1 Peter 5 5

1 Peter 5:5 kjv

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.

1 Peter 5:5 nkjv

Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble."

1 Peter 5:5 niv

In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble."

1 Peter 5:5 esv

Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

1 Peter 5:5 nlt

In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for "God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble."

1 Peter 5 verses

1 Peter 5 5 Meaning

The verse commands younger Christians to humbly submit to their elders within the community. It extends this call to all believers, urging them to clothe themselves in humility towards one another, for God actively opposes the proud but bestows His divine favor and help upon those who are humble.

1 Peter 5 5 Context

This verse is found within Peter's concluding exhortations to the believers dispersed due to persecution. Chapter 5 begins with Peter, identifying himself as an elder, addressing fellow elders, instructing them on their shepherding duties—to shepherd the flock willingly, eagerly, and without greed, serving as examples, not lording over. Verse 5 immediately transitions from the elders' role to the "younger" generation, emphasizing reciprocal submission within the Christian community. It sets the stage for the universal command to humble oneself under God's mighty hand (v. 6) and cast anxieties on Him (v. 7), acknowledging that humility is essential for receiving God's grace, especially amidst suffering and spiritual warfare (v. 8-10). The call to humility serves as a bulwark against pride, a spiritual danger, ensuring reliance on God in challenging times.

1 Peter 5 5 Word analysis

• Likewise (ὡσαύτως, hosautōs): This adverb links the current instruction directly to the preceding one given to the elders in verses 1-4. It implies a continuation of the same theme of order and mutual responsibility within the church, signifying that submission is not a one-way street, but part of a wider system of grace and order.
• you younger (οἱ νεώτεροι, hoi neōteroi): Refers to those who are younger. This term can mean younger in age, and by extension, also newer or less experienced in faith or church leadership, as distinct from the "elders" (presbyteroi). It underscores an age-based hierarchy or respect for spiritual maturity and experience.
• be subject (ὑποτάγητε, hypotagēte): A command for voluntary submission, not forced subservience. From hypotassō, meaning "to place under," "to subordinate oneself," or "to obey." In a Christian context, it often denotes a humble, respectful willingness to cooperate with and yield to the authority or wisdom of another, done out of reverence for God, rather than coercion. It is a fundamental principle of Christian relationships (Eph 5:21).
• to the elders (πρεσβυτέροις, presbyterois): This refers to the church leaders, mentioned in 1 Pet 5:1, but can also denote older, more spiritually mature individuals within the community who command respect and have wisdom, distinct from younger members.
• And all of you (πάντες, pantes): A crucial inclusive phrase, indicating that the principle of humility applies not just to the young in relation to the old/elders, but to every single member of the community. It transcends age or position.
• clothe yourselves (ἐγκομβώσασθε, egkombōsasthe): A very striking and unique word in the New Testament, used here as a metaphor. It comes from egkombosasthe, referring to putting on an "enkomboma"—a long apron worn by slaves or servants over their regular clothing. This vivid image signifies a deep, pervasive, and evident humility that becomes like a uniform, characteristic of one's very being, openly declaring one's commitment to servanthood and modesty.
• with humility (ταπεινοφροσύνην, tapeinophrosynēn): "Lowliness of mind," "humbleness." This is a key New Testament virtue, standing in direct opposition to worldly pride. It involves a right estimation of oneself, free from arrogance and self-exaltation. It reflects a mindset where one considers others better than oneself (Php 2:3) and recognizes complete dependence on God.
• for God (ὁ Θεός, ho Theos): This points to the divine motivation and consequence. Humility is not just for good social order but is commanded by and pleases God Himself. It reveals His nature and establishes the standard for His interaction with humanity.
• resists (ἀντιτάσσεται, antitassetai): A strong word, meaning "to range oneself against," "to oppose oneself to," or "to set in array against." It implies an active, powerful opposition. God does not merely disapprove; He stands in battle array against pride, aligning Himself against the arrogant person's every endeavor.
• the proud (ὑπερηφάνοις, hyperēphanois): Those who are hyperēphanos, literally "appearing above" others. This describes someone arrogant, haughty, superior, full of self-exaltation, disdainful of others, and unwilling to submit to God or human authority. Their self-sufficiency positions them as enemies of God's sovereignty.
• but gives grace (δίδωσιν χάριν, didōsin charin): Grace is God's undeserved favor, His divine enablement and provision. The contrast is stark: resistance to the proud, but open-handed giving of favor, blessing, and spiritual strength to the humble.
• to the humble (ταπεινοῖς, tapeinois): Those who are tapeinos, lowly in status or spirit, modest, not arrogant, recognizing their own need and God's sufficiency. This is the positive counterpart to the proud.

• "Likewise, you younger, be subject to the elders": This group of words sets up a hierarchical relationship of submission and respect within the church community, mirroring common societal structures while infusing it with Christian humility and spiritual leadership. It's a call for mutual order.
• "And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another": This phrase expands the scope beyond age/leadership distinctions. The powerful metaphor of "clothing oneself" implies that humility is not a superficial act but a deeply ingrained character trait, a visible garment worn by every believer, fostering a spirit of mutual servanthood and selfless regard. The specific word egkombosasthe points to the image of a slave's apron, reinforcing practical servanthood.
• "for God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble": This central statement, echoing Proverbs 3:34 and James 4:6, forms the theological bedrock of the command. It reveals God's intrinsic nature and His governing principle for relating with humanity. It underscores that humility is not merely a social virtue but a direct alignment with the divine will, ensuring God's favor and empowering grace, while pride evokes divine opposition and judgment.

1 Peter 5 5 Bonus section

The concept of tapeinophrosyne (humility) as taught in the New Testament, and particularly highlighted in 1 Peter 5:5, is distinctly Christian. In Greco-Roman culture, tapeinophrosyne was often associated with low social status, degradation, or slavishness, carrying negative connotations. The New Testament redefines it as a cardinal virtue, modeled by Christ Himself (Php 2:5-8). Jesus' incarnation, His service to His disciples, and His death on the cross embody the ultimate act of humility, elevating it to a divine attribute worthy of imitation. This reversal of societal values presents a subtle but potent polemic against worldly standards of honor and prestige, emphasizing instead the divine favor on those who serve rather than dominate. The unique verb egkombosasthe emphasizes a practical, visible demonstration of humility that covers one like an outer garment, signaling that the believer's inner disposition should manifest outwardly in tangible acts of servanthood.

1 Peter 5 5 Commentary

First Peter 5:5 encapsulates a profound truth regarding Christian living: humility is the cornerstone of a healthy community and the prerequisite for divine favor. Peter first instructs the "younger"—both by age and perhaps spiritual maturity or position—to willingly submit to the spiritual authority of the "elders," thereby fostering order and respect within the church family. Crucially, this instruction extends to "all of you," signifying that mutual humility is not confined to specific groups but is a universal mandate for every believer. The striking metaphor of "clothing yourselves" with humility, akin to a servant's apron, illustrates that it must be an intentional, visible, and intrinsic quality that defines one's identity and interaction with others. This posture of lowliness is not weakness but a powerful alignment with God's character. The verse concludes with a foundational principle of God's interaction with humanity: He actively opposes the proud, those characterized by arrogance and self-exaltation, for pride inherently rejects dependence on Him. Conversely, God pours out His undeserved grace, enablement, and blessing upon those who embrace humility, recognizing their reliance on Him and valuing others above themselves. Thus, humility is not only a virtue but the key to experiencing God's transforming power and sustenance in all circumstances, especially amidst persecution and trials.