1 Peter 5:7

KJV

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

KJV (with Strong's)

Casting {G1977} all {G3956} your {G5216} care {G3308} upon {G1909} him {G846}; for {G3754} he {G846} careth {G3199} for {G4012} you {G5216}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Throw all your anxieties upon him, because he cares about you.

Berean Standard Bible

Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

American Standard Version

casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[1 Peter 5:7](/1_peter/5-7 "1 Peter 5:7 - Casting All Your Care Upon Him") offers a profound command and an equally profound promise: believers are to decisively transfer all their anxieties and worries onto God, with the foundational assurance that He, in His infinite love and wisdom, deeply cares for them. This verse serves as a powerful antidote to human worry, inviting a life of faith-filled trust in divine providence, even amidst suffering and trials.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is nestled within Peter's concluding exhortations to the scattered believers in Asia Minor. It immediately follows a call to humility before God and resistance against the devil ([1 Peter 5:6](/1_peter/5-6 "1 Peter 5:6 - Humility Before God") and [1 Peter 5:8-9](/1_peter/5-8-9 "1 Peter 5:8-9 - Be Sober, Be Vigilant")). The flow of thought suggests that humility before God naturally leads to casting burdens upon Him, as pride often attempts to bear burdens independently. Conversely, the ability to cast cares upon God strengthens one to resist the devil, who often exploits anxiety and fear. The verse also anticipates the promise of God's restoration and strengthening in [1 Peter 5:10](/1_peter/5-10 "1 Peter 5:10 - God Will Restore You"), framing the act of casting care as a prerequisite for experiencing divine sustenance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter is writing to Christians facing various forms of suffering, persecution, and social ostracism in the Roman provinces of Asia Minor ([1 Peter 1:1](/1_peter/1-1 "1 Peter 1:1 - Peter's Greeting")). These believers were experiencing "fiery trials" ([1 Peter 4:12](/1_peter/4-12 "1 Peter 4:12 - Suffering for Christ")) and needed practical guidance on how to navigate a hostile world while maintaining their faith. In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of "care" (μέριμνα) often carried negative connotations, referring to distracting anxieties that could consume a person. Philosophies of the day, like Stoicism, sought to eliminate such anxieties through self-control and apathy (apatheia), but Peter offers a radically different, relational solution: entrusting these burdens to a caring God, rather than suppressing them through human effort.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Peter 5:7](/1_peter/5-7 "1 Peter 5:7 - Casting All Your Care Upon Him") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the epistle. It reinforces the theme of **divine care and providence**, assuring believers that God is actively involved in their lives and concerned with their well-being, even amid suffering. It underscores the importance of **trust and faith** over anxiety, a recurring motif that encourages steadfastness despite external pressures. Furthermore, it connects to the theme of **humility** ([1 Peter 5:6](/1_peter/5-6 "1 Peter 5:6 - Humility Before God")), as acknowledging one's inability to bear all burdens and entrusting them to God is an act of humble reliance. Finally, it implicitly addresses the theme of **spiritual warfare**, recognizing that anxiety can be a tool of the adversary, which is why casting cares upon God is a vital step in resisting the devil ([1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - Be Sober, Be Vigilant")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Casting (Greek, _epirrhíptō'_):** This verb (G1977) means "to throw upon" or "to place upon," literally or figuratively. It conveys a decisive, complete action, much like casting off a heavy cloak or throwing a burden onto a beast of burden. It implies a transfer of responsibility and weight from oneself to another, indicating a definitive act of letting go and entrusting.
* **Care (Greek, _mérimna'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to divide" or "to distract," this noun (G3308) refers to solicitude, anxiety, or worry. It describes the kind of mental distraction and emotional burden that can fragment one's focus and peace. It encompasses all forms of anxiety, from minor concerns to overwhelming dread.
* **Careth (Greek, _mélō'_):** This verb (G3199) is used impersonally in the third person singular, meaning "it is of interest to" or "it concerns." When applied to God, as it is here, it signifies His deep, personal, and active concern for His people. It is not a passive or indifferent awareness, but an intimate and engaged solicitude for their well-being.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Casting all your care upon him":** This is an imperative, a command for believers to actively and comprehensively transfer every anxiety and worry they possess. The word "all" (G3956, _pâs'_) emphasizes the totality of this action, leaving no care excluded. The preposition "upon" (G1909, _epí'_) reinforces the idea of placing a burden directly onto another, signifying a complete delegation of the weight of worry. The "him" (G846, _autós'_) refers unequivocally to God, specifically the God who has been described throughout the epistle as sovereign, just, and loving.
* **"for he careth for you":** This clause provides the foundational reason and motivation for the command. The conjunction "for" (G3754, _hóti'_) introduces the divine rationale. The second "he" (G846, _autós'_) again refers to God. The verb "careth" (G3199, _mélō'_) underscores God's deep, personal, and active concern for His children. The preposition "for" (G4012, _perí'_) here indicates "with respect to" or "on behalf of" you (G5216, _hymōn'_), reinforcing the personal and benevolent nature of God's concern. This is not merely a statement of fact but a profound assurance of God's character and disposition towards His people.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where the act of "casting" (epirrhíptō) serves as a vivid image of transferring a heavy burden or garment onto another. This metaphor powerfully conveys the decisive and complete nature of releasing one's anxieties. The use of the **Imperative Mood** ("Casting") highlights the command-like nature of the instruction, emphasizing that this is an active choice believers must make. There is also a clear **Cause and Effect** relationship established by the conjunction "for" (hóti), where God's inherent care for His people is presented as the direct reason and enablement for them to cast their cares upon Him. This creates a logical and comforting theological framework. Finally, the verse exhibits a subtle **Contrast** between the human capacity for worry ("all your care") and the divine capacity for concern and provision ("he careth for you"), underscoring God's sufficiency where human strength fails.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a cornerstone for understanding divine providence and the nature of faith. It asserts God's active and benevolent involvement in the lives of His people, challenging any notion of a distant or indifferent deity. The command to "cast all your care" is not an invitation to irresponsibility, but a call to radical trust in the One who holds all things together. It implies that worry is, at its root, a lack of trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. By entrusting our anxieties to Him, we acknowledge His supreme authority and His intimate love, allowing His peace to guard our hearts and minds. This theological truth liberates believers from the crushing weight of anxiety, enabling them to live with greater freedom and focus on their calling.

