Did Jesus Save the People out of Egypt? A Re-examination of a Textual Problem in Jude 5

Abstract

In Jude 5, the manuscript evidence yields three diff erent subjects [(1) κύριος, (2) ᾽Ιησοῦς, (3) θεὸς]. Th e major textual editions, but also the vast majority of English translations, prefer the κύριοϛ-reading as original. Th e ᾽Ιησοῦς-reading, although acknowledged by many as lectio diffi cilior, has generally been regarded as too hard. Yet, in light of the textual evidence studied from the standpoint of reasoned eclecticism, the traditional preference of the κύριος-reading appears to be questionable. An examination of both external and internal evidence suggests that ᾽Ιησοῦς should be seriously considered as the original reading in Jude 5. Th is would argue for the existence of a high Christology (including Christ's preexistence) within the Epistle of Jude.