Bible Strands
1 Peter 5:4
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Peter addresses church elders in a pastoral letter, positioning this verse between instructions on shepherding conduct and a command to clothe oneself with humility.
The words — φανερωθέντος (phanerōthentos) literally means "when revealed," and ἀμαραντίνον (amarantinon) translates directly to "unfading," establishing the verse's temporal and eternal contrast.
The thread — The promise of an imperishable reward parallels James 1:12’s crown of life, contrasts with 1 Corinthians 9:25’s perishable athletic crowns, and echoes Isaiah 40:11’s shepherd imagery.
Why it lands — The text commands elders to shepherd without domineering by tying their present labor to a guaranteed, eternal reward upon Christ’s return.
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
And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
Cross-references
- James 1:12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
- 1 Corinthians 9:25 Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable.
- Isaiah 40:11 He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.
- 2 Timothy 4:8 From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing.
- 1 John 3:2 Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.
- Psalms 23:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
- Revelation 2:10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
- Revelation 3:11 I am coming soon. Hold fast to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.
- 1 Peter 1:4 and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you,
- Ezekiel 37:24 My servant David will be king over them, and there will be one shepherd for all of them. They will follow My ordinances and keep and observe My statutes.