Meaning, commentary and cross references
1 Peter 5:6
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
NIV · New International Version
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
WEB · World English Bible
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time,
What does 1 Peter 5:6 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on 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…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on 1 Peter 5:5–7
Hence the apostle adds: Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time, Pe1 5:6. "Since God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble, therefore humble yourselves, not only one to another, but to the great God, whose judgments are coming upon the world, and must begin at the house of God (Pe1 4:17); his hand is almighty, and can easily pull you down if you be proud, or exalt you if you be humble; and it will certainly do it, either in this life, if he sees it best for you, or at the day of general retribution." Learn, (1.) The consideration of the omnipotent hand of God should make us humble and submissive to him in all that he brings…
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on 1 Peter 5:5–7
6. Humiliamini ergo sub potenti manu Dei, ut vos extollat quum erit opportunum; 7. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 7. Omni cura vestra in eum conjecta; quoniam illi cura est vestri. 5 Likewise, ye younger The word elder is put here in a sense different from what it had before; for it is necessary, when a contrast is made between them and the younger, that the two clauses should correspond.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: 1 Peter 5:3–9 (WEB)
3not as lording it over those entrusted to you, but making yourselves examples to the flock. 4When the chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the crown of glory that doesn’t fade away. 5Likewise, you younger ones, be subject to the elder. Yes, all of you clothe yourselves with humility and subject yourselves to one another; for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time, 7casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you. 8Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9Withstand him steadfast in your faith, knowing that your brothers who are in the world are undergoing the same sufferings.
Cross references
- James 4:10
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will exalt you.
- Luke 14:11
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
- Proverbs 29:23
A man’s pride brings him low, but one of lowly spirit gains honor.
- Matthew 23:12
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
- Luke 18:14
I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
- 2 Chronicles 32:26
However, Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the LORD’s wrath didn’t come on them in the days of Hezekiah.
- Luke 1:52
He has put down princes from their thrones, and has exalted the lowly.
- 2 Chronicles 12:12
When he humbled himself, the LORD’s wrath turned from him, so as not to destroy him altogether. Moreover, there were good things found in Judah.