King James Version

What Does 1 Peter 5:2 Mean?

1 Peter 5:2 in the King James Version says “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy...” — study this verse from 1 Peter chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

1 Peter 5:2 · 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

4

And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Read 1 Peter 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter commands faithful shepherding. Serve willingly, sacrificially, humbly. Elders are under-shepherds accountable to Chief Shepherd.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Peter contrasts godly eldership. These standards protect flock. Reformed tradition emphasized genuine call to ministry.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can members discern whether leaders serve willingly?
  2. What's the difference between proper authority and domineering?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
ποιμάνατε1 of 16

“Feed”

G4165

to tend as a shepherd of (figuratively, superviser)

τὸ2 of 16
G3588

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

ἐν3 of 16

“which is among”

G1722

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

ὑμῖν4 of 16

“you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

ποίμνιον5 of 16

“the flock”

G4168

a flock, i.e., (figuratively) group (of believers)

τοῦ6 of 16
G3588

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

θεοῦ7 of 16

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἐπισκοποῦντες8 of 16

“taking the oversight”

G1983

to oversee; by implication, to beware

μὴ9 of 16

“thereof not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἀναγκαστῶς10 of 16

“by constraint”

G317

compulsorily

ἀλλὰ11 of 16

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἑκουσίως12 of 16

“willingly”

G1596

voluntarily

μηδὲ13 of 16

“not”

G3366

but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor

αἰσχροκερδῶς14 of 16

“for filthy lucre”

G147

sordidly

ἀλλὰ15 of 16

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

προθύμως16 of 16

“of a ready mind”

G4290

with alacrity

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 5:2 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 5:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Titus 1:71 Timothy 3:8Titus 3:1Acts 20:26-281 Timothy 3:3Ezekiel 34:2-3

Test Your Knowledge

1 Peter 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Peter Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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