Yet not even angelsAngels are spiritual beings created by God, often serving as His messengers and agents. They are depicted throughout Scripture as possessing great power and authority, yet they remain obedient to God's will. In the context of 2 Peter, angels are contrasted with false teachers who are bold and arrogant. This highlights the humility and reverence that even powerful beings like angels have before God. The reference to angels underscores the gravity of the false teachers' actions, as even these celestial beings do not overstep their bounds.
though greater in strength and power
Angels are often described in the Bible as mighty and powerful, surpassing human capabilities. For instance, inPsalm 103:20, angels are described as "mighty ones who do His word." This phrase emphasizes the significant contrast between the angels' strength and the audacity of the false teachers. Despite their superior power, angels exercise restraint and respect for divine order, which serves as a rebuke to the arrogance of the false teachers.
dare to bring such slanderous charges against them
The term "slanderous charges" refers to accusations or judgments made without proper authority or respect. InJude 1:9, a parallel passage, the archangel Michael refrains from bringing a slanderous accusation against the devil, instead saying, "The Lord rebuke you!" This illustrates the principle of leaving judgment to God. The false teachers, however, are depicted as presumptuous, making baseless accusations and judgments, which even angels would not dare to do.
before the Lord
The phrase "before the Lord" signifies the presence and authority of God as the ultimate judge. It underscores the idea that all actions and judgments should be made with reverence to God's sovereignty. In the biblical context, appearing "before the Lord" implies accountability and submission to His divine authority. This serves as a reminder that God alone is the rightful judge, and even angels recognize His supreme authority, unlike the false teachers who act without such reverence.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
PeterThe apostle and author of this epistle, addressing the early Christian communities and warning them against false teachers.
2.
AngelsSpiritual beings created by God, often serving as messengers or agents of His will. In this context, they are noted for their strength and power.
3.
False TeachersIndividuals within the early church who were spreading heretical teachings and leading believers astray.
4.
The LordReferring to God, before whom even angels do not bring slanderous accusations.
5.
Early Christian CommunitiesThe recipients of Peter's letter, who were facing challenges from false teachings and needed guidance.
Teaching Points
Respect for AuthorityEven angels, with their immense power, respect God's authority and refrain from slander. Believers should emulate this respect in their interactions with others.
Guarding Our SpeechThe passage warns against slanderous accusations, encouraging Christians to be mindful of their words and to speak truth with love and integrity.
Humility in Spiritual MattersRecognizing that even angels do not presume to bring accusations, believers should approach spiritual matters with humility and reliance on God's wisdom.
Discernment Against False TeachingsThe context of false teachers in
2 Peter 2 calls for discernment and adherence to sound doctrine, avoiding the influence of those who distort the truth.
Trust in God's JusticeBy not taking matters into their own hands, believers can trust that God will ultimately judge and address wrongs according to His perfect justice.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Peter 2:11?
2.How does 2 Peter 2:11 encourage us to respect spiritual authorities today?
3.What does "angels, who are greater" teach about humility in our actions?
4.How can we apply the angels' restraint in our daily interactions?
5.What other scriptures emphasize respecting authority and avoiding slander?
6.How can we guard against speaking "slanderous accusations" in our community?
7.How do angels differ from humans in 2 Peter 2:11 regarding strength and authority?
8.Why do angels refrain from bringing slanderous accusations according to 2 Peter 2:11?
9.What does 2 Peter 2:11 reveal about the nature of spiritual warfare?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Peter 2?
11.Can angels commit sin?
12.What is the origin of angels?
13.What defines Christian demonology?
14.Does the phrase “a little lower than the angels” (Psalm 8:5) conflict with other scriptures that portray humanity as entirely separated from the divine or angelic realm?What Does 2 Peter 2:11 Mean
Yet not even angelsPeter has just described false teachers who “despise authority” and “slander celestial beings” (2 Peter 2:10). With the phrase “Yet not even angels,” he draws a sharp contrast.
• Angels—sinless servants who stand in God’s immediate presence—would have every reason, from a human standpoint, to feel entitled to speak however they wish.
• Instead, they model restraint. We see the same pattern inJude 1:8-9, where Michael refuses to pronounce a railing judgment against Satan.
• The implication is clear: if perfect heavenly beings hold their tongues, how much more should flawed humans guard theirs (James 3:5-10).
though greater in strength and powerAngels are unimaginably mighty—Psalm 103:20 calls them “mighty in strength,” and2 Kings 19:35 shows a single angel destroying an entire army.
• Their superior power underscores Peter’s point: raw ability does not grant the right to speak evil of others.
• Real strength shows itself in humble submission to God’s order, not in verbal assault. (CompareMatthew 26:53; even legions of angels awaited the Father’s command.)
dare to bring such slanderous charges against them“Slanderous charges” speaks of reviling, mocking, or cursing. “Them” reaches back to the “glorious ones” mentioned in2 Peter 2:10—most likely the fallen angels that the false teachers were blaspheming.
• Michael’s example inJude 1:9 illustrates this restraint: he left judgment to the Lord.
• Peter warns that careless words against spiritual adversaries reflect arrogance, not faith (Proverbs 10:19;Ephesians 4:29).
Practical takeaway:
– Resist the temptation to mock or belittle spiritual realities.
– Leave ultimate judgment to God (Romans 12:19).
before the LordEverything happens in God’s presence. Angels recognize His throne as the only proper court of final appeal (Isaiah 6:1-3;Revelation 7:11).
• They submit their concerns to Him instead of taking matters into their own mouths.
• Believers are called to the same posture—humble, respectful, aware that God hears every word (Matthew 12:36).
