1 Peter 5 2

1 Peter 5:2 kjv

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;

1 Peter 5:2 nkjv

Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;

1 Peter 5:2 niv

Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them?not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve;

1 Peter 5:2 esv

shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;

1 Peter 5:2 nlt

Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly ? not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.

1 Peter 5 verses

1 Peter 5 2 Meaning

First Peter chapter 5, verse 2 exhorts the elders within the church regarding their sacred duty and the Spirit-filled manner in which it must be carried out. It instructs them to "shepherd the flock of God" entrusted to their care, actively "exercising oversight." This shepherding must not be done "under compulsion" or out of mere obligation, but "willingly," arising from an inward, eager desire, and specifically "as God would have you." Furthermore, the motivation for ministry should never be "for dishonest gain" or selfish profit, but rather pursued "eagerly," with a zealous and ready mind, reflecting true devotion to the Lord and His people. The verse defines true spiritual leadership by highlighting its divine origin, Christ-like character, selfless motivation, and eager disposition.

1 Peter 5 2 Context

This verse is part of Peter's closing exhortations in his first epistle, addressed specifically to the "elders among you" (1 Pet 5:1). Having encouraged suffering Christians to live holy lives and maintain hope, Peter now turns to the leaders of the Christian communities in Asia Minor. He, as a "fellow elder" and a witness of Christ's sufferings, appeals to them based on his personal experience and future hope. Verse 2 defines the essential nature and right motivation for their leadership. It precedes verse 3, which warns against misusing authority ("lording it over those entrusted to you"), and verse 4, which offers the promise of "the unfading crown of glory" upon the chief Shepherd's appearance, thereby setting the eternal reward for faithful service. Historically, the early church leaders emerged from a context where both Roman pagan and Jewish religious leadership sometimes included elements of hierarchical control, exploitation, or compulsion. Peter's instruction is a direct counter-cultural statement, advocating for servant leadership patterned after Christ Himself, free from self-interest or external pressure. It implicitly polemicizes against any notion of religious authority as a means for personal power, financial gain, or social prestige, establishing a distinctly Christian paradigm for church governance and pastoral care.

1 Peter 5 2 Word analysis

• Shepherd (ποιμαίνω - poimainō): This verb literally means "to tend a flock" of sheep. Metaphorically, in the Bible, it signifies guiding, caring for, nourishing, protecting, and leading. It embodies the full scope of pastoral ministry, reflecting intimacy, responsibility, and watchful care, mirroring the Good Shepherd (Jesus) and God's relationship with His people in the Old Testament. It implies sacrificial commitment.
• the flock (τὸ ποιμνίον - to poimnion): Refers to a small flock of sheep. Here, it signifies the local community of believers, God's gathered people. The diminutive implies tender care.
• of God (τοῦ Θεοῦ - tou Theou): This possessive emphasizes that the flock belongs to God, not to the elders. This is a crucial qualifier, reminding leaders of their accountability to the divine owner. Their role is stewardship, not ownership.
• that is among you (ἐν ὑμῖν - en hymin): Highlights the localized nature of the elders' responsibility. They are to care for the believers specifically within their community, signifying a direct, personal relationship with those they lead, not a distant or general authority.
• exercising oversight (ἐπισκοποῦντες - episkopountes): A present active participle from ἐπισκοπέω (episkopeō), meaning "to watch over," "to oversee," "to pay attention to," "to care for." It implies active, diligent supervision, not merely passive presence. This is the root of the word "episkopos" (bishop/overseer). It means diligently attending to the spiritual, doctrinal, and practical well-being of the church.
• not under compulsion (μὴ ἀναγκαστῶς - mē anagkastōs): "Anagkastōs" means "by necessity," "by constraint," "compulsorily." Peter instructs against service that stems from external pressure, obligation, legalism, or human expectation rather than internal conviction.
• but willingly (ἀλλ’ ἑκουσίως - all’ hekousiōs): "Hekousiōs" means "voluntarily," "freely," "spontaneously," "of one's own accord." This contrasts sharply with compulsion, highlighting that ministry must be driven by an internal, freely chosen desire, motivated by love for God and His people.
• as God would have you (κατὰ Θεόν - kata Theon): "Kata Theon" means "according to God," "godly," "as God desires/intends." This elevates the standard and motive for willing service. It's not just "willingly" in a human sense, but a willingness that aligns with and flows from God's own heart and purposes, seeking His approval above all. It suggests a service characterized by integrity, humility, and genuine love.
• not for dishonest gain (μὴδὲ αἰσχροκερδῶς - mēde aischrokerdōs): "Aischrokerdōs" means "sordidly," "for shameful gain," "greedily." This explicitly warns against avarice or making ministry a means for personal financial enrichment or corrupt profit. It denounces material self-interest as a motivator for serving God.
• but eagerly (ἀλλὰ προθύμως - alla prothymōs): "Prothymōs" means "readily," "cheerfully," "with a willing mind," "zealously." It describes a spirited, prompt, and earnest readiness to serve, demonstrating enthusiasm and positive disposition, stemming from a genuine love for the work and for the people.

