CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Peter 2:25 For "you were like sheep going astray," but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_peter/2-25.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/60_1Pe_02_25.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Peter 2:25 - Christ's Example of Suffering" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_peter/2-25.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_peter/2-25.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_peter/">1 Peter</a> > <a href="/1_peter/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 25</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_peter/2-24.htm" title="1 Peter 2:24">◄</a> 1 Peter 2:25 <a href="/1_peter/3-1.htm" title="1 Peter 3:1">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_peter/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_peter/2.htm">New International Version</a> For &#8220you were like sheep going astray,&#8221 but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. <a href="/nlt/1_peter/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls. <a href="/esv/1_peter/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. <a href="/bsb/1_peter/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. <a href="/blb/1_peter/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. <a href="/kjv/1_peter/2.htm">King James Bible</a> For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. <a href="/nkjv/1_peter/2.htm">New King James Version</a> For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. <a href="/nasb_/1_peter/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls. <a href="/nasb/1_peter/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls. <a href="/nasb77/1_peter/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls. <a href="/lsb/1_peter/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. <a href="/amp/1_peter/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For you were continually wandering like [so many] sheep, but now you have come back to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls. <a href="/csb/1_peter/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For you were like sheep going astray, but you have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. <a href="/hcsb/1_peter/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For you were like sheep going astray, but you have now returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls. <a href="/asv/1_peter/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> For ye were going astray like sheep; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. <a href="/cev/1_peter/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> You had wandered away like sheep. Now you have returned to the one who is your shepherd and protector. <a href="/erv/1_peter/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> For ye were going astray like sheep; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. <a href="/gwt/1_peter/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> You were like lost sheep. Now you have come back to the shepherd and bishop of your lives. <a href="/gnt/1_peter/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> You were like sheep that had lost their way, but now you have been brought back to follow the Shepherd and Keeper of your souls. <a href="/isv/1_peter/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> You were "like sheep that kept going astray," but now you have returned to the shepherd and overseer of your souls. <a href="/msb/1_peter/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For ?you were like sheep going astray,? but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. <a href="/net/1_peter/2.htm">NET Bible</a> For you were going astray like sheep but now you have turned back to the shepherd and guardian of your souls. <a href="/nheb/1_peter/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For you were going astray like sheep; but now have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. <a href="/wbt/1_peter/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned to the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. <a href="/wey/1_peter/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For you were straying like lost sheep, but now you have come back to the Shepherd and Protector of your souls. <a href="/web/1_peter/2.htm">World English Bible</a> For you were going astray like sheep; but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_peter/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for you were as sheep going astray, but now you turned back to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. <a href="/blb/1_peter/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. <a href="/ylt/1_peter/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for ye were as sheep going astray, but ye turned back now to the shepherd and overseer of your souls. <a href="/slt/1_peter/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For ye were as sheep going astray; but now have turned about to the Shepherd and inspector of your souls.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_peter/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For you were as sheep going astray; but you are now converted to the shepherd and bishop of your souls. <a href="/cpdv/1_peter/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For you were like wandering sheep. But now you have been turned back toward the Pastor and the Bishop of your souls. <a href="/nabre/1_peter/2.htm">New American Bible</a> For you had gone astray like sheep, but you have now returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls. <a href="/nrsvce/1_peter/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_peter/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For you had gone astray like sheep, but you have now returned to the Shepherd and the Guardian of your souls. