2 Peter 2:4

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} if {G1487} God {G2316} spared {G5339} not {G3756} the angels {G32} that sinned {G264}, but {G235} cast them down to hell {G5020}, and delivered {G3860} them into chains {G4577} of darkness {G2217}, to be reserved {G5083} unto {G1519} judgment {G2920};

Complete Jewish Bible

For God did not spare the angels who sinned; on the contrary, he put them in gloomy dungeons lower than Sh’ol to be held for judgment.

Berean Standard Bible

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;

American Standard Version

For if God spared not angels when they sinned, but cast them down to hell, and committed them to pits of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Peter 2:4 stands as a solemn declaration of God's unwavering justice and the certainty of His judgment, even against celestial beings who rebelled. This verse introduces a series of historical examples Peter employs to establish the divine precedent for retribution, underscoring that no creature, regardless of power or origin, is exempt from God's righteous wrath when they defy His authority and purposes. It serves as a foundational warning against the destructive path of wickedness and a powerful assurance of divine accountability.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates Peter's robust argument in 2 Peter chapter 2, where he vehemently warns against the insidious threat of false teachers and their destructive heresies. Peter strategically employs three historical precedents of divine judgment—the fallen angels (v. 4), the global flood in Noah's time (v. 5), and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (v. 6)—to build an irrefutable case for God's consistent character in punishing the wicked while simultaneously preserving the righteous. The mention of "angels that sinned" immediately establishes the unparalleled severity and impartiality of God's justice, demonstrating that even powerful, heavenly beings are not immune to His wrath when they rebel. This sets a formidable stage for the equally certain and inescapable judgment awaiting the false teachers Peter is confronting, emphasizing that if God did not spare angels, He certainly will not spare human deceivers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific "sin" of these angels is not detailed in 2 Peter 2:4, the reference likely draws upon a common understanding within Second Temple Judaism regarding angelic rebellion. This understanding is found in various Jewish texts, including the Book of Enoch and Jude 1:6, which speaks of angels who "kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation." This event is often associated with the "sons of God" in [Genesis 6:1-4](/genesis/6-1-4 "Genesis 6:1-4 - The Sons of God and the Daughters of Man"), who corrupted humanity before the Flood. Peter's audience, familiar with such narratives, would immediately grasp the profound implications of divine judgment upon such powerful, pre-human entities. The concept of "Tartarus" (translated "hell" in KJV) also resonates with Greek mythological ideas of a deep abyss for divine punishment, though Peter recontextualizes it within a biblical framework of God's sovereign justice, distinct from pagan notions.
* **Key Themes:** The primary themes interwoven throughout [2 Peter 2](/2_peter/2 "2 Peter 2 - False Teachers and Their Doom") and highlighted by this verse include **Divine Justice and Impartiality**. God's justice is absolute and unyielding; if He did not spare powerful angelic beings who sinned, He certainly will not spare humans who lead others astray with destructive heresies. This underscores God’s holy nature and His unwavering commitment to righteousness, as seen in passages like [Romans 2:11](/romans/2-11 "Romans 2:11 - God Shows No Partiality"). Another key theme is the **Consequences of Rebellion**. The vivid portrayal of the angels' fate—being "cast down to hell" and "delivered into chains of darkness"—serves as a grave warning about the severe and inescapable outcome for those who defy divine order and truth. Finally, the phrase "to be reserved unto judgment" emphasizes the **Certainty of Future Judgment**. This assures believers that while divine judgment may not always be immediate, it is absolutely certain and unavoidable for the ungodly, a truth echoed in [Hebrews 9:27](/hebrews/9-27 "Hebrews 9:27 - Appointed to Die Once, Then Judgment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **spared (Greek, _pheídomai'_):** This verb means "to be chary of," "to abstain," or "to treat leniently." When combined with the negative particle "not" (G3756, _ou_), it powerfully conveys that God showed no leniency, no mercy, and no forbearance toward the angels who sinned. This emphasizes the absolute and impartial nature of His justice, even for beings of great power and former privilege.
* **cast them down to hell (Greek, _tartaróō'_):** This unique verb, found only here in the New Testament, is derived from "Tartarus," a mythological deep abyss or dungeon of divine punishment in Greek thought, distinct from Hades (the general realm of the dead) or Gehenna (the final place of eternal punishment for humans). Peter's deliberate use of _tartaróō_ signifies a specific, severe, and unique confinement for these particular fallen angels, highlighting the extreme nature of their condemnation. It implies a specialized, inescapable prison reserved for their unique transgression.
* **chains (Greek, _seirá'_):** This noun refers to a "chain" or "cord," implying something that binds or draws. In conjunction with "darkness," it paints a vivid picture of an inescapable prison. These "chains" are not necessarily literal physical restraints but metaphorically represent an unbreakable, spiritual binding that holds the angels securely in their place of confinement. The imagery underscores their utter lack of freedom and their complete subjugation to divine power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For if God spared not the angels that sinned,"**: This opening clause establishes a conditional premise, setting up a logical argument. It asserts that God, in His absolute justice, did not show leniency or hold back His judgment from a specific group of angels who committed sin. The implication is that if God did not spare even these powerful, celestial beings, then His judgment upon human wickedness is equally, if not more, certain.
* **"but cast [them] down to hell,"**: This clause describes the immediate and severe consequence of the angels' sin. The Greek verb _tartaróō_ (translated "cast down to hell") denotes a specific, profound act of divine incarceration, consigning them to a unique and deep abyss of punishment, distinct from other realms of the dead. This emphasizes the radical nature of their fall and the specific, severe nature of their initial judgment.
* **"and delivered [them] into chains of darkness,"**: This phrase further elaborates on the nature of their confinement. "Chains" (G4577, _seirá_) are metaphorical, signifying an unbreakable binding or inescapable restraint, while "darkness" (G2217, _zóphos_) refers to a thick, impenetrable gloom or blackness. Together, they depict a state of utter isolation, hopelessness, and spiritual imprisonment, emphasizing the severity and inescapable nature of their current condition.
* **"to be reserved unto judgment;"**: This concluding phrase clarifies the purpose and future of their confinement. The angels are not merely punished and forgotten; they are held in this state of "chains of darkness" specifically "to be reserved" (G5083, _tēréō_, meaning "to guard" or "to keep") for a future, definitive "judgment" (G2920, _krísis_). This points to a final, ultimate reckoning, assuring the reader that their ultimate condemnation is certain and unavoidable, serving as a powerful warning to all who rebel against God.

