Jude 1:10
But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.
Jude 1:10 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Jude in the New Testament speaks to the dangers of speaking ill of things that one does not fully understand. It warns against being quick to judge or criticize without having a complete knowledge or understanding of the subject at hand. The verse uses the analogy of brute beasts to describe those who rely solely on their natural instincts and impulses without seeking wisdom or knowledge. By doing this, they end up corrupting themselves and spreading falsehoods. In a broader sense, the verse serves as a reminder to approach things with humility, seeking to understand before passing judgment. It encourages individuals to strive for knowledge and wisdom, rather than giving in to base instincts and spreading ignorance.
Theological Overview
When examining the theological interpretation of the verse “But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves," it is important to understand the context in which it is written. The Apostle Jude is warning against false teachers who are ignorant of spiritual truths yet continue to speak negatively about them. They are compared to brute beasts, indicating their lack of understanding and their tendency to act on instinct rather than reason. By speaking evil of things they do not comprehend, these false teachers are ultimately leading themselves astray, corrupting their own beliefs and teachings.
Additionally, a word study of key terms in this verse reveals deeper meanings. For example, the word “evil†can denote slander or blasphemy in this context, highlighting the harmful nature of the false teachings being spread. The term “brute beasts†emphasizes the idea of acting without reason or understanding, akin to animals driven by instinct. Through this theological interpretation and word study, we gain a clearer understanding of Jude’s cautionary message about the dangers of speaking against what one does not comprehend.
Jude 1:10 in other translations
American Standard Version
But these rail at whatsoever things they know not: and what they understand naturally, like the creatures without reason, in these things are they destroyed.
World English Bible
But these speak evil of whatever things they don’t know. What they understand naturally, like the creatures without reason, they are destroyed in these things.
Douay-Rheims
But these men blaspheme whatever things they know not: and what things soever they naturally know, like dumb beasts, in these they are corrupted.
Geneva Bible (1599)
But these speake euill of those thinges, which they know not: and whatsoeuer things they know naturally, as beasts, which are without reason, in those things they corrupt them selues.