Devine Scripture

1 Peter 5:3

What does 1 Peter 5:3 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Peter 5:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Peter 5:3 means

Spiritual authority must never become tyranny. Elders are not to “lord it over” those entrusted to them. The people under their care are a charge allotted by God, not a possession to be controlled. The better path is to lead by example, becoming a living pattern for the flock to follow. Such leadership is persuasive, not coercive; it reflects Christ’s own meekness and integrity. By modeling humility, holiness, and endurance, elders cultivate a healthy church life that is resilient in suffering. Authority that imitates Jesus is exercised through service and character, so that people are guided more by what their leaders are than by what they merely say.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you, but making yourselves ensamples to the flock.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you, but making yourselves ensamples to the flock.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Not as lords over God's heritage, but making yourselves examples to the flock.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

neither as exercising lordship over the heritages, but patterns becoming of the flock,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Neither as lording it over the clergy but being made a pattern of the flock from the heart.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

not as lording it over your possessions, but being models for the flock.

Context

After motives (verse 2), Peter addresses the manner of leadership. This warning against domineering prepares for the promise of verse 4, where faithful shepherds receive an unfading crown from the chief Shepherd. The flow is intentional: purity of heart leads to purity in practice, which God will ultimately reward. The next verse will lift leaders’ eyes beyond present pressures to Christ’s appearing, giving strength to persist in humble, exemplary service.

v.2Tend 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;

v.3This passage

v.4And when the chief Shepherd shall be manifested, ye shall receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:5

    For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.

  • Mark 10:42

    And Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they who are accounted to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great ones exercise authority over them.

  • Matthew 23:8

    But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your teacher, and all ye are brethren.

  • Psalms 74:2

    Remember thy congregation, which thou hast gotten of old, Which thou hast redeemed to be the tribe of thine inheritance; Andmount Zion, wherein thou hast dwelt.

  • 1 Timothy 4:12

    Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an ensample to them that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity.

  • Psalms 33:12

    Blessed is the nation whose God is Jehovah, The people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

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