1 Peter Chapter 5 · Verse 2
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;
Original Language Analysis
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ποίμνιον
the flock
G4168
ποίμνιον
the flock
Strong's:
G4168
Word #:
5 of 16
a flock, i.e., (figuratively) group (of believers)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
7 of 16
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἐπισκοποῦντες
taking the oversight
G1983
ἐπισκοποῦντες
taking the oversight
Strong's:
G1983
Word #:
8 of 16
to oversee; by implication, to beware
μὴ
thereof not
G3361
μὴ
thereof not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
9 of 16
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
11 of 16
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
Cross References
1 Timothy 3:8Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;Titus 1:7For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;1 Timothy 3:3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;Titus 3:1Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,1 Corinthians 9:7Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?Hebrews 12:15Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;2 Peter 2:3And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.Ezekiel 34:31And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord GOD.Zechariah 11:17Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.Luke 12:32Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Historical Context
Peter contrasts godly eldership. These standards protect flock. Reformed tradition emphasized genuine call to ministry.
Questions for Reflection
- How can members discern whether leaders serve willingly?
- What's the difference between proper authority and domineering?
Analysis & Commentary
Peter commands faithful shepherding. Serve willingly, sacrificially, humbly. Elders are under-shepherds accountable to Chief Shepherd.