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_peter/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For you had gone astray like sheep, and you have returned now to The Shepherd and The Caregiver of your souls. <div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_peter/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For you were like sheep that had gone astray; but now you have returned to the shepherd and bishop of your souls. <a href="/godbey/1_peter/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> For you have wandered away like sheep; but you have now turned to the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. <a href="/haweis/1_peter/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For ye were as sheep wandering astray; but are now returned unto the pastor and bishop of your souls.<CM> <a href="/mace/1_peter/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> for you were as sheep going astray, but now you are brought back to the pastor and overseer of your souls. <a href="/wey/1_peter/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For you were straying like lost sheep, but now you have come back to the Shepherd and Protector of your souls. <a href="/worrell/1_peter/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> For, as sheep, ye were going astray; but now ye returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. <a href="/worsley/1_peter/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now turned unto the shepherd and bishop of your souls. <a href="/parallel/1_peter/2-25.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1h9-AlUcaGE?start=485" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_peter/2.htm">Christ's Example of Suffering</a> …24He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. “By His stripes you are healed.” 25<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: Ēte (V-IIA-2P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">“you were</a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">like</a> <a href="/greek/4263.htm" title="4263: probata (N-NNP) -- A sheep. Probably neuter of a presumed derivative of probaino; something that walks forward, i.e., a sheep.">sheep</a> <a href="/greek/4105.htm" title="4105: planōmenoi (V-PPM/P-NMP) -- To lead astray, deceive, cause to wander. From plane; to roam.">going astray,”</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/3568.htm" title="3568: nyn (Adv) -- A primary particle of present time; now; also as noun or adjective present or immediate.">now</a> <a href="/greek/1994.htm" title="1994: epestraphēte (V-AIP-2P) -- From epi and strepho; to revert.">you have returned</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: epi (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. ">to</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4166.htm" title="4166: Poimena (N-AMS) -- A shepherd; hence met: of the feeder, protector, and ruler of a flock of men. Of uncertain affinity; a shepherd.">Shepherd</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1985.htm" title="1985: Episkopon (N-AMS) -- From epi and skopos; a superintendent, i.e. Christian officer in genitive case charge of a church.">Overseer</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/5590.htm" title="5590: psychōn (N-GFP) -- From psucho; breath, i.e. spirit, abstractly or concretely.">souls.</a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/isaiah/53-6.htm">Isaiah 53:6</a> We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all. <a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11</a> I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. <a href="/ezekiel/34-11.htm">Ezekiel 34:11-16</a> For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I Myself will search for My flock and seek them out. / As a shepherd looks for his scattered sheep when he is among the flock, so I will look for My flock. I will rescue them from all the places to which they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. / I will bring them out from the peoples, gather them from the countries, and bring them into their own land. I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines, and in all the settlements of the land. ... <a href="/psalms/23-1.htm">Psalm 23:1</a> A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. <a href="/john/10-14.htm">John 10:14</a> I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me, <a href="/matthew/9-36.htm">Matthew 9:36</a> When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. <a href="/hebrews/13-20.htm">Hebrews 13:20</a> Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, <a href="/luke/15-4.htm">Luke 15:4-7</a> “What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the pasture and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? / And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders, / comes home, and calls together his friends and neighbors to tell them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep!’ ... <a href="/jeremiah/50-6.htm">Jeremiah 50:6</a> My people are lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray, causing them to roam the mountains. They have wandered from mountain to hill; they have forgotten their resting place. <a href="/zechariah/13-7.htm">Zechariah 13:7</a> Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the man who is My Companion, declares the LORD of Hosts. Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn My hand against the little ones. <a href="/matthew/18-12.htm">Matthew 18:12-14</a> What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? / And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices more over that one sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. / In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish. <a href="/john/10-27.htm">John 10:27-28</a> My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. / I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand. <a href="/psalms/119-176.htm">Psalm 119:176</a> I have strayed like a lost sheep; seek Your servant, for I have not forgotten Your commandments. <a href="/micah/2-12.htm">Micah 2:12</a> I will surely gather all of you, O Jacob; I will collect the remnant of Israel. I will bring them together like sheep in a pen, like a flock in the midst of its pasture—a noisy throng. <a href="/matthew/26-31.htm">Matthew 26:31</a> Then Jesus said to them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of Me. For it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For you were as sheep going astray; but are now returned to the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.ye.