2 Peter 2:11

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὅπου
G3699
Whereas
what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot
#2
ἄγγελοι
G32
angels
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
#3
ἰσχύϊ
G2479
power
compare ?????, a form of g2192); forcefulness (literally or figuratively)
#4
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#5
δυνάμει
G1411
might
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
#6
μείζονες
G3173
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
#7
ὄντες
G5607
which are
being
#8
οὐ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#9
φέρουσιν
G5342
bring
to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows)
#10
κατ'
G2596
against
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#11
αὐτῶν
G846
them
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#12
παρὰ
G3844
before
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
#13
Κυρίῳ
G2962
the Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#14
βλάσφημον
G989
railing
scurrilious, i.e., calumnious (against men), or (specially) impious (against god)
#15
κρίσιν
G2920
accusation
decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Peter Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection