1 Peter 2:25
For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
3 of 16
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
πρόβατα
sheep
G4263
πρόβατα
sheep
Strong's:
G4263
Word #:
4 of 16
something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)
πλανώμενα·
going astray
G4105
πλανώμενα·
going astray
Strong's:
G4105
Word #:
5 of 16
to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
6 of 16
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
8 of 16
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
ἐπὶ
unto
G1909
ἐπὶ
unto
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
9 of 16
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπίσκοπον
Bishop
G1985
ἐπίσκοπον
Bishop
Strong's:
G1985
Word #:
13 of 16
a superintendent, i.e., christian officer in genitive case charge of a (or the) church (literally or figuratively)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Isaiah 53:6All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.Ezekiel 34:6My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them.Acts 20:28Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.Isaiah 40:11He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.Psalms 119:176I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.Matthew 9:36But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.Matthew 18:12How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?1 Peter 5:4And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.Hebrews 13:20Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,Jeremiah 23:2Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.
Historical Context
Isaiah 53:6's "all we like sheep have gone astray" described Israel's rebellion. Peter applies this to Gentile converts, once lost in paganism, now returned to true Shepherd. The shepherd metaphor appears throughout Scripture (Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34, John 10) emphasizing God's caring leadership. For slaves addressed in context, knowing Christ personally cared for their souls (regardless of earthly masters' treatment) provided profound comfort. Early church understood conversion as return—prodigal coming home, lost sheep found, dead raised to life. The "Bishop of souls" language later influenced church office terminology (episkopos/bishop), though here refers primarily to Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding your pre-conversion state as 'going astray' increase gratitude for Christ's shepherding?
- In what practical ways does Christ currently function as Shepherd and Overseer of your soul?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Peter concludes the slavery section with gospel imagery. "For ye were as sheep going astray" (ēte gar hōs probata planōmena) echoes Isaiah 53:6—universal human condition of lostness, wandering from God like wayward sheep without shepherd, vulnerable and directionless. "But are now returned" (alla epestraphēte nyn)—conversion is return, coming back to where you belong. "Unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls" (epi ton poimena kai episkopon tōn psychōn hymōn). "Shepherd" (poimena) emphasizes care, protection, guidance. "Bishop" (episkopon) literally means overseer—one who watches over, supervises. Christ shepherds and oversees believers' souls, providing what they lacked while astray: guidance, protection, care, accountability.