1 Peter 5:5

KJV

¶ Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

KJV (with Strong's)

Likewise {G3668}, ye younger {G3501}, submit yourselves {G5293} unto the elder {G4245}. Yea {G1161}, all {G3956} of you be subject {G5293} one to another {G240}, and be clothed {G1463} with humility {G5012}: for {G3754} God {G2316} resisteth {G498} the proud {G5244}, and {G1161} giveth {G1325} grace {G5485} to the humble {G5011}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Likewise, you who are less experienced, submit to leaders. Further, all of you should clothe yourselves in humility toward one another, because

God opposes the arrogant,
but to the humble he gives grace.

Berean Standard Bible

Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

American Standard Version

Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Peter 5:5 delivers a powerful exhortation to humility and mutual submission within the Christian community, building upon Peter's previous instructions to elders. It calls younger members to defer to their elders and, more broadly, urges all believers to adopt a posture of mutual deference, symbolically "clothing" themselves with humility. The verse then provides the profound theological rationale for this command, asserting that God actively opposes the proud but generously bestows His unmerited favor and divine enablement upon the humble.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Peter's epistle, which primarily addresses believers undergoing various forms of suffering and persecution in Asia Minor. Having discussed the nature of Christian suffering in [1 Peter 4](/1_peter/4 "1 Peter 4 - Suffering for Righteousness"), Peter transitions in [1 Peter 5](/1_peter/5 "1 Peter 5 - Exhortations to Elders and All Believers") to practical instructions for Christian living within the church community, particularly concerning leadership and community dynamics. He first charges the elders to shepherd the flock of God with willingness, humility, and as examples, rather than by compulsion or for personal gain, as seen in [1 Peter 5:1-4](/1_peter/5-1-4 "1 Peter 5:1-4 - Peter's Exhortation to Elders"). Verse 5 then extends this call for humble submission, first to the "younger" in relation to the "elder," and then universally to "all" believers, emphasizing the essential nature of mutual humility as the foundation for healthy communal life.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter's audience lived in the Roman Empire, where concepts of honor, status, and power were paramount. Humility, particularly the kind of self-effacing humility advocated by Peter, was often viewed as a weakness or even contemptible by the Greco-Roman world. The term "younger" (G3501, _néos_) likely refers not only to chronological age but also to those who are less experienced, less mature in faith, or hold lesser positions within the community, while "elder" (G4245, _presbýteros_) refers to both older individuals and established church leaders. The imagery of "being clothed with humility" carries a significant cultural nuance: the Greek word (G1463, _enkombóomai_) can refer to tying on a slave's apron or a simple outer garment worn for dirty work, vividly illustrating a posture of readiness to serve others, even in the most menial tasks, echoing the example of Christ. This was a radical counter-cultural call for believers.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Peter 5:5](/1_peter/5-5 "1 Peter 5:5 - Humility and God's Grace") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Peter's letter and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Submission within the Community**, extending the principle of deference from specific roles (elders to Christ, younger to elders) to a universal call for "all [of you] be subject one to another." This mutual submission is not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of Christ-like love and reverence, as also articulated in [Ephesians 5:21](/ephesians/5-21 "Ephesians 5:21 - Submitting to One Another"). Secondly, the verse powerfully emphasizes the **Imperative of Humility**, portraying it not merely as an internal attitude but as an outward "garment" that characterizes a believer's life and actions. This visible humility is presented as foundational for genuine Christian fellowship and spiritual well-being. Finally, the verse highlights **God's Active Stance on Pride and Humility**, drawing from Old Testament wisdom (Proverbs 3:34). It reveals God's divine opposition to arrogance and self-sufficiency, while simultaneously promising His abundant grace and favor to those who walk in lowliness of heart.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **submit yourselves (Greek, _hypotássō'_):** This verb (G5293) literally means "to subordinate," "to put under," or "to arrange under." In the middle voice, as used here, it implies a voluntary act of placing oneself under the authority, guidance, or care of another. It signifies a willing obedience and deference, not a forced subjugation, and is crucial for maintaining order and healthy relationships within the community.
* **clothed (Greek, _enkombóomai'_):** This unique verb (G1463) means "to engirdle oneself," specifically referring to tying on an outer garment or an apron, often worn by servants or slaves for labor. The imagery is powerful: humility is not just an internal state but an outward characteristic, like a visible uniform or a badge of servitude, indicating a readiness to serve others and a posture of mutual deference.
* **humility (Greek, _tapeinophrosýnē'_):** This compound noun (G5012) means "lowliness of mind," "humbleness of mind," or "modesty." It describes a disposition that is free from arrogance and self-exaltation, characterized by a realistic assessment of oneself in relation to God and others, leading to a willingness to serve and defer. It is the opposite of pride (G5244, _hyperḗphanos_).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder."**: Peter begins with a specific directive, connecting to his previous instructions for elders. The "younger" (G3501, _néos_) are exhorted to voluntarily place themselves under the authority and guidance of the "elder" (G4245, _presbýteros_), which can refer to both older individuals and those in positions of spiritual leadership and maturity. This establishes a principle of respect for experience and authority within the community.
* **"Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another,"**: Immediately, Peter broadens the scope of submission. The Greek particle "Yea" (G1161, _dé_) introduces a continuation and intensification, emphasizing that the principle of submission is not limited to age or role but applies universally. "All of you be subject one to another" (G240, _allḗlōn_) underscores the concept of mutual submission, where every believer, regardless of their status, is called to humble themselves and serve others out of reverence for Christ.
* **"and be clothed with humility:"**: This vivid metaphor provides the means by which mutual submission is made possible. Humility (G5012, _tapeinophrosýnē_) is presented as an outward garment (G1463, _enkombóomai_) that believers should put on. This signifies that humility must be a visible, active characteristic of one's life, expressed through actions and demeanor, reflecting a servant's heart and a readiness to take the lowest place.
* **"for God resisteth the proud,"**: This clause provides the divine motivation for humility. The conjunction "for" (G3754, _hóti_) introduces the theological basis. God (G2316, _theós_) actively "resists" (G498, _antitássomai_), or sets Himself against, those who are "proud" (G5244, _hyperḗphanos_). Pride, characterized by arrogance and self-sufficiency, creates an adversarial relationship with God, inviting His opposition and hindering His favor.
* **"and giveth grace to the humble."**: This is the contrasting promise and divine reward for humility. God (G2316, _theós_) "gives" (G1325, _dídōmi_) His "grace" (G5485, _cháris_)—His unmerited favor, divine enablement, and spiritual blessings—to those who are "humble" (G5011, _tapeinós_). Humility, marked by dependence on God and a willingness to serve, opens the door to God's abundant provision and empowers believers for spiritual growth and effectiveness.

