1 Peter 5:6

KJV

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

KJV (with Strong's)

Humble yourselves {G5013} therefore {G3767} under {G5259} the mighty {G2900} hand {G5495} of God {G2316}, that {G2443} he may exalt {G5312} you {G5209} in {G1722} due time {G2540}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that at the right time he may lift you up.

Berean Standard Bible

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.

American Standard Version

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Peter 5:6 serves as a foundational exhortation to believers, calling them to a posture of active humility and confident trust in the sovereign power of God, especially when navigating the various trials and persecutions of life. It encapsulates the profound truth that genuine submission to God's will, even in suffering, is the pathway to divine exaltation, which will be realized according to God's perfect timing and wisdom. This verse offers both a command and a promise, anchoring the believer's hope in God's ultimate faithfulness and justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes Peter's practical exhortations to the scattered believers throughout Asia Minor. Following his counsel to elders to shepherd the flock willingly and humbly ([1 Peter 5:1-4](/1-peter/5-1-4 "1 Peter 5:1-4 - Exhortation to Elders")), and to younger members to submit to their elders ([1 Peter 5:5a](/1-peter/5-5a "1 Peter 5:5a - Exhortation to Younger Men")), Peter extends a universal call to humility to *all* believers. The preceding verse also emphasizes mutual humility, stating, "Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility" ([1 Peter 5:5b](/1-peter/5-5b "1 Peter 5:5b - Mutual Humility")). Thus, [1 Peter 5:6](/1-peter/5-6 "1 Peter 5:6 - Humility and Exaltation") flows directly from these specific instructions, broadening the scope of humility to encompass a direct submission "under the mighty hand of God," before Peter concludes with a final exhortation to cast anxieties on God ([1 Peter 5:7](/1-peter/5-7 "1 Peter 5:7 - Casting Cares")) and to be vigilant against the devil ([1 Peter 5:8-9](/1-peter/5-8-9 "1 Peter 5:8-9 - Be Sober and Watchful")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter's epistle is addressed to Christians dispersed throughout several Roman provinces in Asia Minor, a region where they faced significant social ostracism and various forms of persecution for their faith. This persecution was not yet state-sponsored, but rather social hostility, slander, and local harassment. In such an environment, believers were tempted to retaliate, despair, or abandon their faith. The call to humility would have been counter-cultural, as the Greco-Roman world valued honor, status, and self-assertion. Peter's instruction to humble oneself "under the mighty hand of God" would resonate with Old Testament imagery, particularly God's powerful deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage, often described as being accomplished by His "strong hand and outstretched arm" (e.g., [Exodus 3:19](/exodus/3-19 "Exodus 3:19 - God's Mighty Hand"), [Deuteronomy 26:8](/deuteronomy/26-8 "Deuteronomy 26:8 - God's Deliverance")). This imagery would reassure suffering believers that their submission was not to a weak or uncaring deity, but to an omnipotent God capable of delivering them.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching themes in 1 Peter include enduring suffering for Christ's sake, maintaining a good conscience, living a life of hope in the midst of hardship, and the importance of community. [The entire epistle](/1-peter/1 "The First Epistle of Peter") consistently addresses how believers are to live as "strangers and pilgrims" ([1 Peter 2:11](/1-peter/2-11 "1 Peter 2:11 - Sojourners and Pilgrims")) in a hostile world, emphasizing that their identity in Christ provides a steadfast hope that transcends present trials. Humility is presented as a crucial virtue, enabling believers to trust God's sovereignty even when circumstances are difficult, and to anticipate a future glorification that outweighs any present suffering. This aligns with the epistle's emphasis on the "living hope" ([1 Peter 1:3](/1-peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3 - Living Hope")) and the "trial of your faith" ([1 Peter 1:7](/1-peter/1-7 "1 Peter 1:7 - Trial of Faith")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Humble yourselves (Greek, _tapeinóō'_):** G5013. This verb signifies to depress, or figuratively, to humiliate oneself. In this context, it is an aorist passive imperative, which carries the force of a command for believers to actively *allow themselves to be humbled* or to *adopt a humble posture*. It is not a passive resignation to external circumstances, but an intentional act of self-abasement and submission to God's will and authority, recognizing one's dependence on Him.
* **mighty (Greek, _krataiós'_):** G2900. Derived from *kratos* (strength, power), this adjective means powerful or mighty. When applied to God's hand, it emphasizes His invincible strength, supreme authority, and sovereign power. It assures believers that the "hand" they are humbling themselves under is not a weak or arbitrary force, but the omnipotent hand of the Creator and Sustainer of all things.
* **due time (Greek, _kairós'_):** G2540. This term refers to an occasion, a set or proper time, or an opportune season. It is distinct from *chronos* (G5550), which denotes chronological time. *Kairos* implies a divinely appointed moment, God's perfect timing, which may not align with human expectations or immediate desires. This word underscores the promise that God's exaltation is certain, but its manifestation is entirely within His wise and sovereign schedule.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Humble yourselves therefore":** This is an imperative command, urging believers to take an active posture of humility. The "therefore" (G3767, *oûn*) connects this universal call to the preceding specific exhortations for elders and younger members, indicating that humility is a virtue required of all in the community, foundational to their relationships with each other and with God. It implies a conscious, volitional act of self-abasement before God.
* **"under the mighty hand of God":** This phrase identifies the object of their humility. It is not merely a general humility, but a specific submission to God's sovereign power and control. The "mighty hand" is a powerful Old Testament idiom for God's active intervention, power, and deliverance (e.g., [Exodus 13:3](/exodus/13-3 "Exodus 13:3 - By Strength of Hand")). It signifies that God is actively at work, even in the midst of suffering, and that His power is absolute and irresistible. To humble oneself under this hand is to acknowledge His ultimate authority and trust in His protective and redemptive purposes.
* **"that he may exalt you in due time":** This clause presents the divine purpose and promise for those who humble themselves. The "that" (G2443, *hína*) introduces a purpose clause. God's exaltation is a certain outcome, but it is contingent upon His perfect timing (*kairós*). This exaltation may manifest in various ways: vindication, spiritual growth, peace, or ultimately, glorification in eternity. It assures believers that their suffering and submission are not unnoticed or in vain, and that God will honor their faithfulness in His own perfect way and time, not necessarily according to human expectations of immediate worldly success.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Imagery** is prominent in "the mighty hand of God," evoking a powerful, active, and protective divine presence, drawing on rich Old Testament associations with God's deliverance and sovereignty. The structure of the verse itself presents a clear **cause-and-effect** relationship: humility (cause) leads to exaltation (effect). This is framed as a **divine promise**, offering hope and encouragement amidst adversity. Furthermore, the use of the **imperative mood** ("Humble yourselves") underscores the command nature of the instruction, making it an active call to action rather than a passive suggestion. The phrase "in due time" functions as a form of **ellipsis** or implied promise, suggesting that while the exaltation is certain, its specific timing and form are left to God's wise discretion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly connects to the broader biblical theology of humility as a prerequisite for divine favor and exaltation. It underscores God's sovereign control over all circumstances, including suffering, and His commitment to His people. The concept of God's "mighty hand" is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, signifying His power to deliver, judge, and sustain. The promise of exaltation "in due time" aligns with the eschatological hope found in both Old and New Testaments, where ultimate vindication and glorification await the faithful. It teaches that true spiritual progress often involves a season of humbling, which God uses for purification and preparation for greater blessing and service. This divine principle counters human tendencies towards self-reliance and pride, redirecting focus to God's ultimate authority and perfect plan.

