8. Vet (yévros). Not rendered by A. V., but expressing that though they have these fearful examples before them, yet they persist in their sin.
Dominion—dignities (xvpuornra—sdo£as). It is not easy to determine the exact meaning of these two terms. Kupiorgs, dominion, occurs in three other passages, Eph. i. 21; Col. i. 16; 2 Pet. ii, 10. In the first two, and probably in the third, the reference is to angelic dignities. Some explain this passage and the one in Peter, of evid angels. In Colossians the term is used with thrones, principalities, and powers, with reference to the orders of the celestial hierarchy as conceived by Gnostic teach- ers, and with a view to exalt Christ above all these. (lorves or dignities is used in this concrete sense only here and at 2 Pet. 1A):
9. Michael the archangel. Here we strike a peculiarity of this epistle which caused its authority to be impugned in very
716 WORD STUDIES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. - [Ce L
early times, viz:, the apparent citations of apocryphal writings. The passages are vv. 9, 14, 15. This reference to Michael was said by Origen to be founded on a Jewish work called “ The Assumption of Moses,” the first part of which was lately found in an old Latin translation at Milan; and this is the view of Davidson, so far at least as the words “ the Lord rebuke thee” are concerned. Others refer it to Zech. iii. 1; but there is nothing there about Moses’ body, or Michael, or a dispute about the body. Others, again, to a rabbinical comment on Dent. xxxiv. 6, where Michael is said to have been made guardian of Moses’ grave. Doubtless Jude was referring to some accepted story or tradition, probably based on Deut. xxxiv. 6. Fora similar reference to tradition compare 2 Tim. iii. 8; Acts vii. 22.
Michael. Angels are described in scripture as forming a society with different orders and dignities. This conception is developed in the books written during and after the exile, especially Daniel and Zechariah. Michael ( Who is like God ?) is one of the seven archangels, and was regarded as the special protector of the Hebrew nation. He is mentioned three times in the Old Testament (Dan. x. 13, 21; xii. 1), and twice in the New Testament (Jude 9 ; Apoc. xii. 7). He is adored asa saint in the Romish Church. For legends, see Mrs. Jameson, “ Sacred and Legendary Art,” i., 94 sq.
A railing accusation (xpicw Bracdnuias). Lit.; a judg- ment of railing; a sentence savoring of impugning his dignity. Michael remembered the high estate from which he fell, and left his sentence to God.
10. Compare 2 Pet. ii. 12.
They know not (ov« oSaccv). Mental comprehension and knowledge, and referring to the whole range of invisible things ; while the other verb in this verse, also translated by A. V. know (erioravrat, originally of skill in handicraft), refers to palpable things; objects of sense; the circumstances of sensual enjoy-
Cu. 1] THE EPISTLE OF JUDE. vale
ment. Rev. marks the distinction by rendering the latter verb understand.
Naturally (@vowds). Only here in New Testament. Com- pare duouxa, natural, 2 Pet. ii. 12.
11. Woe (ovat). Often used by our Lord, but never else- where except here and in the Apocalypse. The expression in 1 Cor. ix. 16 is different. There the word isnot used as an impreca- tion, but almost as a noun: “ Woe is unto me.” So Hos. ix. 12
(Sept.).
Ran greedily (é£eyvSncav). Lit., were poured out. Tev., ran riotously. A strong expression, indicating a reckless, aban- doned devotion of the energies, like the Latin effundi. So Tacitus says of Maecenas, “he was given up to love for Bathy]- lus;” lit., powred out into love.
After. Better, as Rev.,é ; as, “7m the way of Cain.” The error was their sphere of action. Similarly,