1 Peter 5:6

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

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1 Peter 5:6 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
English Standard Version (ESV)
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,
New Living Translation (NLT)
6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.
The Message Bible (MSG)
6 So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time.
American Standard Version (ASV)
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time;
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
6 Be humbled by God's power so that when the right time comes he will honor you.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you in due time,
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
6 So don't be proud. Put yourselves under God's mighty hand. Then he will honor you at the right time.

1 Peter 5:6 Meaning and Commentary

1 Peter 5:6

Humble yourselves therefore
Or be ye humbled before God, and in his sight; quietly submit to his will; patiently bear every affliction without murmuring, repining, or replying against him; be still under the rod, and despise not the chastening of the Lord; mourn over sin as the cause, acknowledge your vileness and unworthiness, and stand in awe of his majesty, considering yourselves as

under the mighty hand of God
a phrase expressive of his omnipotence which cannot be stayed, and it would be madness to oppose it; and which is able to cast down the proud, and dash them to pieces, as well as to exalt the humble. His hand, upon men, in a way of chastisement, presses sore, and, in a way of punishment, presses down, and crushes to pieces; but to be under it in an humble manner is safe and profitable; such are hid as in the hollow of his hand, and are safe as in a pavilion, and comfortable under the shadow of his wings; and such humiliation and submission to him, and putting themselves under his mighty hand and care, is the way to exaltation:

that he may exalt you in due time:
the Arabic version reads, "in the time of exaltation": when his time to exalt is come, either in this world, or more especially at the appearance of Christ and his kingdom. The Vulgate Latin version, and two copies of Beza's, one of Stephens's, and the Alexandrian, read, "in the time of visitation"; and so the Ethiopic version, "when he shall have visited you"; which seems to be taken out of ( 1 Peter 2:12 ) sooner or later such who are humbled shall be exalted; it is the usual way and method which God takes to abase the proud, and exalt the humble; for humble souls honour him, and therefore such as honour him he will honour; and this he does in his own time, in a time that makes most for his glory, and their good; oftentimes he does it in this life, and always in that which is to come.

1 Peter 5:6 In-Context

4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Cross References 1

  • 1. Job 5:11; James 4:10
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