1The elders among you I exhort, as a fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and as one who shares in the glory about to be revealed: [5:2] shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight — not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have it; not for shameful gain but eagerly; [5:3] not exercising lordship over those in your charge, but becoming examples to the flock. [5:4] And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
1PE 5:1-4
Instructions to Elders
In the world it was spoken into
In the 1st-century Greco-Roman world, leadership within communities often followed hierarchical and honor-based models, with elders holding significant authority. These figures were typically older men respected for their wisdom and experience, often overseeing communal affairs. In Jewish contexts, elders were integral to synagogue governance, maintaining order and interpreting Torah. Peter’s exhortation to elders draws on this cultural backdrop but redefines their role within the Christian community. The term (to shepherd) evokes the pastoral imagery familiar in Jewish tradition, where leaders were to care for God’s flock with diligence and compassion. Peter warns against (domineering leadership), a practice common in Roman patronage systems where power was often exercised oppressively. Instead, elders are to lead by example, reflecting the humility of Christ. The promise of an unfading crown of glory aligns with the honor-shame economy, where eternal rewards surpass earthly recognition. This framing underscores a countercultural vision of leadership rooted in service and humility.
›See the receipts
How other translations render this
1PE 5:1
- KJV
- The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
- BSB
- As a fellow elder, a witness of Christʼs sufferings, and a partaker of the glory to be revealed, I appeal to the elders among you:
- Koinōnos
- The elders among you I exhort, as a fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and as one who shares in the glory about to be revealed:
1PE 5:2
- KJV
- Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
- BSB
- Be shepherds of Godʼs flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness;
- Koinōnos
- shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight — not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have it; not for shameful gain but eagerly;
1PE 5:3
- KJV
- Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
- BSB
- not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
- Koinōnos
- not exercising lordship over those in your charge, but becoming examples to the flock.
1PE 5:4
- KJV
- And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
- BSB
- And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
- Koinōnos
- And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
1PE 5:1
- Elders:The word translated 'Elders' refers to mature, experienced leaders within the community, often implying a position of respect and authority due to age and wisdom.
1PE 5:2
- do shepherd:The phrase 'do shepherd' evokes the active, caring role of a shepherd guiding, feeding, and protecting a flock, emphasizing nurturing leadership.
1PE 5:3
- exercising lordship over:The word translated 'exercising lordship over' implies a domineering, authoritarian control, often with a negative connotation of oppressive rule rather than gentle guidance.
- those in your charge:The term used here for 'those in your charge' literally referred to a 'lot' or 'inheritance,' suggesting that these individuals are a portion or allotment entrusted to the elders' care.