King James Version

What Does 1 Peter 5:6 Mean?

1 Peter 5:6 in the King James Version says “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:” — study this verse from 1 Peter chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:”

1 Peter 5:6 · KJV

Context

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.

6

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

7

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

8

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This command calls for active, voluntary humility before God's sovereign authority. 'Humble yourselves' (ταπεινώθητε, tapeinōthēte) is an aorist imperative—a decisive, urgent command. The reflexive nature indicates self-humbling is required, not passive waiting for God to humble us. The sphere is specified: 'under the mighty hand of God' (ὑπὸ τὴν κρα ταιὰν χεῖρα τοῦ θεοῦ, hypo tēn krataian cheira tou theou). God's 'mighty hand' (κραταιά χείρ) is an Old Testament metaphor for His powerful, sovereign working—used for deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 3:19, Deuteronomy 9:26) and discipline of His people (1 Peter 5:6). To humble oneself under it means accepting God's sovereign control over circumstances, timing, and outcomes. The purpose clause follows: 'that he may exalt you in due time' (ἵνα ὑμᾶς ὑψώσῃ ἐν καιρῷ, hina hymas hypsōsē en kairō). God promises eventual exaltation—vindication, honor, glorification. But timing belongs to Him: ἐν καιρῷ (en kairō, in due season) indicates God's appointed time, not our preference. This echoes Jesus's teaching: those who humble themselves will be exalted (Luke 14:11, 18:14).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Peter addresses believers enduring persecution and facing powerful, hostile authorities. In Roman society, honor and status were supreme values—public humiliation was unbearable shame. Christian confession brought social humiliation: loss of position, economic exclusion, public mockery. Peter's command to humble themselves seemed counterintuitive: shouldn't they fight for their rights and reputation? But Peter offers God's alternative economy: voluntary humbling under God's sovereign hand positions believers for divine vindication. The connection to verse 7 is crucial: casting anxiety on God presumes submission to His sovereign timing and purposes. Believers humble themselves by accepting God's mysterious providence, trusting His timing for vindication rather than demanding immediate justice. Historical examples abound: Joseph's humiliation preceded exaltation (Genesis 50:20); Jesus's humiliation at the cross preceded resurrection glory (Philippians 2:8-9); early Christians' martyrdom preceded eternal reward. Church history records countless believers who accepted temporal humiliation, trusting God's eventual vindication.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what specific areas of life are you resisting God's 'mighty hand,' demanding vindication or change according to your timing?
  2. How does trusting God's 'due time' for exaltation free you from anxiety, bitterness, and self-promotion?
  3. What's the relationship between humbling yourself before God and how you relate to human authorities or oppressors?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
Ταπεινώθητε1 of 13

“Humble yourselves”

G5013

to depress; figuratively, to humiliate (in condition or heart)

οὖν2 of 13

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ὑπὸ3 of 13

“under”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

τὴν4 of 13
G3588

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

κραταιὰν5 of 13

“the mighty”

G2900

powerful

χεῖρα6 of 13

“hand”

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

τοῦ7 of 13
G3588

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

θεοῦ8 of 13

“of God”

G2316

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

ἵνα9 of 13

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ὑμᾶς10 of 13

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ὑψώσῃ11 of 13

“he may exalt”

G5312

to elevate (literally or figuratively)

ἐν12 of 13

“in”

G1722

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

καιρῷ13 of 13

“due time”

G2540

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

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 5:6 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 5:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

James 4:10Luke 14:11Proverbs 29:23Matthew 23:12Luke 18:14Luke 1:52

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