Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
Which are - though they are. Greater - than these blasphemers. Jude cites Michael as an instance. Railing accusation - Greek, 'blaspheming judgment' (Jude 1:9). Against them - against "dignities" (for instance, the fallen angels). Before the Lord - in the presence of the Judge they reverently abstain from judgment (Bengel). So 'Aleph (') B C; but A, Vulgate, omit. How great is the dignity of the saints who, as Christ's assessors, shall hereafter judge angels! Meanwhile, railing judgments, though true, against dignities, being uttered irreverently, are of the nature of 'blasphemies' (1 Corinthians 4:4-5). If superior angels dare not, as in the presence of God, speak evil even of bad angels, how awful the presumption of those who speak evil of good "dignities!" (Numbers 12:8; Numbers 16:2-3, Korah, etc.; 2 Samuel 16:7-8, Shimei; Jude 1:11.) The angels who sinned still retain the impress of majesty. Satan is still "a strong man:" "prince of this world." Under him are "principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world." We are to avoid irreverence as to them, on account of God: a warning to those who use Satan's name in blasphemy. 'When the ungodly curseth Satan, he curseth his own soul.'