When disagreements arise, we are to bring them “before the Lord” through prayer and trust His justice (Philippians 4:6-7;Psalm 37:5-7).
summary2 Peter 2:11 shows that even the most powerful sinless beings refuse to slander, choosing reverent silence and trusting God’s judgment. Their example exposes the arrogance of false teachers—and warns us to cultivate humble speech, respect for authority, and confidence that the Lord alone rightly adjudicates every charge.
(11)
Whereas angels.--Literally,
Where angels--i.e.,in circumstances in which angels. This verse, if it refers to the same incident as
Jude 1:9, seems at first sight to tell somewhat in favour of the priority of Jude; for then, only when compared with
Jude 1:9, does it become intelligible. The inference is that this is an abbreviation of Jude, rather than Jude an amplification of this. But (1) such an inference is at best only probable. The writer of this Epistle might possibly count on his readers at once understanding his allusion to a tradition that may have been well known, while St. Jude thought it best to point out the allusion more plainly. (2) It is possible that the contest alluded to is not that between Satan and Michael about the body of Moses, but that between Satan and the angel of the Lord about Joshua the high priest (
Zechariah 3:1-2). (3) It is also possible that it does not refer to any contest with Satan at all, but merely to angels not denouncing these false teachers before God, but leaving them to His judgment. If either (2) or (3) is correct, the argument for the priority of Jude falls to the ground. If (1) is right, then the argument really favours the priority of 2 Peter; for if the author of 2 Peter had Jude before him (and this is maintained by those who contend for the priority of Jude), and wished to make use of St. Jude's illustration, why should he so deface St. Jude's statement of it as to make it almost unintelligible? The reason suggested is altogether inadequate--that reverential feelings made him wish to avoid mentioning Michael's name--a name that every Jew was perfectly familiar with in the Book of Daniel.
Greater in power and might.--This is taken in two ways--either "greater than these audacious, self-willed men," which is the simpler and more natural explanation; or "greater than other angels," as if it were a periphrasis for "archangels," which is rather awkward language. But either explanation makes good sense.
Railing accusation against them.--Literally,a railing judgment. Wiclif has "doom," all the rest "judgment" both superior to "accusation." "Against them," if the reference is either to the contest about the body of Moses or toZechariah 3:1-2, must mean against "dignities," and "dignities" must here meanfallen angels, who are considered still to be worthy of reverence on account of their original glory and indefectible spiritual nature. The position is, therefore, that what angels do not venture to say of devils, this, and worse than this, these audacious men dare to say of angels and other unseen powers. But "against them" may possibly mean "against the false teachers,"i.e.,they speak evil of angels, yet the angels bring no denunciation against them, but leave all judgment to God (Deuteronomy 32:35-36;Romans 12:19;Hebrews 10:30). This explanation avoids the awkwardness of making "dignities" in2Peter 2:10 mean unseen powers generally, and chieflygood ones; while "against dignities" in this verse has to mean againstevil powersonly. . . .
Verse 11. -
Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before theLord. The conjunction is
ὅπου, literally, "where" - they speak evil of glories, "where,"
i.e., "in which case." The literal rendering of the following words, "angels being greater," makes it probable that the comparison is with the false teachers of the previous verse rather than with the "glories." The false teachers rail at glories, where angels, though greater than they, bring not a railing judgment against those glories. It seems certain that the words "against them" (
κατ αὐτῶν) must refer to the "glories," and cannot mean, according to the Vulgate,
adversum se. Men rail at these glories; but the elect angels, when they are commissioned to proclaim or inflict the just judgment (for
κρίσις is "judgment," not" accusation") of God upon the angels that sinned, the fallen glories, do not rail; they remember what those lost spirits once were, and speak solemnly and sorrowfully, not in coarse, violent language. The apostle may be alluding to
Zechariah 3:1, 2, but the resemblance to
Jude 1:8, 9 is so dose that this last passage must have been in his thoughts, even if he is not directly referring to the dispute between Michael the archangel and the devil. Luther's interpretation (adopted by Fronmuller and others), that the
wicked angels are not able to bear the judgment of God upon their blasphemy, cannot be extracted from the words. The Alexandrine Manuscript omits "before the Lord;" but these words are well supported. The angels of judgment remember that they are in the presence of God, and perform their solemn duty with godly fear.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Yet not evenὅπου(hopou)Adverb
Strong's 3699:Where, whither, in what place. From hos and pou; what(-ever) where, i.e. At whichever spot.angels,ἄγγελοι(angeloi)Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 32:From aggello; a messenger; especially an 'angel'; by implication, a pastor.[though]ὄντες(ontes)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.greaterμείζονες(meizones)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural - Comparative
Strong's 3173:Large, great, in the widest sense.in strengthἰσχύϊ(ischui)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2479:Strength (absolutely), power, might, force, ability. From a derivative of is; forcefulness.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.power,δυνάμει(dynamei)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1411:From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power.dare to bringφέρουσιν(pherousin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 5342:To carry, bear, bring; I conduct, lead; perhaps: I make publicly known. A primary verb.such slanderousβλάσφημον(blasphēmon)Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 989:Slanderous; subst: a blasphemer. From a derivative of blapto and pheme; scurrilious, i.e. Calumnious, or impious.chargesκρίσιν(krisin)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2920:Decision; by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice.againstκατ’(kat’)Preposition
Strong's 2596:A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).themαὐτῶν(autōn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.beforeπαρὰ(para)Preposition
Strong's 3844:Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of.[the] Lord.Κυρίῳ(Kyriō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962:Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.
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NT Letters: 2 Peter 2:11 Whereas angels though greater in might (2 Pet. 2P iiP ii Pet) 
