---
title: Jude 1:22
url: https://jw-apologetics.app/verses/jude-1-22/
markdown: https://jw-apologetics.app/verses/jude-1-22.md
type: verse
perspective: Protestant (historic Nicene) response to Jehovah's Witness teaching
reference: Jude 1:22
testament: NT
section: Letters
index: https://jw-apologetics.app/llms.txt
---

# Jude 1:22

## Text (Berean Standard Bible)

> And indeed, have mercy on those who doubt;

## NWT Wording of the Key Phrase

- NWT (2013 revision): "Also, continue showing mercy to some who have doubts;"

## JW Usage

Understood as encouragement to help those whose faith is wavering, and applied to strengthening weak members within the congregation. The mercy is not generally extended to those whose doubts concern the organisation's teachings — that category falls under apostasy, where the prescribed response is removal and avoidance rather than mercy.

## Protestant Usage

Six words that are hard to reconcile with permanent shunning: continue showing mercy to those who have doubts. Doubt is the condition being addressed, and mercy is the prescribed response. Not investigation, not a committee, not withdrawal of contact — mercy, continuing. Read it alongside the two other texts that deal with the same situation. 2 Timothy 2:24-25: instruct with mildness those not favourably disposed, and leave repentance to God. Galatians 6:1: restore such a person in a spirit of mildness. Then note what the disciplinary text actually covers. 1 Corinthians 5:11 lists behaviours — sexually immoral, greedy, an idolater, an abusive person, a drunkard, a swindler. Every item is conduct. There is no entry for someone who reached a different conclusion. The honest question, asked without heat: the man Paul disciplined was removed for immorality. If someone is cut off for holding a different belief, with no such conduct involved, is that the same practice Paul authorised? Compare 2 Timothy 2:25, 2 Corinthians 2:7, Romans 2:4.

## Arguments Using This Verse

- [Shunned for Belief, Not Behaviour](https://jw-apologetics.app/arguments/shunning-belief-not-behaviour.md) — 1 Corinthians 5:11 lists conduct — not a change of conviction [Practice]