Jude 1:12
These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
Jude 1:12 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Jude describes individuals who attend feasts of charity, or gatherings of believers, but do not truly belong among them. They are compared to "spots" or blemishes in the midst of these gatherings, as they are selfishly feeding themselves without any regard for others. The imagery used in the verse further illustrates the point, describing them as "clouds without water" that promise nourishment but ultimately provide nothing, "trees without fruit" that are devoid of any spiritual value, and "twice dead, plucked up by the roots" indicating their utter spiritual barrenness. In essence, this verse serves as a warning against hypocritical and self-serving behavior within Christian communities, emphasizing the importance of sincere and selfless participation in acts of charity and worship.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the author is using vivid imagery to describe false teachers or ungodly individuals who have infiltrated the community of believers. The phrase "spots in your feasts of charity" suggests that these individuals are like blemishes or stains at communal gatherings of love and fellowship. The comparison of these individuals to clouds without water, carried by winds, and trees without fruit emphasizes their emptiness and lack of substance. The phrase "twice dead, plucked up by the roots" suggests that they are spiritually dead and have no hope of revival. This passage serves as a warning to beware of those who may appear to be part of the community of believers but are actually leading others astray. It emphasizes the importance of discernment and staying true to the teachings of the faith.
Jude 1:12 in other translations
American Standard Version
These are they who are hidden rocks in your love-feasts when they feast with you, shepherds that without fear feed themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn leaves without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
World English Bible
These are hidden rocky reefs in your love feasts when they feast with you, shepherds who without fear feed themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn leaves without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
Douay-Rheims
These are spots in their banquets, feasting together without fear, feeding themselves: clouds without water, which are carried about by winds: trees of the autumn, unfruitful, twice dead, plucked up by the roots:
Geneva Bible (1599)
These are rockes in your feasts of charitie when they feast with you, without al feare, feeding themselues: cloudes they are without water, caried about of windes, corrupt trees and without fruit, twise dead, and plucked vp by ye rootes.