Bible Strands
1 Peter 5:3
not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Peter addresses elders within the congregations of Asia Minor, mid-way through a pastoral charge (5:2–4) on how to exercise oversight.
The words — κατακυριεύοντες (katakurieuontes) compounds kata- (down upon) with kurieuō (to lord over), painting domination as a downward imposition rather than service. τῦποι (tupoi) means concrete models or patterns to be imitated, not vague "examples."
The thread — Ezekiel 34:4 lists the failures of shepherds who neglected the flock, the negative mirror to this verse. Philippians 3:17 and 2 Thessalonians 3:9 both deploy τῦπος in the sense of a walk others are to copy.
Why it lands — It inverts the power axis: the elder's authority is measured by how visibly he serves, not by how much he commands.
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
Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
Cross-references
- Ezekiel 34:4 You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bound up the injured, brought back the strays, or searched for the lost. Instead, you have ruled them with violence and cruelty.
- Philippians 3:17 Join one another in following my example, brothers, and carefully observe those who walk according to the pattern we set for you.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:9 Not that we lack this right, but we wanted to offer ourselves as an example for you to imitate.
- Matthew 20:25 But Jesus called them aside and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them.
- 2 Corinthians 1:24 Not that we lord it over your faith, but we are fellow workers with you for your joy, because it is by faith that you stand firm.
- 1 Timothy 4:12 Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
- Titus 2:7 In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity,
- Matthew 23:8 But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers.
- Mark 10:42 So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them.
- Luke 22:24 A dispute also arose among the disciples as to which of them should be considered the greatest.