1 Peter 5 4

1 Peter 5:4 kjv

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

1 Peter 5:4 nkjv

and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.

1 Peter 5:4 niv

And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

1 Peter 5:4 esv

And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

1 Peter 5:4 nlt

And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.

1 Peter 5 verses

1 Peter 5 4 Meaning

First Peter 5:4 assures faithful spiritual leaders (elders) of a future reward at the second coming of Jesus Christ. When Christ, the supreme "Chief Shepherd," appears, those who have diligently and humbly tended God's flock will receive an unfading crown of glory, a lasting and incorruptible honor that transcends all earthly accolades.

1 Peter 5 4 Context

First Peter 5:4 serves as a foundational promise within the broader counsel Peter gives to the elders of the scattered churches in Asia Minor. In 1 Peter 5:1-3, Peter addresses these elders, exhorting them to shepherd the flock of God among them with willingness, eagerness, humility, and without covetousness or domineering control. He presents himself as a "fellow elder" and a "witness of the sufferings of Christ," connecting his authority to shared experience and future hope. Verse 4 then provides the divine motivation for fulfilling these demanding pastoral responsibilities: the anticipation of Christ's return and the accompanying reward. This promise implicitly challenges the fleeting nature of worldly power, material gain, or human applause, which might tempt leaders to compromise their integrity. The cultural context involved Christian minorities living under Roman rule, often facing suspicion or outright persecution, making faithful leadership crucial for their perseverance. The "Chief Shepherd" imagery might subtly contrast with earthly rulers or false religious leaders who abused their authority.

1 Peter 5 4 Word analysis

• And: Links this promise directly to the preceding exhortations for elders (vv. 1-3), indicating the consequence or reward for their faithful service.
• when: Points to a future, certain event—the second coming of Christ.
• the chief Shepherd: Greek: Archipoimēn (ἀρχιποιμήν). This is a unique title for Jesus in the New Testament, used only here. Archipoiimēn combines archi (first, chief, principal) and poimēn (shepherd). It designates Jesus as the supreme, preeminent, or principal Shepherd over all local human shepherds (elders). This emphasizes His ultimate authority and ownership of the flock, establishing that earthly shepherds are merely undershepherds accountable to Him. It distinguishes Jesus from any other human or earthly authority figure.
• shall appear: Greek: phanerōthentos (φανερωθέντος), aorist participle of phaneroō, meaning "to make manifest," "to bring to light," or "to become visible." It denotes a clear, public revelation or showing. This points to the visible return of Christ at the end of the age, not merely a spiritual revelation.
• ye shall receive: This signifies a certain, guaranteed reception of a divine bestowal, not something earned in a meritorious sense, but a gracious reward given by God for faithful stewardship.
• a crown: Greek: stephanon (στέφανον). This typically refers to the victor's wreath or prize in ancient athletic games (like the Olympics) or a civic garland of honor, rather than a royal diadem (diadēma). It denotes honor, victory, achievement, and recognition, particularly for a struggle well-fought or a duty faithfully discharged.
• of glory: Greek: doxēs (δόξης). Refers to honor, praise, renown, or divine splendor. The crown itself is "glory," indicating its resplendent, divine quality. It's a crown composed of glory, or a crown that manifests glory. It represents ultimate vindication and participation in God's own radiant nature.
• that fadeth not away: Greek: amarántinon (ἀμαράντινον). A powerful word, literally "unfading" or "imperishable." It is related to the word for the amarant flower, which in ancient times was believed to never fade, symbolizing eternal life or unfading beauty. This emphasizes the lasting, incorruptible, and permanent nature of the heavenly reward, standing in stark contrast to the perishable and temporary rewards of this world. It is a heavenly reality, free from decay and time's erosion.

Words-group analysis:

• "the chief Shepherd shall appear": This phrase highlights Christ's ultimate authority and future Advent. It is a call to accountability for those whom He has placed in leadership. Their stewardship is temporary and will be reviewed by the Owner of the sheep.
• "ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away": This entire phrase conveys the divine promise of an eternal, honorable, and beautiful reward. It underscores that true worth and recognition come from Christ alone and are lasting, contrasting with transient human praise or gain. The "unfading crown" offers a profound eschatological hope that fuels endurance and faithful service despite present difficulties.

1 Peter 5 4 Bonus section

The unique term Archipoimēn (Chief Shepherd) for Jesus in this verse reinforces His comprehensive authority and divine nature. It sets the standard for all human leadership, indicating that humility and service, not domination, characterize true biblical shepherding, mirroring Christ's own self-giving nature. This reward for elders parallels the general promise of various "crowns" for believers (crown of righteousness, life, etc.), but specifically for those in spiritual oversight, highlighting the specific honor for this critical role. The imperishability of the crown implies a share in God's own imperishable glory, far surpassing any earthly accolades that fade with time.

1 Peter 5 4 Commentary

1 Peter 5:4 serves as the divine incentive for elders to faithfully fulfill their weighty calling. It reveals that Christian leadership is not primarily about earthly recognition, power, or financial gain, but about serving the "Chief Shepherd" in caring for His precious flock. The promise of the "unfading crown of glory" offers unparalleled motivation. This crown is not perishable like an athlete's laurel wreath; it is eternal, infused with divine splendor, signifying true and lasting honor that will be bestowed personally by Jesus at His glorious return. This future reality provides comfort and strength for elders enduring hardship, offering a permanent reward for temporary obedience and selfless devotion. It calls for a profound shift in perspective from present challenges to future divine vindication, encouraging leaders to seek God's approval above all else. For instance, an elder diligently visiting the sick and elderly without public recognition knows his reward is sure. A pastor resisting temptations of wealth or easy popularity to preach difficult truths remains steadfast because the eternal crown awaits.