Keraia
2 Peter 2

2 Peter 2:4

Deliverance from False Prophets · 2 Peter 2:1–22
Read 2 Peter 2

Translations

Modern
For if God did not spare the angels when they sinned, but cast them deep into hell, placing them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment;
Traditional
For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
Literal
For if God did not spare the angels having sinned, but having cast them down to Tartarus in chains of gloomy darkness, He delivered them, being kept for judgment;
Latin
Si enim Deus angelis peccantibus non pepercit, sed rudentibus inferni detractos in tartarum tradidit cruciandos, in judicium reservari.

Original

Greek
English
For if God did not spare the angels when they sinned, but cast them deep into hell, placing them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment;

Notes

2 Peter 2:4

  • The first example of judgment is the angels when they sinned. The common Jewish tradition was that "the sons of God" in Genesis 6:1–5 (understood as angels) had sexual relations with women. As a result, God judged them at that time (see 1 Enoch 6–10; compare 1 Peter 3:19–20; Jude 1:6).

  • in chains of darkness: This phrase reflects a common ancient description of the underworld. It is probably a metaphor that pictures a place of deep darkness and confinement.

2 Peter 2:4–10

Three examples of judgment in the Old Testament show that God will protect and vindicate people who remain faithful to him. These examples also show that God will condemn those who deny him, including the false teachers (see 2:3).

Parallels

Jude 1:3–16

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Bottomless Pit Demon Gehenna Hell Jude, Letter of Lasciviousness Peter, Second Letter of Place of the Dead

Topics

Chains: Figurative Christian Minister: False and Corrupt Colors: Black: A Symbol of Affliction and Calamity Darkness: The Punishment of Devils and Wicked Men Demons: Punishment of Demons: To be Judged at the General Judgment Doctrine of Hell Doctrines: False Fallen Angels Going to Hell Hell: Devils are Confined In, Until the Judgment Day Hell: The Future Home of the Wicked Judgment: The General Nephilim Religious Zeal: Exemplified Satan: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Satan's Fall The Devil: Cast Down to Hell The Devil: Sinned Against God The Judgment Day The Judgment: Devils Shall be Condemned At