithful and obedient to God, as well as the reality of judgment for those who stray from His path.

How to apply Jude 1:6 to your life

This verse encourages us to remain faithful to our commitments and responsibilities. Just as the angels faced consequences for their rebellion, we too must be aware of the importance of obedience to God. It serves as a reminder to evaluate our own lives and ensure we are living in accordance with God's will.

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.

A painting of young Saul guarding the cloaks at the stoning of Stephen

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

Excavated stone ruins below the high ancient walls at the south end of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

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 Plans

Ask AI about Jude 1:6

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 1:6

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 1:6 mean?

Jude 1:6 refers to angels who rebelled against God by abandoning their designated roles. As a result of their disobedience, they are bound in chains and kept in darkness until the final judgment.

What is the meaning of 'first estate' in Jude 1:6?

In Jude 1:6, 'first estate' refers to the original position or role that the angels were meant to fulfill as servants of God. Their failure to maintain this role led to their punishment.

What does 'everlasting chains' mean in Jude 1:6?

'Everlasting chains' in Jude 1:6 symbolizes the permanent and severe punishment that awaits the rebellious angels. It indicates their confinement and the seriousness of their rebellion against God.

How does Jude 1:6 apply to believers today?

Jude 1:6 reminds believers of the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God. It encourages self-reflection on one's commitments and the potential consequences of straying from God's will.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.