1 Peter 5:2

Translations

Modern

Be shepherds of God’s 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;

Traditional

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;

Literal

Shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion but willingly according to God; and not for shameful gain but eagerly,

Latin

…pascite qui in vobis est gregem Dei, providentes non coacte, sed spontanee secundum Deum: neque turpis lucri gratia, sed voluntarie:

Original

Greek

English

Be shepherds of God’s 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;

Notes

1 Peter 5:2

Be shepherds of God’s flock: The word pastor comes from the New Testament image of a shepherd tending his flock.

1 Peter 5:1–4

Elders were the spiritual leaders of the early churches (see also Acts 14:23; 20:17; 1 Timothy 5:17–19; Titus 1:5; James 5:14). By calling himself a fellow elder, Peter shows he shares their responsibilities and the guidance he offers them.

1 Peter 5:1–14

Peter concludes the letter with directions to:

elders (5:1–4),
younger people (5:5), and
the entire church (5:5–11).

He then gives final greetings and ends the letter (5:12–14).

Theme notes and profiles

Simon Peter Empowering Leadership Passing On Authority and Responsibility to a New Leader The Day Is Coming The Household The Servant-Leader The Shepherd

Related verses

Titus 1:7
As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money.
1 Timothy 3:8
Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued or given to much wine or greedy for money.
Acts 20:26–28
Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men.
Titus 3:1
Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work,
1 Timothy 3:3
…not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money.
Ezekiel 34:2–3
“Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed their flock?
1 Corinthians 9:7
Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Who tends a flock and does not drink of its milk?
1 Corinthians 9:16–17
Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!
Ezekiel 34:31
‘You are My flock, the sheep of My pasture, My people, and I am your God,’ declares the Lord GOD.”
Luke 12:32
Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.
2 Corinthians 12:14–15
See, I am ready to come to you a third time, and I will not be a burden, because I am not seeking your possessions, but you. For children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.
Zechariah 11:17
Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May a sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be completely withered and his right eye utterly blinded!”

1 Peter 5:2

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