* [James 4:10](/james/4-10 "James 4:10 - Humility and Exaltation")
* [Philippians 2:8-9](/philippians/2-8-9 "Philippians 2:8-9 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")
* [Proverbs 3:34](/proverbs/3-34 "Proverbs 3:34 - God Opposes the Proud")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For the modern believer, 1 Peter 5:6 offers profound guidance for navigating life's challenges, especially when faced with adversity or injustice. It calls us to resist the natural human inclination to assert ourselves, to seek immediate vindication, or to despair when circumstances are beyond our control. Instead, it directs us to a posture of active, willing submission to God's sovereign will, trusting that even in the most difficult seasons, His "mighty hand" is at work, orchestrating events for our ultimate good and His glory. This humility is not weakness, but a profound strength rooted in dependence on an all-powerful God. It cultivates patience, reminding us that God's timing is perfect, and His exaltation of us, whether in this life or the next, will come at the opportune moment. Embracing this truth frees us from anxiety and empowers us to live with hope, knowing that our ultimate vindication and reward come from God alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you struggling to humble yourself under God's hand?**
* **How does the promise of God's exaltation "in due time" change your perspective on current difficulties or delays?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a more humble and trusting posture towards God's sovereignty today?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "humble yourselves"?**

Answer: To "humble yourselves" (Greek: *tapeinóō*) means to willingly adopt a low posture before God, recognizing your dependence on Him and submitting to His authority and will. It's an active choice to relinquish self-reliance, pride, and the desire for control, acknowledging that God is sovereign over all circumstances, including your suffering. It's about allowing God to work in your life, even if it means enduring difficult or humbling experiences, trusting that His purposes are good.

**Does "exalt you in due time" mean God will make me rich or famous?**

Answer: Not necessarily. The "exaltation" promised in [1 Peter 5:6](/1-peter/5-6 "1 Peter 5:6 - Humility and Exaltation") is primarily spiritual and eschatological, though it can include earthly vindication. It refers to God lifting you up, which might involve spiritual growth, inner peace, vindication in the eyes of others, or ultimately, glorification in eternity. It's about God honoring your faithfulness and submission, ensuring that your suffering is not in vain. This exaltation is not guaranteed to be worldly success or material wealth, but rather a divine recognition and reward that aligns with God's eternal purposes for His children.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Peter 5:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. While the verse commands believers to humble themselves, Jesus perfectly exemplified this principle. The Apostle Paul beautifully articulates this in [Philippians 2:5-11](/philippians/2-5-11 "Philippians 2:5-11 - The Kenosis Hymn"), where Christ, "being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." This radical self-humiliation of the Son of God, submitting to the will of the Father even to the point of a shameful death, is the supreme act of humility "under the mighty hand of God." Consequently, as the verse promises, God "hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - Christ's Exaltation")). Believers are called to follow Christ's pattern; our humility is not merely an ethical virtue but a participation in the humble obedience of Christ, which leads to our own future exaltation and glorification with Him. Our "due time" for exaltation is inextricably linked to Christ's own journey from humiliation to glory, ensuring that those who are "in Christ" will share in His ultimate triumph and reign ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ"), [Colossians 3:4](/colossians/3-4 "Colossians 3:4 - Christ Our Life")).

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 4:10

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Luke 14:11

For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Proverbs 29:23

¶ A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

Matthew 23:12

And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Luke 18:14

I tell you, this man went down to his house justified [rather] than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Luke 1:52

He hath put down the mighty from [their] seats, and exalted them of low degree.

2 Chronicles 32:26

Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, [both] he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the LORD came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah.