Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

JUDE 1:21KJV
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Jude 1:21 (KJV)

What does Jude 1:21 mean?

Jude 1:21 urges believers to remain within the sphere of God’s love, while also waiting with hope for the mercy that Jesus Christ will bring, which leads to eternal life. The verse highlights both an active responsibility (“keep yourselves”) and a forward-looking trust in God’s promised mercy.

Jude, the writer, is addressing Christians who are facing confusion and false teaching. He tells them to stay rooted in God’s love and to keep looking ahead to the mercy of Jesus Christ, which brings eternal life. This verse comes in a section where Jude is encouraging his readers to stand firm and not be swayed by those who distort the faith.

The Greek behind Jude 1:21

  • The word “keep” (τηρέω, tēreō) often means to guard or watch over something carefully. Here, it suggests an ongoing, intentional effort to remain in God’s love, not just a passive state.
  • “Love” (ἀγάπη, agapē) refers to the self-giving, faithful love that comes from God. Jude is urging believers to remain within this kind of love, both receiving it and living it out.
  • “Looking for” (προσδεχόμενοι, prosdechomenoi) carries the sense of waiting expectantly or eagerly. The verse is not just about waiting, but about having a hopeful, watchful attitude toward the mercy Jesus will show.
  • “Mercy” (ἔλεος, eleos) in this context points to God’s compassion and kindness, especially as it will be shown in the future through Jesus Christ, resulting in eternal life.

Why Jude 1:21 matters

  • Jude 1:21 clarifies that staying in God’s love is not automatic; it requires ongoing attention and choice, especially in times of challenge or confusion.
  • The verse balances personal responsibility (“keep yourselves”) with hope in God’s action (“looking for the mercy”), showing that Christian life involves both effort and trust.
  • Jude connects the present experience of God’s love with the future hope of eternal life, reminding readers that their faith is anchored both in what God has done and what He will do.

Where else these words appear

“for” Greek G4327 · used in 14 verses

  • Mark 15:43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.
  • Luke 15:2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
  • Romans 16:2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.

“mercy” Greek G1656 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 9:13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
  • Luke 10:37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
  • 2 Timothy 1:18 The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.

“Keep” Greek G5083 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
  • John 17:15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
  • 2 Peter 2:17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.

“eternal” Greek G166 · used in 69 verses

  • Matthew 18:8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
  • John 6:54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
  • 1 Timothy 6:16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.