Words-group analysis:

• "Shepherd the flock of God... exercising oversight": These two phrases delineate the twin aspects of leadership. "Shepherd" (poimainō) emphasizes the tender, nurturing, protective, and relational aspect, like a caring pastor. "Exercising oversight" (episkopountes) stresses the administrative, watchful, directive, and supervisory role, indicating active management and vigilance. Both are crucial for holistic leadership and reflect a servant-leader model that cares for the spiritual well-being and orderly functioning of the community.
• "not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you": This tripartite statement on motivation is central. It shifts the source of service from external pressure ("compulsion") to an internal, joyful willingness ("willingly"). The qualifier "as God would have you" elevates this willingness from mere human volition to a divinely inspired and aligned disposition. True spiritual service flows from a heart yielded to God, not from legalistic obligation or human expectation.
• "not for dishonest gain, but eagerly": This pair addresses the financial and attitudinal integrity of leadership. "Not for dishonest gain" specifically warns against mercenary motives, which often plagued religious figures in ancient societies and continues to be a snare. This prohibition guards against corruption and exploitation. The positive command "but eagerly" replaces selfish financial aims with a genuine, zealous passion for ministry itself, driven by pure motives and a desire to serve. It implies a selfless and energetic commitment to the welfare of God's people, rather than personal profit.

1 Peter 5 2 Bonus section

The concept of "the flock of God" belonging to Him is critical; it defines the boundaries of the elder's authority and prevents hierarchical abuse. Leaders are stewards, not owners. The term "exercising oversight" (episkopountes) in its continuous aspect ("-ing") implies an ongoing, active engagement, not a passive title. This verse implicitly sets up the "servant leadership" model, challenging prevailing cultural norms where leaders were often despots or sought power. It highlights the principle that godly leadership is an outflow of divine enabling and inner spiritual health, rather than external qualifications or a career path. The qualifications in this verse, therefore, are more about heart attitude and motivation than skill sets, recognizing that true ministry flows from a right relationship with God and a selfless love for His people.

1 Peter 5 2 Commentary

This verse provides the enduring blueprint for spiritual leadership within God's church. It defines not just what elders do, but how and why they do it. The core duty is "shepherding," an ancient metaphor emphasizing nurturing care, protection, and guidance, akin to how Jesus Christ, the Great Shepherd, leads His people. This leadership involves "exercising oversight," meaning watchful, diligent supervision for the good of the flock, not control or domination. Crucially, the verse stresses the motivations that validate or invalidate service. Leadership must be free from external "compulsion" – it's not a burden grudgingly borne, nor an unwanted obligation. Instead, it must stem from an intrinsic "willingness," an eager readiness of heart. This willingness is specifically "as God would have you," meaning it aligns with God's perfect will and godly character, reflecting His love and care for His church. Moreover, integrity in motive is paramount: service must not be driven by "dishonest gain," explicitly rejecting financial exploitation or material selfishness. This purifies the purpose of leadership, preventing it from becoming a self-serving profession. The alternative is serving "eagerly," with a cheerful, zealous disposition, truly desirous of advancing God's kingdom and tending to His people. Ultimately, 1 Peter 5:2 calls for sacrificial, servant-hearted leadership motivated by love for God and His flock, reflecting the very character of Christ who gave Himself for the sheep.

Examples:

• An elder prioritizing personal rest or hobbies over urgent pastoral visits. This indicates a lack of 'eagerness' or 'willingness'.
• A leader primarily interested in the financial compensation or benefits of their church position, rather than the spiritual welfare of members. This directly contradicts 'not for dishonest gain'.
• A pastor continuing ministry due to family tradition or church expectations, rather than a living, internal call and joy in serving. This speaks to serving 'under compulsion' rather than 'willingly, as God would have you'.