#### Literary Devices
Peter employs several potent **literary devices** in this verse to convey his message with maximum impact. The most prominent is **Argument from the Greater to the Lesser (A Fortiori Argument)**, where he argues that if God did not spare angels, who are superior beings, then He certainly will not spare human false teachers. This logical progression powerfully reinforces the certainty of divine judgment. **Metaphor** is evident in "chains of darkness," where "chains" represent an inescapable spiritual or divine binding, and "darkness" symbolizes the utter hopelessness, spiritual blindness, and isolation of their confinement, rather than literal physical chains or absence of light. The use of the unique verb _tartaróō_ also functions as a form of **Allusion**, drawing on a concept familiar from Jewish and Hellenistic thought to describe a specific and severe form of divine punishment, thereby enhancing the gravity of the angels' fate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological implications of 2 Peter 2:4 are profound, establishing a bedrock principle of divine justice: God's holiness demands that sin, even among His highest creatures, cannot go unpunished. This verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to righteousness, demonstrating that His moral order extends to all realms of existence. It reveals that judgment is not arbitrary but a just consequence of rebellion, pre-ordained and certain for those who defy Him. This serves as a powerful assurance to believers that God is ultimately in control, that evil will not prevail indefinitely, and that justice will be served, providing comfort amidst the apparent triumph of wickedness in the world.

* [Jude 1:6](/jude/1-6 "Jude 1:6 - The Angels Who Sinned")
* [Hebrews 9:27](/hebrews/9-27 "Hebrews 9:27 - Appointed to Die Once, Then Judgment")
* [Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - The Devil Cast into the Lake of Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For the believer, 2 Peter 2:4 offers both a solemn warning and profound comfort. It warns us against underestimating the seriousness of sin and the certainty of God's judgment, reminding us that even the most powerful beings are accountable to Him. This should cultivate a healthy fear of God and a commitment to living in obedience and truth. Conversely, it provides immense comfort and assurance, especially when we observe rampant injustice or the apparent success of those who promote deception and wickedness. This verse reinforces the truth that God is just and faithful; He sees all sin and will ultimately bring every evil deed to account. This knowledge provides hope that justice will prevail, encouraging steadfastness in faith and discernment against deceptive doctrines. For those who might be tempted to stray or follow false teachings, it serves as a solemn warning: no one is above God's law, and His judgment is certain for all who rebel against His truth and righteousness. It calls us to live with integrity, knowing that our actions, whether good or evil, are seen by a righteous God who will ultimately judge all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the judgment of the fallen angels underscore the impartiality and certainty of God's justice in your own life?**
* **What false teachings or temptations in today's world might this verse warn you against?**
* **How does the concept of God "reserving" judgment for a future time impact your understanding of His patience and His ultimate reckoning?**

### FAQ
**What was the sin of the angels mentioned in 2 Peter 2:4?**

Answer: The specific sin of these angels is not explicitly detailed in 2 Peter 2:4. However, biblical scholars and ancient Jewish traditions often link this reference to the "sons of God" mentioned in [Genesis 6:1-4](/genesis/6-1-4 "Genesis 6:1-4 - The Sons of God and the Daughters of Man") who left their proper heavenly abode to cohabit with human women, resulting in corrupted offspring. This interpretation is supported by [Jude 1:6](/jude/1-6 "Jude 1:6 - The Angels Who Kept Not Their Proper Domain"), which speaks of "angels who did not keep their own domain, but abandoned their proper dwelling." The sin appears to be a profound act of rebellion against God's established order, involving a departure from their assigned spiritual sphere and an illicit intrusion into the human realm, leading to their unique and severe punishment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Peter 2:4 speaks of judgment and confinement for rebellious angels, its Christ-centered fulfillment lies in how it underscores the absolute necessity and efficacy of Christ's redemptive work. The inability of even powerful angels to escape God's judgment highlights the depth of human sin and the utter impossibility of self-salvation. It magnifies the grace of God extended through Christ, who, unlike the fallen angels, perfectly obeyed the Father, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Obedience to Death")). Jesus Christ is the only one who could "take away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering a path to deliverance that the angels, once fallen, were never afforded. Moreover, Christ's triumph over sin, death, and the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers and Authorities")) demonstrates His ultimate authority over all creation, including those angels "reserved unto judgment." His resurrection and ascension confirm His power to execute final judgment, as He is the one appointed by the Father to judge the living and the dead ([Acts 10:42](/acts/10-42 "Acts 10:42 - Appointed Judge of the Living and the Dead")). Thus, this verse, by demonstrating God's unsparing justice, implicitly points to the unparalleled mercy and power found only in Jesus Christ, who delivers His people from the very judgment that awaits the ungodly.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jude 1:6

And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

Matthew 25:41

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

Romans 8:32

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

Revelation 20:1

¶ And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.

Revelation 20:3

And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.

Revelation 12:7

And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,

Revelation 12:9

And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.