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Give a shepherd’s care to[a] God’s flock among you, exercising oversight[b] not merely as a duty[c] but willingly under God’s direction,[d] not for shameful profit but eagerly. And do not lord it over[e] those entrusted to you,[f] but be examples to the flock. Then[g] when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that never fades away.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Peter 5:2 tn Grk “shepherd,” “tend,” “pastor.”
  2. 1 Peter 5:2 tc A few significant and early witnesses mss (א* B sa) lack ἐπισκοποῦντες (episkopountes, “exercising oversight”), but the participle enjoys otherwise good ms support (P72 א2 A P Ψ 33 1739 M lat bo). A decision is difficult because normally the shorter reading is preferred, especially when found in excellent witnesses. However, in this instance the omission may be due to a hesitation among some scribes to associate oversight with elders, since the later church viewed overseer/bishop as a separate office from elder.
  3. 1 Peter 5:2 tn Or “not under compulsion/coercion.”
  4. 1 Peter 5:2 tn Grk “according to God.”
  5. 1 Peter 5:3 tn Grk “not as lording it over…but being examples.” The participles continue the command of v. 2 by describing how the shepherding should be carried out.
  6. 1 Peter 5:3 tn Grk “the ones allotted,” referring to those God has given over to their care.
  7. 1 Peter 5:4 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “Then” to reflect the logical sequence of events.

Be shepherds of God’s flock(A) that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be;(B) not pursuing dishonest gain,(C) but eager to serve; not lording it over(D) those entrusted to you, but being examples(E) to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd(F) appears, you will receive the crown of glory(G) that will never fade away.(H)

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