Adam Clarke Commentary - Jude 1:5 - 1:5

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Adam Clarke Commentary - Jude 1:5 - 1:5


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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:

I will therefore put you in remembrance - That is, how such persons were proscribed, and condemned to bear the punishment due to such crimes.

Though ye once knew this - The word ἁπαξ, here translated once, has greatly puzzled many interpreters. It has two meanings in the sacred writings, and indeed in the Greek writers also.

1. It signifies once, one time, as opposed to twice, or several times.

2. Altogether, entirely, perfectly, interpreted by Suidas αντι τον διολου, ὁλοσχερως· and of this meaning he produces a proof from Josephus; This appears to be the sense of the word in Heb 6:4 : τους ἁπαξ φωτισθεντας· those who were Fully enlightened. Heb 10:2 : ἁπαξ κεκαθαρμενους· Thoroughly cleansed. See also Heb 10:3. Psa 62:11 : ἁπαξ ελαλησεν ὁ Θεος. God spoke Fully, completely, on the subject. St. Jude is to be understood as saying, I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye are Thoroughly instructed in this.

Saved the people - Delivered them from the Egyptian bondage.

Afterward destroyed them - Because they neither believed his word, nor were obedient to his commands. This is the first example of what was mentioned Jud 1:4.