Dignities
Dignities (δόζαι, plur. of δόζα, glory) stands in 2Pe 2:10; Jude 1:8, figuratively for persons high in honor, whom each of those apostles blames certain characters for calumniating. The term in this connection is usually referred to earthly magistrates or princes, whose claim to deference the Gospel everywhere enforces upon its followers; but it is probably better to refer it to the angels, even including those who are fallen, since the context in both passages introduces the good angels as refraining from using slanderous or abusive epithets towards them. The term is used with respect to the celestials by Philo (Monarch. 2:218, ed Mang.). Similar is the usage of the terms "principalities and powers" in numerous passages of the epistles. SEE ANGEL.