#### Literary Devices
Peter employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey his message. The most prominent is the **Metaphor** "be clothed with humility," which vividly portrays humility not as an abstract concept but as a tangible garment that believers must intentionally put on. This imagery emphasizes that humility should be an outward, visible characteristic of one's life, influencing actions and demeanor, much like a servant's apron. There is also a strong **Juxtaposition** or **Contrast** between the proud and the humble, and between God's response to each: He "resists" the proud but "gives grace" to the humble. This sharp contrast highlights the diametrically opposed outcomes of these two dispositions. Furthermore, the latter part of the verse contains a direct **Allusion** to the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) version of Proverbs 3:34, lending ancient wisdom and divine authority to Peter's exhortation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a cornerstone for understanding Christian community and the nature of God's interaction with humanity. Theologically, it reveals God as actively involved in human affairs, not passively observing, but taking a definitive stance against pride and in favor of humility. Pride, in this context, is not merely self-confidence but an arrogant self-sufficiency that denies dependence on God and others, placing oneself above divine authority and communal harmony. Conversely, humility is presented as the posture that aligns with God's character and opens the channel for His divine favor and empowerment. This principle underscores the counter-cultural nature of the Kingdom of God, where true greatness is found not in self-exaltation but in humble service and dependence. The verse thus serves as a foundational ethical imperative for believers, shaping their relationships with God and with one another, and fostering a community built on grace rather than competition or hierarchy.

* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud")
* [Proverbs 3:34](/proverbs/3-34 "Proverbs 3:34 - God's Favor for the Humble")
* [Philippians 2:3-8](/philippians/2-3-8 "Philippians 2:3-8 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Peter 5:5 offers profound and practical guidance for every believer, calling us to a radical reorientation of our perspectives on self, others, and God. It challenges the innate human tendency towards self-promotion and pride, urging us instead to cultivate a spirit of genuine humility that manifests in our daily interactions. To "clothe" ourselves with humility means to intentionally choose a posture of service, deference, and teachability, even when it feels counter-intuitive or goes against worldly norms. This involves actively listening to others, being willing to learn from those with more experience, and serving in ways that may not bring personal recognition. The call to "be subject one to another" dismantles hierarchical thinking within the body of Christ, fostering a culture where every member is valued, and all are called to contribute by humbly serving each other. Recognizing that God Himself opposes the proud should serve as a powerful deterrent against arrogance, while the promise of His grace to the humble provides immense encouragement to pursue this often-difficult virtue. Embracing humility is not weakness; it is the pathway to experiencing God's abundant favor, spiritual growth, and genuine, Christ-like relationships.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life do I tend to exhibit pride, and how can I intentionally cultivate a more humble posture?**
* **How can I actively practice "mutual submission" in my relationships within my family, church, or workplace?**
* **What does it practically mean for me to "clothe myself with humility" in my daily actions and attitudes?**
* **How does understanding God's resistance to the proud and His grace to the humble motivate me to pursue humility?**

### FAQ
**Question? Is "younger" only about age in this verse?**

Answer: While "younger" (G3501, _néos_) can certainly refer to chronological age, in this context, it extends beyond that. It encompasses those who are less experienced, less mature in faith, or hold positions of lesser authority or influence within the Christian community. The contrast with "elder" (G4245, _presbýteros_), which refers to both older individuals and church leaders, suggests a broader application of submission to those with greater wisdom, experience, or spiritual oversight. However, the subsequent command for "all [of you] be subject one to another" makes it clear that the principle of humility and mutual deference applies universally, transcending specific age groups or roles.

**Question? What does it mean that "God resisteth the proud"?**

Answer: The Greek word for "resisteth" (G498, _antitássomai_) is a strong term meaning "to range oneself against," "to oppose actively," or "to set oneself in battle array against." It signifies that God is not neutral toward pride; He actively stands in opposition to it. Pride, characterized by arrogance, self-sufficiency, and a refusal to acknowledge dependence on God or others, is an affront to God's sovereignty and grace. When individuals are proud, they essentially set themselves against God's will and ways, and God, in turn, opposes their self-exaltation. This divine resistance means that the proud will find their efforts hindered, their plans thwarted, and their spiritual growth stifled, as they are cut off from the flow of God's favor and blessing.

**Question? How does humility lead to receiving God's grace?**

Answer: Humility is the posture that acknowledges one's dependence on God and one's need for His unmerited favor. When we are humble (G5011, _tapeinós_), we recognize our limitations, our sinfulness, and our inability to achieve anything of lasting spiritual value apart from God. This recognition creates an open vessel for God's "grace" (G5485, _cháris_), which is His divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in the life, including His unmerited favor, spiritual enablement, and blessings. Pride, conversely, is a closed fist, believing it has no need for God or others, thereby cutting itself off from the very source of life and power. Humility, therefore, is not a merit that earns grace, but a disposition that is receptive to the free gift of God's love and power, allowing it to flow abundantly into one's life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Peter 5:5 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent example of the humility and submission that Peter commands. Though being in very nature God, Christ did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but rather emptied Himself, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - The Humility of Christ")). He perfectly embodied the command to "be clothed with humility," demonstrating it by washing His disciples' feet, an act typically reserved for the lowest servant ([John 13:1-17](/john/13-1-17 "John 13:1-17 - Jesus Washes Disciples' Feet")). Jesus Himself declared, "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" ([Matthew 11:29](/matthew/11-29 "Matthew 11:29 - Jesus' Gentle and Humble Heart")). His entire earthly life was one of perfect submission to the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross ([Hebrews 5:8](/hebrews/5-8 "Hebrews 5:8 - Christ Learned Obedience")). It is precisely because of His profound humility and obedience that God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). Thus, the promise that God "giveth grace to the humble" is supremely fulfilled in Christ, who, by His perfect humility, became the source of all grace and salvation for those who humble themselves before Him ([Luke 14:11](/luke/14-11 "Luke 14:11 - The Humble Exalted")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

James 4:6

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Proverbs 3:34

Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.

Ephesians 5:21

¶ Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Romans 12:10

[Be] kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

Philippians 2:3

[Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Colossians 3:12

¶ Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Isaiah 66:2

For all those [things] hath mine hand made, and all those [things] have been, saith the LORD: but to this [man] will I look, [even] to [him that is] poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.