Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
What does 1 Peter 5:8 mean?
Humility preserves peace and order in all Christian churches and societies; pride disturbs them. Where God gives grace to be humble, he will give wisdom, faith, and holiness.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside 1 Peter 5:8-11 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on 1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Be sober - While you cast your cares Upon God, and have no anxiety on that score, let your solicitude be directed to another point. Do not doubt that he is able and willing to support and befriend you, but be watchful against your foes. See the word used here fully explained in the notes at 1 Thessalonians 5:6 . Be vigilant - This word (γρηγορεω gregoreo) is everywhere else in the New Testament rendered "watch." See Matthew 24:42-43 ; Matthew 25:13 ; Matthew 26:38 , Matthew 26:40-41 .
Context in 1 Peter 5
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1 Peter 5 belongs to the closing movement of the book, especially the section often described as elders, humility, and final steadfastness. First Peter calls believers a holy people in exile, formed by Christ’s suffering and destined for glory. Read this chapter with the wider themes of exile, hope, and holiness in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
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