2 Peter 2:11

Yet not even angels, though greater in strength and power, dare to bring such slanderous charges against them before the Lord.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Peter addresses believers confronting false teachers who defy spiritual authority and spread corruption. He issues this warning immediately after describing those teachers' bold slandering of glorious beings in the preceding verse.

The words — ἄγγελοι (angeloi) means angels, and ἰσχὺϊ καὶ δυνάμει (ischui kai dunamei) translates to strength and power. The text states that even these superior beings do not dare to bring slanderous charges against such people before the Lord.

The thread — The restraint of angels contrasts with human presumption in Jude 1:9, where Michael refuses to slander the devil. It also parallels Psalm 103:20, which describes angels as mighty in strength who execute God's word rather than acting independently.

Why it lands — It requires the reader to acknowledge that human condemnation of spiritual matters exceeds even created beings. The text demands abandonment of self-willed judgment and submission to divine authority alone.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

ὅπουhopouwhereas ἄγγελοιangeloiangels ἰσχύϊischuiin strength καὶkaiand δυνάμειdunameiin power μείζονεςmeizonesgreater ὄντεςontesbeing οὐounot φέρουσινpherousinthey do bring κατ᾽kat᾽against αὐτῶνautōnthem παρὰpara<from/before>κυρίουkuriou[from the] Lord βλάσφημονblasphēmona reviling κρίσιν.krisinjudgment.

King James Version

Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.

Cross-references

Jude 1:9 But even the archangel Michael, when he disputed with the devil over the body of Moses, did not presume to bring a slanderous charge against him, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”
2 Thessalonians 1:7 and to grant relief to you who are oppressed and to us as well. This will take place when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels
Psalms 103:20 Bless the LORD, all His angels mighty in strength who carry out His word, who hearken to the voice of His command.
Psalms 104:4 He makes the winds His messengers, flames of fire His servants.
Daniel 6:22 My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, for I was found innocent in His sight, and I have done no wrong against you, O king.”