2 Peter 2:11
What does 2 Peter 2:11 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Peter 2:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Peter 2:11 means
Even angels—greater in strength and power—refuse to bring abusive accusations against such dignities before the Lord. They respect God’s order and leave judgment to him. This highlights the arrogance of the false teachers: lesser beings taking liberties that even mightier, holy beings will not. Reverence shapes the speech of the righteous; restraint marks the wise. To slander what one does not understand is not prophetic fire but profane presumption. The contrast is meant to shame the false teachers’ audacity and to model for believers a posture of humble submission before God.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000whereas angels, though greater in might and power, bring not a railing judgment against them before the Lord.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901whereas angels, though greater in might and power, bring not a railing judgment against them before the Lord.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Though the angels, who are greater in strength and power, do not make use of violent language against them before the Lord.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862whereas messengers, in strength and power being greater, do not bear against them before the Lord an evil speaking judgment;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Whereas angels, who are greater in strength and power, bring not against themselves a railing judgment.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890when angels, who are greater in might and power, do not bring against them, before the Lord, an injurious charge.
Context
This verse supplies a theological contrast that sharpens the critique of verse 10. Angels, with superior power, exercise holy restraint; the false teachers, with far less, indulge in blasphemous boldness. The flow will now turn in verses 12–13 to depict the teachers as irrational creatures heading to destruction and to describe their shameless conduct within the church’s own gatherings, reinforcing both their danger and their destined judgment.
v.10but chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of defilement, and despise dominion. Daring, self-willed, they tremble not to rail at dignities:
v.11This passage
v.12But these, as creatures without reason, born mere animals to be taken and destroyed, railing in matters whereof they are ignorant, shall in their destroying surely be destroyed,
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Thessalonians 1:7
and to you that are afflicted rest with us, at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with the angels of his power in flaming fire,
- Daniel 6:22
My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not hurt me; forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.
- Jude 1:9
But Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing judgment, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
- Psalms 103:20
Bless Jehovah, ye his angels, That are mighty in strength, that fulfil his word, Hearkening unto the voice of his word.
- Psalms 104:4
Who maketh winds his messengers; Flames of fire his ministers;
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