King James Version

What Does 1 Peter 5:1 Mean?

1 Peter 5:1 in the King James Version says “The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a par... — study this verse from 1 Peter chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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:

1 Peter 5:1 · KJV


Context

1

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:

2

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; which: or, as much as in you is

3

Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. being lords over: or, overruling


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter addresses elders as fellow elder. Peter witnessed Christ's suffering and will share His glory. Present suffering yields future glory.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Peter establishes authority gently. Early church featured plural elders. Reformed polity recovered this.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does fellow elder model proper leadership?
  2. What significance does Peter's dual witness have?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
Πρεσβυτέρους1 of 20

The elders

G4245

older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"

τῆς2 of 20

who

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐν3 of 20

which are among

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ὑμῖν4 of 20

you

G5213

to (with or by) you

παρακαλῶ5 of 20

I exhort

G3870

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

τῆς6 of 20

who

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

συμπρεσβύτερος7 of 20

am also an elder

G4850

a co-presbyter

καὶ8 of 20

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

μάρτυς9 of 20

a witness

G3144

a witness (literally (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case)); by analogy, a "martyr"

τῆς10 of 20

who

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τῆς11 of 20

who

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Χριστοῦ12 of 20

of Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

παθημάτων13 of 20

of the sufferings

G3804

something undergone, i.e., hardship or pain; subjectively, an emotion or influence

τῆς14 of 20

who

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καὶ15 of 20

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῆς16 of 20

who

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μελλούσης17 of 20

that shall

G3195

to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili

ἀποκαλύπτεσθαι18 of 20

be revealed

G601

to take off the cover, i.e., disclose

δόξης19 of 20

of the glory

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

κοινωνός·20 of 20

a partaker

G2844

a sharer, i.e., associate


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Peter. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Peter 5:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Peter 5:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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