Jude 1:19 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.

These be they - showing their characters are such as Peter and Paul foretold.

Separate themselves - from church communion in its vital reality; outwardly they took part in church ordinances (Jude 1:12). 'Aleph (') A, Vulgate, omit "themselves;" then "separate" means cast-out members of the church by excommunication (Isaiah 65:5; Isaiah 66:5; Luke 6:22; John 9:34; 3 John 1:10). Or else understand "themselves;" which is read in B C. Arrogant setting up of themselves, as having special sanctity, wisdom, and doctrine.

Sensual, х psuchikoi (G5591)] - 'animal-souled,' opposed to spiritual, 'having the spirit;' translated "the natural man," 1 Corinthians 2:14. In man's threefold nature-body, soul, and spirit-the due state in God's design is, that "the spirit," the recipient of the Holy Spirit uniting man to God, should be first, and should rule the soul, which stands intermediate between the body and spirit; but in the animal, or natural man, the spirit is subservient to the animal-soul, which is earthly in its aims. The 'carnal' sink lower; for in these the flesh, the lowest and corrupt element of man's bodily nature, reigns paramount.

Having not the Spirit. In the animal or natural man, the spirit, his higher part, which ought to be the seat of the Holy Spirit, is not so; therefore, his spirit not being in its normal state, he is said not to have the spirit (cf. John 3:5-6). In completed redemption the parts of redeemed man shall be in their due relation; in the ungodly, the soul, severed from the spirit, shall have forever animal life, without union to God and heaven-a living death.

Jude 1:19

19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.