2 Peter 2:4

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;

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};

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.

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;

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

Second Peter 2:4 serves as a stark reminder of God's unwavering justice and His certain judgment against all forms of rebellion, even among spiritual beings. This verse introduces a series of historical examples Peter uses to underscore the inevitability of divine retribution for those who promote wickedness and deny God's authority.

Context

This verse is foundational to Peter's argument in 2 Peter chapter 2, where he extensively warns against the dangers of false teachers and prophets. Peter employs three powerful historical precedents – the judgment of the fallen angels, the flood in Noah's time, and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah – to demonstrate God's consistent character in punishing the wicked while preserving the righteous. The mention of "angels that sinned" immediately establishes the severity of God's justice, showing that even powerful, heavenly beings are not exempt from His wrath when they rebel. It sets the stage for the equally certain judgment awaiting the false teachers Peter is confronting.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Impartiality: God’s justice is absolute and impartial. If He did not spare angels who sinned, He certainly will not spare humans who lead others astray with destructive heresies. This highlights God’s holy nature and His commitment to righteousness.
  • Consequences of Rebellion: The verse vividly portrays the severe consequences of sin and rebellion against God. The angels' fate—being "cast down to hell" and "delivered into chains of darkness"—serves as a grave warning about the ultimate outcome for those who defy divine order.
  • Certainty of Future Judgment: The phrase "to be reserved unto judgment" emphasizes that their punishment is not merely an immediate consequence but a specific, appointed future reckoning. This assures believers that while judgment may not be immediate, it is absolutely certain and unavoidable for the ungodly, as also noted in Hebrews 9:27.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "cast them down to hell" translates the unique Greek verb tartaroo (ταρταρόω). This word refers specifically to Tartarus, a mythological deep abyss or dungeon of divine punishment, distinct from Hades (the general realm of the dead) or Gehenna (the final place of eternal punishment for humans). Peter's use of tartaroo here highlights the specific and particularly severe confinement of these angels.

The expression "chains of darkness" (Greek: seirais zophou - σειραῖς ζόφου) paints a powerful picture of their inescapable prison. The "chains" are not necessarily literal but represent an unbreakable binding, and "darkness" (zophos) signifies a thick, impenetrable gloom, emphasizing their utter isolation and hopelessness while awaiting their final sentence.

Related Scriptures

The reference to "the angels that sinned" finds a parallel and elaboration in Jude 1:6, which speaks of angels who "kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation." This indicates a specific rebellion, possibly referring to a fall from their original position or a transgression mentioned in extra-biblical Jewish tradition or possibly related to the events of Genesis 6.

This verse also implicitly connects to the broader theme of divine accountability and the ultimate triumph of God's justice over all evil, which is a recurring message throughout Scripture, culminating in the final judgment described in books like Revelation.

Practical Application

For believers, this verse offers immense comfort and assurance. It 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, especially when we witness rampant wickedness or false teaching in the world. It encourages steadfastness in faith and discernment against deceptive doctrines, knowing that those who lead others astray face an inescapable judgment. 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.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jude 1:6 (47 votes)

    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 (26 votes)

    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 (20 votes)

    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 (15 votes)

    ¶ 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 (15 votes)

    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 (15 votes)

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

  • Revelation 12:9 (15 votes)

    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.