Jude 8

An Exegetical Analysis of Jude 8: The Function and Meaning of the Participle ἐνυπνιαζόμενοι

This exegetical study of Jude 8 is based on a b-greek discussion from Fri Oct 15 22:32:57 EDT 1999.

The initial inquiry concerned the anarthrous participle ἐνυπνιαζόμενοι in Jude 8, specifically its grammatical function. The question posited whether its meaning should be understood substantively, as it would be if accompanied by an article, or adverbially, describing the subsequent verbs: “defile the flesh,” “despise dominion,” and “speak evil of dignities.”

The main exegetical issue thus revolves around discerning the precise grammatical and semantic role of ἐνυπνιαζόμενοι. Without an article, it typically functions as a circumstantial participle, indicating manner, cause, or concession. The challenge lies in determining whether it describes a characteristic state (e.g., “dreamers”) or the way in which “these” individuals perform the subsequent actions, potentially implying delusion, false vision, or being disconnected from reality. This choice significantly impacts the interpretation of the accusations leveled against them in the verse.

ὁμοίως μέντοι καὶ οὗτοι ἐνυπνιαζόμενοι σάρκα μὲν μιαίνουσιν, κυριότητα δὲ ἀθετοῦσιν, δόξας δὲ βλασφημοῦσιν.
(Nestle 1904)

Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):

• The SBLGNT (2010) text for Jude 8 is identical to Nestle 1904. There are no orthographical or textual variants in this verse between these two editions.

Textual Criticism (NA28): A review of the critical apparatus in the Novum Testamentum Graece (NA28) for Jude 8 reveals no significant textual variants concerning the participle ἐνυπνιαζόμενοι or the verbs that follow. The textual tradition for this verse appears stable, which allows for a focus on grammatical and lexical analysis without being sidetracked by manuscript discrepancies.

Lexical Notes: The verb ἐνυπνιάζομαι (from which ἐνυπνιαζόμενοι is derived) is a deponent middle verb meaning “to dream.”

• BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, Gingrich, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature): Defines ἐνυπνιάζομαι as “to dream, have a dream” (intransitive), and figuratively “to be deluded, to live in a fantasy world.” The figurative sense is particularly relevant here, suggesting a state of being out of touch with reality, possibly due to false visions or a morally compromised state of mind.
• KITTEL (TDNT) (Theological Dictionary of the New Testament): While ἐνυπνιάζομαι does not have a dedicated extensive entry, it is discussed in relation to ὄναρ (dream) and ὀνείρομαι (to dream). The semantic field generally includes the experience of dreaming during sleep. In the LXX, related terms often carry a negative connotation when associated with false prophets or deceptive visions (e.g., Deut 13:1, 3, 5; Jer 23:25, 27, 28, 32). This background suggests that “dreaming” in a pejorative sense can imply delusion, false spiritual claims, or a departure from divine truth, fitting the context of Jude’s condemnation of false teachers.

Translation Variants with Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis

Grammatically, the participle ἐνυπνιαζόμενοι is an anarthrous present middle/passive participle. The absence of the definite article (ὁ, ἡ, τό) is crucial, as its presence would typically signal a substantive (noun-like) function, e.g., “the dreamers.” Without the article, the participle functions circumstantially, describing the manner, cause, or concomitant action of the main verbs. In this context, it modifies “these” (οὗτοι), indicating how or in what state they defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.

The present tense suggests an ongoing or characteristic action. The middle/passive voice here is likely middle, indicating that “they themselves are dreaming” or experiencing this state. The most natural reading, supported by the context and scholarly consensus (e.g., Conrad’s observation), is an adverbial function, where the dreaming precedes or accompanies the subsequent actions.

Rhetorically, this participle serves to characterize the false teachers. If understood literally as “dreaming,” it could imply: (a) they claim to receive divine revelations through dreams, which Jude condemns as false; or (b) their actions are performed as if in a deluded state, disconnected from reality and moral truth. The latter interpretation aligns well with the broader condemnation of their immoral behavior and rejection of authority. The phrase thus sets the tone for the severe accusations that follow, portraying these individuals as operating under a false premise, leading to their corrupt practices and disdain for divine order. It implies a state of mental or spiritual aberration that underpins their destructive conduct.

Conclusions and Translation Suggestions

Based on the grammatical analysis and lexical considerations, ἐνυπνιαζόμενοι functions as a circumstantial participle, indicating the state or manner in which the false teachers engage in their corrupt practices. The semantic range extends beyond literal dreaming to include notions of delusion, false vision, or being utterly detached from spiritual and moral reality. This delusion serves as the foundation for their defilement of the flesh, rejection of authority, and blasphemy against dignities.

1. Likewise, even these, while dreaming (or as they dream), defile the flesh, reject authority, and slander glorious ones.

   This translation emphasizes the simultaneity of their deluded state with their sinful actions, suggesting that their “dreaming” is the context or manner of their misdeeds.

2. Yet in the same way, these deluded ones defile the flesh, reject authority, and slander glorious ones.

   This option leans into the figurative sense of “dreaming” as being deluded or out of touch with reality, making the participle function almost substantively in its descriptive power, though still adverbially modifying “these.”

3. Nevertheless, these individuals, living in a fantasy, defile the flesh, disregard authority, and speak evil of celestial beings.

   This captures the sense of being disconnected from divine truth and living by their own distorted perceptions, which directly leads to their immoral and rebellious behavior.