Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

1 Peter 5:6

ταπεινώθητε οὖν. Such humility towards fellow-Christians is only the outward expression of humility towards God, just as obedience to rulers, masters or husbands was shewn to be based upon fear and subjection towards God. In their present circumstances of “trial by fire” such humility towards God must be shewn by patient, trustful acceptance of suffering as part of His loving purpose. They must not resent it as “a strange chance” or be fretful with anxiety (μέριμνα). Suffering for Christ is in itself a position of favour (cf. Philippians 1:29). To bear it humbly is the condition for being exalted to full and final favour.

κραταιὰν χεῖρα τοῦ θεοῦ. The “mighty hand” of God is generally used in the LXX. of God’s power in deliverance, e.g. from Egypt, Exodus 3:19; Deuteronomy 9:29, etc., but in Ezekiel 20:34 it is used of God’s power in judgment, in scattering His people in exile. So here God’s “mighty hand” is shewn in judgment, but that same “mighty hand” will exalt those who humbly submit to His discipline.

ὑψώσῃ, for the exaltation of the lowly cf. Matthew 23:12; Luke 1:52; Luke 14:11; Luke 18:14.

ἐν καιρῷ. AP and some cursives and versions add ἐπισκοπῆς from 1 Peter 2:12. Here it means in His own good time. Christians must not be impatient if God seems “to tarry long with them.”

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Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

1 Peter 5:6

Old Testament

New Testament