But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;

JUDE 1:17KJV
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Jude 1:17 (KJV)

What does Jude 1:17 mean?

Jude 1:17 urges the readers, whom Jude calls "beloved," to remember the words that were previously spoken by the apostles of Jesus Christ. Jude is reminding his audience to hold on to the teachings and warnings given by the apostles as a guide for their faith.

Jude is writing to early Christians who are facing confusion and false teachings within their community. By calling them "beloved," Jude shows warmth and care, and by telling them to remember the apostles' words, he points them back to trustworthy instruction. This verse serves as a turning point in the letter, shifting from describing problems to encouraging the readers to rely on what they have already received from the apostles.

The Greek behind Jude 1:17

  • ἀγαπητοί (agapētoi, "beloved"): This word expresses deep affection and care, showing that Jude is speaking to people he values, not just addressing them formally.
  • μνημονεύετε (mnēmoneuete, "remember"): The Greek here carries the sense of an active, ongoing remembering—not just recalling facts, but holding onto and living by what was taught.
  • ἀποστόλων (apostolōn, "apostles"): This word refers specifically to the original messengers and authorized teachers sent out by Jesus Christ, highlighting the authority and reliability of their words.

Why Jude 1:17 matters

  • Jude 1:17 clarifies that the guidance Jude offers is not new or his own invention, but is rooted in the earlier teachings of the apostles, giving it weight and authority.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of remembering and holding fast to foundational teachings, especially when facing confusion or misleading ideas.
  • By reminding the readers of the apostles' words, Jude connects his warning and encouragement to the broader message of the New Testament, showing continuity and unity in Christian teaching.

Where else these words appear

“before” Greek G4280 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 24:25 Behold, I have told you before.
  • Romans 9:29 And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.
  • Galatians 1:9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

“remember” Greek G3415 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
  • Luke 23:42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
  • Acts 11:16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

“beloved” Greek G27 · used in 61 verses

  • Matthew 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
  • James 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

“words” Greek G4487 · used in 67 verses

  • Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
  • Luke 18:34 And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.
  • Acts 10:37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;