Written by Paul J Bucknell on August, 28, 2019

The Saints in Jude 14

I heard a preacher who believes that the “saints” here in Jude’s book are those in paradise/Abraham’s bosom (Lk 16:19, Rev 6:9-11) whom the Lord is going to come with at His second advent.

In Jude verse 14, Jude quoted the prophet Enoch, and says, “Behold, the Lord is cometh with ten thousands of His saints.” My question is who are the “saints” that are used here. Was he referring to angels in heaven or the earthly human saints who have lived and died - Ps 116:15? What does the word of God say?

The Background for the Word “Saints”

Perhaps I should clarify from the start that the identity of those referred to as “saints” in Jude 14 isn’t certain. However, we can reasonably infer that it likely includes both angels and God’s people. Evidence supports the inclusion of both groups, though Enoch probably could not distinguish between them. 

The term “saints” usually refers to God’s people, but Bible translations often use “holy ones” when referencing angels. In the original languages, the same word is used for both, derived from the concept of holy ones. Since Hebrew and Greek words for “saint” are identical to those for “holy ones,” translators freely choose to use “holy ones” for angels and “saints” for God’s followers. 

This is evident in many translations that interpret Jude as referring to angels, often using the term “holy ones.” (ASV, AMP, CSB, CJB, EHV,NASB, NIV …). The Greek word doesn’t help us distinguish which translation is best. Here are some versions translated using saints (KJ21, BRG, DRA,GNV, NKJV….). Some even translate it as “holy angels” (ERV, CEV) or “myriads” (DLBT).

Another Angle — Contextual

In the same chapter, just 11 verses apart, Jude uses the same Greek term to refer to the saints. 

“…I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints” (Jude 3).

Some argue that Jude refers to God’s ones (saints) because of his use of the term in Jude 4, which clearly points to believers. The only reason to hesitate before translating Jude 14 as (saints) might be that this line is borrowed from another source—it's quoted from elsewhere. 

Another Angle — Old Testament Usage

When examining the upcoming verses, keep in mind that the term for saints means “holy ones.” The New Testament’s context is exactly the same as in the Old Testament. 

This initial verse, akin to Jude 14 from Deuteronomy, references ten thousand (myriad) holy ones.

He said, “The Lord came from Sinai, And dawned on them from Seir; He shone forth from Mount Paran, And He came from the midst of ten thousand holy ones; At His right hand there was flashing lightning for them” (Deut 33:2).

Moses’ words, from His final prophetic blessing, may partly originate from Enoch’s prophecy due to the similar imagery. However, they could also represent a comparable divine vision of the future. In this context, “holy ones” appears to more clearly refer to angels. But before rushing to an Old Testament conclusion, it’s important to consider other verses, such as in Daniel, where "holy ones" clearly refers to God’s saints.

“But the saints of the Highest One will receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, for all ages to come” (Daniel 7:18).

In 'Saints” here in Daniel, it signifies God’s people receiving the kingdom, not the angels.

In summary, even in the Old Testament, the same Hebrew word is used to describe both angels and God’s people (saints), indicating a crossing of terms.

Another Angle — Theological Meaning

However, before we finish, it's important to acknowledge a theological view on judgment. While I believe no conservative biblical scholar would deny that angels will assist God during the final judgment, I will cite a few relevant verses.

“The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all stumbling blocks, and those who commit lawlessness” (Mat 13:41).

“So it will be at the end of the age; the angels will come forth and take out the wicked from among the righteous” (Mat 13:49).

“For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels” (Luke 9:26).

It is evident that God’s angels will accompany Jesus at His return for judgment. However, isn’t it also true that God’s people, the saints, will participate in judging the wicked and will join in God’s judgment of the world? Not only do we have a general sense of collaborating with God by sitting on Jesus’ throne (Eph 2:6), but there are clear verses indicating that we, as God’s people, will judge the world.

“Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? If the world is judged by you, are you not competent to constitute the smallest law courts?” (1 Cor 6:2)

Perhaps the reason saints accompany Jesus upon His return is to join Him in judging; however, this is an inference rather than explicitly stated in these verses.

“So that He may establish your hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints” (1 Thess 3:13).

“For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep” (1 Thess 4:15).

A Conclusion

What did Enoch observe in his vision? Could he clearly distinguish between angels and God’s redeemed among countless thousands, literally ten thousand times ten thousand? Theologically, we understand that both groups are involved in the final judgment, which is why Jude 14 likely refers to both. However, it’s quite possible that Enoch mainly meant angels—particularly based on how he describes angels, both good and bad, throughout the book. There is enough evidence to dismiss interpretations that suggest Jude 14 refers only to God’s people, since angels will also accompany God during the Judgment Day. Both angels and God’s people will join God in this judgment, but it’s unlikely Enoch saw both groups at that time; he probably only saw angels in this part of redemptive history.

Key words: saints, judgment, Jude 14, interpretation, angels