Book of Jude - Chapter 1 - Verse 10

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.

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.