* [Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25-34 "Matthew 6:25-34 - Do Not Worry")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious")
* [Psalm 55:22](/psalms/55-22 "Psalm 55:22 - Cast Your Burden on the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Peter 5:7](/1_peter/5-7 "1 Peter 5:7 - Casting All Your Care Upon Him") is not a passive suggestion but an active command that requires intentionality and consistent practice. It calls us to identify the specific anxieties that burden our hearts—whether they stem from financial struggles, health concerns, relational conflicts, future uncertainties, or past regrets—and consciously, through prayer and an act of will, surrender them to God. This "casting" is an ongoing process, often requiring repeated surrender as worries resurface. It involves acknowledging our limitations, trusting in God's boundless power and love, and choosing faith over fear. The promise that "He careth for you" is the bedrock of this practice, reminding us that we are not abandoning our problems into a void, but placing them into the hands of a loving Father who is intimately concerned with every detail of our lives. Living out this verse transforms our relationship with God, deepening our reliance on Him and fostering a profound sense of peace that transcends understanding.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "cares" or anxieties are you currently carrying that you need to consciously cast upon God?**
* **How does understanding that God "careth for you" change your perspective on your current struggles?**
* **What practical steps can you take today to "cast" your cares upon Him, moving from worry to trust?**

### FAQ
**Does "casting all your care" mean I shouldn't plan or be responsible?**
Answer: No, "casting all your care" does not imply irresponsibility or a lack of planning. Instead, it distinguishes between responsible forethought and debilitating anxiety. We are called to be wise stewards of our resources and time, making prudent plans and working diligently ([Proverbs 6:6-11](/proverbs/6-6-11 "Proverbs 6:6-11 - Go to the Ant, You Sluggard")). However, after we have done all we can, the worries that arise from uncertainty, fear of failure, or circumstances beyond our control are what we are to cast upon God. It's about surrendering the *outcome* and the *burden* of worry, not neglecting our duties. Jesus' teaching in [Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25-34 "Matthew 6:25-34 - Do Not Worry") similarly encourages us not to worry about tomorrow, not because tomorrow doesn't exist, but because God provides.

**What if my worries don't go away immediately after I "cast" them?**
Answer: Casting your cares upon God is often an ongoing process, not a one-time event, especially for deep-seated anxieties. Just as a physical burden might need to be re-adjusted or re-cast, emotional and spiritual burdens may require repeated acts of surrender. The verse invites us into a posture of continuous trust. When worries resurface, it's an opportunity to reiterate your trust in God, reminding yourself of His promise that "He careth for you." It's a journey of faith, where consistency in prayer and reliance on God's Word ([Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious")) gradually transforms your heart and mind, leading to deeper peace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Peter 5:7](/1_peter/5-7 "1 Peter 5:7 - Casting All Your Care Upon Him") finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of God's profound care for humanity, demonstrating it supremely through His incarnation and atoning sacrifice. Jesus Himself extended the ultimate invitation to the weary and burdened, promising rest for their souls ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). He bore the ultimate burden of sin and separation from God on the cross, taking upon Himself the "care" of humanity's deepest spiritual need, so that we might be free from its crushing weight ([Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4-5 "Isaiah 53:4-5 - He Bore Our Griefs")). As our compassionate High Priest, Jesus understands our weaknesses and anxieties, having been tempted in every way, yet without sin ([Hebrews 4:15-16](/hebrews/4-15-16 "Hebrews 4:15-16 - Our Great High Priest")). Therefore, when we cast our cares upon God, we are casting them upon the Father through the Son, who is our advocate and intercessor ([1 John 2:1](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - An Advocate with the Father")). His life and resurrection are the ultimate proof that God truly "careth for you," offering not just relief from daily anxieties but eternal life and abundant peace ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")) in Him.

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

Psalms 55:22

Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Philippians 4:6

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Psalms 37:5

Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring [it] to pass.

Psalms 56:3

What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

Psalms 56:4

In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.

Matthew 6:25

¶ Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

Matthew 6:26

Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?