Jude 1:11

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does Jude 1:11 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Woe unto them! For they went in the way of Cain, and ran riotously in the error of Balaam for hire, and perished in the gainsaying of Korah.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Woe unto them! For they went in the way of Cain, and ran riotously in the error of Balaam for hire, and perished in the gainsaying of Korah.
Jude 1:11 — American Standard Version

Context — Jude 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
11Woe unto them! For they went in the way of Cain, and ran riotously in the error of Balaam for hire, and perished in the gainsaying of Korah.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Woe unto them, etc.] This may be considered as a commiseration of their case, or as a denunciation of deserved punishment, or as a prediction of what would befall them. The Arabic version prefaces these words with an address to the saints, “O my beloved”: that what was about to be said might be attended to, as a caution and instruction to them. For they have gone in the way of Cain; which was a way of envy, for Cain envied the acceptance of his brother's gift, and that notice which the Lord took of him; so these men envied the gifts bestowed on Christ's faithful ministers, and the success that attended their labours, and the honour that was put upon them by Christ, and that was given them by…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Woe--See on Pe2 2:14, "cursed children." Cain--the murderer: the root of whose sin was hatred and envy of the godly, as it is the sin of these seducers. ran greedily--literally, "have been poured forth" like a torrent that has burst its banks. Reckless of what it costs, the loss of God's favor and heaven, on they rush after gain like Balaam. perished in the gainsaying of Core--(compare Note, see on Jde 1:12). When we read of Korah perishing by gainsaying, we read virtually also of these perishing in like manner through the same: for the same seed bears the same harvest.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Woe unto them! - See Matthew 11:21. For they have gone in the way of Cain - Genesis 4:5-12. That is, they have evinced disobedience and rebellion as he did; they have shown that they are proud, corrupt, and wicked. The apostle does not specify the points in which they had imitated the example of Cain, but it was probably in such things as these - pride, haughtiness, the hatred of religion, restlessness under the restraints of virtue, envy that others were more favored, and a spirit of hatred of the brethren (compare 1 John 3:15) which would lead to murder. And ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward - The word rendered “ran greedily” - (ἐξεχύθησαν exechuthēsan,) from ἐκχέω…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Woe unto them - Of all the apostles St. Jude alone, and that in this single place, denounces a woe. St. Peter, to the same effect, pronounces them "cursed children." For they have gone in the way of Cain - The murderer. And ran greedily - Literally, have been poured out, like a torrent without banks. After the error of Balaam - The covetous false prophet. And perished in the gainsaying of Korah - Vengeance has overtaken them as it did Korah, rising up against those whom God had sent. Jude 1:12”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“1:11 Debir or Kiriath-sepher (“City of the Book”): This major Anakite town of the hill country (Josh 11:21) is not firmly identified but is traditionally understood as being either southwest or east of Hebron. 1:11 Cain: See Gen 4:1-16. • Balaam: See study note on 2 Pet 2:15. • Korah: See Num 16:1-35.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Woe: Isa 3:9, Isa 3:11; Jer 13:27; Eze 13:3; Zac 11:17; Mat 11:21, Mat 23:13-16; Luk 11:42-47 for: Gen 4:5-14; Jo1 3:12 ran: Num. 22:1-24:25, Num 31:16; Deu 23:4; Jos 24:9-11; Mic 6:5; Pe2 2:15; Rev 2:14 perished: Num. 16:1-35, Num 26:9, Num 26:10, Korah Jude 1:12”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification