King James Version

What Does 1 Peter 5:3 Mean?

1 Peter 5:3 in the King James Version says “Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. being lords over: or, overruling” — study this verse from 1 Peter chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Peter 5:3 · 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.

5

Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

Read 1 Peter 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter continues: don't domineer, but be examples. Lead by character not coercion. Most influential leaders lead through character.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus contrasted kingdom leadership with worldly domination. Reformed tradition resisted papal absolute authority.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do leaders be examples rather than lord over flock?
  2. Why is character-based leadership more effective?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
μηδ1 of 10

“Neither”

G3366

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

ὡς2 of 10

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

κατακυριεύοντες3 of 10

“being lords over”

G2634

to lord against, i.e., control, subjugate

τῶν4 of 10
G3588

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

κλήρων5 of 10

“God's heritage”

G2819

a die (for drawing chances); by implication, a portion (as if so secured); by extension, an acquisition (especially a patrimony, figuratively)

ἀλλὰ6 of 10

“but”

G235

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

τύποι7 of 10

“ensamples”

G5179

a die (as struck), i.e., (by implication) a stamp or scar; by analogy, a shape, i.e., a statue, (figuratively) style or resemblance; specially, a samp

γινόμενοι8 of 10

“being”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

τοῦ9 of 10
G3588

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

ποιμνίου·10 of 10

“to the flock”

G4168

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

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 5:3 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 5:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Philippians 3:172 Thessalonians 3:9Ezekiel 34:4Matthew 20:25-262 Corinthians 1:24Titus 2:7

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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