1 Peter 5 6

1 Peter 5:6 kjv

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

1 Peter 5:6 nkjv

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,

1 Peter 5:6 niv

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

1 Peter 5:6 esv

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,

1 Peter 5:6 nlt

So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.

1 Peter 5 verses

1 Peter 5 6 Meaning

The verse calls believers to a deliberate act of submission to God’s supreme power and authority, especially in times of hardship. This voluntary humility, rooted in trust and acknowledging God's sovereignty over all circumstances, ensures that at God’s appointed and perfect moment, He will undoubtedly raise them up and honor them, granting relief or ultimate vindication.

1 Peter 5 6 Context

First Peter chapter 5 concludes the apostle's epistle with a series of exhortations focused on humble service, vigilance, and perseverance in the face of suffering. The preceding verses (1 Pet 5:1-5) directly address the roles of elders in pastoring the flock and the call for younger believers to submit to elders, emphasizing that all should be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Therefore, 1 Peter 5:6 builds directly upon this foundational principle of humility, applying it universally to all believers.Historically, the recipients of Peter's letter were Christians dispersed throughout Asia Minor, experiencing various forms of persecution and social ostracism. In such a challenging environment, where seeking self-preservation or status might be tempting, Peter underscores the counter-cultural Christian value of humility and dependence on God's sovereign care. Roman society highly valued honor, status, and power; therefore, a call to "humble yourselves" was a direct challenge to the prevailing worldly ethos, encouraging believers to trust in God's ultimate vindication rather than striving for earthly recognition.

1 Peter 5 6 Word analysis

• Humble yourselves (ταπεινώσατε - tapeinōsatē):

  • Aorist active imperative verb. It signifies a decisive, voluntary action. This is not passive submission out of weakness, but an intentional act of self-lowering before God. It implies abandoning pride, self-reliance, and seeking one's own way.
  • It points to an ongoing posture of the heart, choosing continually to put oneself under God.
  • Significance: A crucial, commanded act, contrasting with human arrogance and self-assertion.

• therefore (διό - dio):

  • A strong connective particle. It introduces a logical consequence or inference based on what precedes.
  • It links this verse to the earlier declaration that "God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble" (1 Pet 5:5).
  • Significance: Grounds the command for humility in God’s established principle.

• under (ὑπό - hupo):

  • A preposition indicating subjection, position underneath, or sphere of influence.
  • Significance: Establishes a relationship of subordinate authority to God's powerful hand.

• the mighty (κραταιὰν - krataian):

  • Adjective meaning strong, mighty, powerful. This term is often used in the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) to describe God's powerful intervention, particularly in the Exodus narrative.
  • Significance: Emphasizes the overwhelming, irresistible power of God, worthy of trust and submission.

• hand (χεῖρα - cheira):

  • A common metaphor for power, activity, authority, and agency.
  • "The hand of God" in Scripture often refers to His omnipotent action in judgment, creation, deliverance, or sustenance.
  • Significance: Implies active divine sovereignty, capable of both upholding and humbling.

• of God (Θεοῦ - Theou):

  • The ultimate, sovereign Being to whom this humility is directed.
  • Significance: Emphasizes the divine source and object of our submission, clarifying that this is not humility before people primarily, but before the Creator and Ruler of all.

• so that (ἵνα - hina):

  • A conjunction introducing a purpose or result clause.
  • Significance: Highlights the intended outcome or divine purpose of their humility, creating hope and motivation.

• at the proper time (καιρῷ - kairō):

  • Refers to an appointed, opportune, or specific moment, a "due season" (kairos), rather than mere chronological time (chronos).
  • Significance: Stresses God's perfect timing, not human timing. This calls for patience, endurance, and trust in divine wisdom even when suffering seems prolonged.

• he may exalt you (ὑψώσει - hypsōsei):

  • Future indicative active verb. God Himself is the agent of exaltation.
  • From hypsoo, meaning to raise high, lift up, elevate, honor. This exaltation could be spiritual vindication, deliverance from trial, restoration, or ultimate glory in the eternal future.
  • Significance: Guarantees divine recognition and elevation for those who humble themselves.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God: This phrase directly connects the human act of intentional humility to the overarching power and authority of God. The "mighty hand" signifies God's absolute control over all circumstances, including suffering and trials. To humble oneself "under" it implies acknowledging His sovereign rule and submitting to His will, even when it is difficult to understand or experience. It stands as a theological foundation for enduring adversity, reminding believers that even in suffering, they are beneath the hand of a powerful yet benevolent God. This act of self-abasement contrasts sharply with pagan or self-aggrandizing beliefs that sought human control or power, underscoring dependence on divine omnipotence.

• so that at the proper time he may exalt you: This second part states the divinely guaranteed outcome and motivation for humility. The "proper time" signifies God's perfect and appointed moment, underscoring that the exaltation is not dependent on human effort or immediate relief, but on God's sovereign timing and plan. It serves as a strong encouragement for patience and perseverance, particularly for a community enduring persecution. The exaltation promised is a divine action, not a self-achieved status, aligning with God's character as the one who brings the low to high honor.

1 Peter 5 6 Bonus section

The concept of humility leading to exaltation, prominent in this verse, is a recurring theme in both the Old and New Testaments, consistently revealed through the lives of figures like Joseph, Moses, and David. However, the ultimate paradigm is Christ Jesus Himself. Philippians 2:5-11 powerfully describes Christ's voluntary humility ("He humbled Himself") even to death on a cross, which resulted in God "highly exalting Him." This highlights that Christian humility is not merely a virtue to acquire but an emulation of Christ's very life and suffering, understanding that His path of lowliness was the path to divine glorification. Thus, when believers humble themselves under God's mighty hand, they are not only obeying a command but also participating in the very pattern of their Lord. This "humbling" is often understood as a response to God's discipline, a yielding to His providential hand even when it feels heavy or difficult. It’s an active spiritual disposition, essential for receiving God’s grace and enduring suffering with hope.

1 Peter 5 6 Commentary

First Peter 5:6 succinctly articulates a core paradox of the Christian life: true elevation comes through humble submission. The command to "Humble yourselves" is not about self-deprecation or forced humiliation, but a deliberate, active choice to surrender one's pride, self-will, and aspirations to God's sovereign control. This act of humbling is made "under the mighty hand of God," signifying recognition of His supreme authority and omnipotent power, which is active in both allowing suffering and ultimately bringing deliverance. This imagery draws from Old Testament instances of God's decisive intervention, assuring believers that their circumstances, no matter how dire, are within His control.The promised result, "so that at the proper time he may exalt you," offers immense hope and reinforces the virtue of patient endurance. The emphasis on "proper time" (kairos) highlights God's perfect timing, which often differs from human expectations. This requires deep trust that God will indeed lift them up—whether through vindication, relief from trial, spiritual flourishing, or ultimate glory—but strictly on His divine schedule. It discourages striving for self-promotion or earthly accolades and redirects focus to God’s ultimate honor. This verse serves as a profound call to unwavering trust in God's wisdom, power, and faithfulness, particularly in moments of adversity, knowing that His way leads to ultimate, divine exaltation.

• Example for practical usage: When facing a challenging situation where a believer feels overlooked or mistreated, instead of reacting with bitterness or striving for self-vindication, the instruction is to humble themselves under God's will. This might mean patiently enduring, praying, and trusting God to reveal the path or bring the resolution at His perfect time, rather than seeking immediate self-exaltation or worldly solutions.