Tag: mighty hand

1 Peter 5:6 – Humbled Exaltation

1 Peter 5:6

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,

Truth to Learn

Embrace humility and resist pride and let God lift you up.

Behind the Words

The word translated “humble yourselves” is tapeinoō. It refers to the act of being “brought low” or being “humiliated.” It is different from the word for “under rank” or “submit” (the Greek word hupotassō) that was used in the previous verses. The word for “humble yourselves” is expressed here in the passive voice meaning action that is done to you, rather than the middle voice meaning action that you do to yourself. So the proper translation is “be humbled.” It is also expressed in the imperative mood, meaning that we are commanded to be humbled.

The word translated “He may exalt” is hupsoō, which means “to be elevated” or “to be lifted up.” It is expressed here in the fairly rare telic subjunctive mood, which is used to express purpose. That is to say that God’s purpose in humbling you is so that He might exalt you.

Mighty” is from the Greek word krataios, which is a derivative of kratos, meaning “power, dominion, or strength.” Hence, krataios refers to God’s powerful or strong hand.

Meaning Explained

This verse is a little tricky, so let’s look carefully at it in order to get the full meaning. This verse says that we are to allow ourselves to be humbled, to be brought down a notch or two. It refers more to a state of mind than to a state of being. Humbleness, as used in today’s verse, is something that we feel rather than something that we do. This is contrary to what our sin nature and the world system wants of us. The Apostle John tells us that the makeup of this world system is:

… the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. (1John 2:16)

The pride of life is just the opposite of humbleness. Peter has been talking about suffering for righteousness’ sake and has even said that at times this is brought on by the providence of God. When God brings suffering to you, be humbled! Don’t be defiant and shake your fist at God, declaring, “This isn’t fair!” Be humbled!

The next phrase tells us why, “that He may exalt you in due time …” In other words, God’s purpose in humbling you right now in your suffering is so that He might exalt you in His time.

This is a real key verse, along with the next verse, in responding properly to situations in which we are caused to suffer. God does not do these things capriciously or without a purpose. If we allow God to be in control and allow ourselves to be humbled by God, in time He will lift us up and ultimately He will glorify himself!

Application

Are you just looking out for good ol’ number one right now, or are you allowing yourself to be humbled? God resists the proud, but He gives grace to the humble. Do not resist humility, embrace it! In His time He will lift you up, and He will receive the glory!

In God’s service, for His glory,

signature

Copyright © 2009 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, you can call the church phone (618) 614-3070 and leave a message telling us your name and e-mail address or you can send an e-mail to:e-mail address