1 Peter 5:4
What does 1 Peter 5:4 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Peter 5:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Peter 5:4 means
Faithful undershepherds serve under a greater Leader—the chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ—who will one day be revealed. When He appears, those who have shepherded well will receive a “crown of glory that fades not away,” unlike the earthly wreaths that wither. This promise dignifies the often-hidden labor of pastoral care and guards it from discouragement or self-seeking. The reward is not status now but unfading honor then, granted by Christ Himself. The verse lifts leaders’ eyes from present trials to future certainty, motivating perseverance, integrity, and gentleness as they care for God’s flock until the chief Shepherd returns.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And when the chief Shepherd shall be manifested, ye shall receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And when the chief Shepherd shall be manifested, ye shall receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And at the coming of the chief Keeper of the sheep, you will be given the eternal crown of glory.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and at the manifestation of the chief Shepherd, ye shall receive the unfading crown of glory.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when the prince of pastors shall appear, you shall receive a never fading crown of glory.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And when the chief shepherd is manifested ye shall receive the unfading crown of glory.
Context
This promise concludes the direct exhortation to elders (verses 1–4). With motives and methods defined, Peter anchors their perseverance in Christ’s appearing and reward. The letter then widens its scope in verse 5 to address younger believers and, indeed, everyone. The transition from leaders’ responsibilities to congregational humility shows that the health of the church depends on mutual submission under Christ’s lordship.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 40:11
He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and will gently lead those that have their young.
- Ezekiel 37:24
And my servant David shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in mine ordinances, and observe my statutes, and do them.
- Zechariah 13:7
Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith Jehovah of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered; and I will turn my hand upon the little ones.
- Hebrews 13:20
Now the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep with the blood of an eternal covenant, even our Lord Jesus,
- 1 Peter 2:25
For ye were going astray like sheep; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
- James 1:12
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he hath been approved, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to them that love him.
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