first estate
Jude
6 first estate. “First estate” (Greek arche) is more often translated “principality” (e.g., Ephesians 3:10; 6:12). A certain segment of the devil’s angels not only followed Satan in his primeval rebellion against God, but also attempted to corrupt all mankind by taking physical possession of “the daughters of men” to produce “giants in the earth in those days” (see Genesis 6:1-4; also Job 4:18; II Peter 2:4). They “left their own habitation” in heaven, and have been confined in the lowest and darkest compartment of Hades awaiting the final judgment. Satan still has a great host of fallen angels (or demons) under his direction (Ephesians 6:12; Revelation 12:3-9), and these also will ultimately be cast into the lake of fire forever (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10-15).