Bible Strands
1 Peter 5:2
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness;
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Peter, identifying himself as a fellow elder and witness of Christ’s sufferings, addresses the local elders. He issues this charge as part of a broader instruction on pastoral conduct.
The words — The text commands them to ποιμὰνατε (poimanate), literally “do shepherd,” and to ἐπισκοποῦντες (episkopountes), meaning “exercising oversight.” These verbs define the pastoral role as active care and supervision rather than administrative management.
The thread — The oversight language parallels Titus 1:7, which lists character qualifications for an overseer, and 1 Timothy 3:8, which explicitly forbids greed for money. The theme of pastoral accountability aligns with Acts 20:26, where Paul testifies to his innocence regarding the blood of others.
Why it lands — The verse requires leaders to shepherd willingly and without financial motive, mirroring divine expectation. It demands that authority be exercised through voluntary service and personal example rather than coercion or self-interest.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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;
Cross-references
- Titus 1:7 As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money.
- 1 Timothy 3:8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued or given to much wine or greedy for money.
- Acts 20:26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men.
- Titus 3:1 Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work,
- 1 Timothy 3:3 not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money.
- Ezekiel 34:2 “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed their flock?
- 1 Corinthians 9:7 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Who tends a flock and does not drink of its milk?
- Ezekiel 34:23 I will appoint over them one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them. He will feed them and be their shepherd.
- Ezekiel 34:31 ‘You are My flock, the sheep of My pasture, My people, and I am your God,’ declares the Lord GOD.”
- Micah 3:11 Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets practice divination for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD, saying, “Is not the LORD among us? No disaster can come upon us.”