1 Peter 5:2
What does 1 Peter 5:2 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Peter 5:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Peter 5:2 means
Elders are called to tend—shepherd—the flock that belongs to God, not themselves. Their role is oversight, but it must be done willingly and in line with God’s will, not begrudgingly or under pressure. Their service must not be driven by greed or the desire for gain, but by a ready and eager mind. This verse sets the motives and posture for ministry: stewardship rather than ownership, eagerness rather than compulsion, and generosity rather than self-interest. It frames leadership as a sacred trust, where the shepherd’s heart reflects God’s heart for His people, seeking their care, protection, and growth even in difficult times.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Tend the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not of constraint, but willingly, according to the will of God; nor yet for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Feed 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;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Tend the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not of constraint, but willingly, according to the will of God; nor yet for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Keep watch over the flock of God which is in your care, using your authority, not as forced to do so, but gladly; and not for unclean profit but with a ready mind;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862feed the flock of God that <FI>is<Fi> among you, overseeing not constrainedly, but willingly, neither for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking care of it, not by constraint but willingly, according to God: not for filthy lucre's sake but voluntarily:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890shepherd the flock ofGod which [is] among you, exercising oversight, not by necessity, but willingly; not for base gain, but readily;
Context
Having introduced his appeal to elders, Peter now defines their task and motives. He focuses on the flock’s true Owner—God—and the need for willing, eager service. Next, in verse 3, he will warn against domineering leadership and commend exemplary living. In verse 4 he will show that faithful shepherding has a promised, unfading reward from the chief Shepherd. This sequence helps readers see that right motives lead to right methods, which God will honor in His time.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Peter 2:3
And in covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose sentence now from of old lingereth not, and their destruction slumbereth not.
- Titus 3:1
Put them in mind to be in subjection to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready unto every good work,
- Isaiah 56:11
Yea, the dogs are greedy, they can never have enough; and these are shepherds that cannot understand: they have all turned to their own way, each one to his gain, from every quarter.
- Zechariah 11:17
Woe to the worthless shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.
- Ezekiel 34:31
And ye my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord Jehovah.
- Luke 12:32
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
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