<a href="/psalms/119-176.htm">Psalm 119:176</a> I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.<a href="/isaiah/53-6.htm">Isaiah 53:6</a> All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.<a href="/jeremiah/23-2.htm">Jeremiah 23:2</a> Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.the Shepherd.<a href="/1_peter/5-4.htm">1 Peter 5:4</a> And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.<a href="/psalms/23-1.htm">Psalm 23:1-3</a> A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want… <a href="/psalms/80-1.htm">Psalm 80:1</a> To the chief Musician upon ShoshannimEduth, A Psalm of Asaph. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.Bishop.<a href="/hebrews/3-1.htm">Hebrews 3:1</a> Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;<a href="/acts/20-28.htm">Acts 20:28</a> Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/james/5-19.htm">Astray</a> <a href="/titus/1-7.htm">Bishop</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-15.htm">Continually</a> <a href="/acts/12-15.htm">Guardian</a> <a href="/james/5-20.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-10.htm">Lost</a> <a href="/titus/1-7.htm">Overseer</a> <a href="/psalms/68-5.htm">Protector</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-20.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-20.htm">Shepherd</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-22.htm">Souls</a> <a href="/james/5-20.htm">Straying</a> <a href="/james/5-20.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-13.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-18.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_peter/2-15.htm">Astray</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-1.htm">Bishop</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-8.htm">Continually</a> <a href="/ezekiel/28-14.htm">Guardian</a> <a href="/1_john/2-5.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/genesis/34-19.htm">Lost</a> <a href="/genesis/39-4.htm">Overseer</a> <a href="/psalms/68-5.htm">Protector</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-4.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">Shepherd</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-20.htm">Souls</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-1.htm">Straying</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-11.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-7.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-1.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">1 Peter 2</div>1. <a href="/1_peter/2-1.htm">He exhorts to put away wickedness;</a> 4. <a href="/1_peter/2-4.htm">showing that Christ is the foundation whereupon they are built.</a> 11. <a href="/1_peter/2-11.htm">He beseeches them also to abstain from sinful desires;</a> 13. <a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">to be obedient to authorities;</a> 18. <a href="/1_peter/2-18.htm">and teaches servants how to obey their masters;</a> 20. <a href="/1_peter/2-20.htm">patiently suffering for well doing, after the example of Christ.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_peter/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_peter/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_peter/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>For “you were like sheep going astray,” This phrase draws from <a href="/isaiah/53-6.htm">Isaiah 53:6</a>, which states, "We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way." The imagery of sheep is significant in biblical literature, symbolizing vulnerability and the tendency to wander without guidance. In the ancient Near East, sheep were common and well-understood as animals that required constant oversight. This metaphor highlights the spiritual condition of humanity before coming to faith in Christ—lost and in need of direction. The use of "going astray" reflects the sinful nature and the propensity to deviate from God's path, echoing the fall of man and the need for redemption.but now you have returned The concept of returning implies repentance and a change of direction. In the New Testament, repentance is a central theme, calling believers to turn away from sin and back to God. This return is not merely a physical or emotional change but a spiritual transformation. The Greek word used here for "returned" suggests a complete turning around, indicating a decisive action taken by the believer. This aligns with the parable of the Prodigal Son (<a href="/luke/15-11.htm">Luke 15:11-32</a>), where the son returns to the father, symbolizing repentance and restoration.to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. The titles "Shepherd" and "Overseer" are rich with meaning. "Shepherd" is a title frequently used for Jesus, as seen in <a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11</a>, where He declares, "I am the good shepherd." This title emphasizes His role in guiding, protecting, and caring for His flock. The shepherd imagery is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, with figures like David, a shepherd-king, prefiguring Christ. "Overseer" (or "Bishop" in some translations) denotes authority and responsibility, suggesting Christ's role in watching over and guiding the spiritual well-being of believers. This dual role underscores His comprehensive care and leadership, fulfilling prophecies such as <a href="/ezekiel/34-23.htm">Ezekiel 34:23</a>, where God promises to set up one shepherd over His people. The combination of these titles assures believers of Christ's intimate involvement in their lives, providing both guidance and oversight.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/peter.htm">Peter</a> The author of the epistle, one of Jesus' twelve apostles, known for his leadership in the early church and his close relationship with Jesus. 2. <a href="/topical/s/sheep.htm">Sheep</a> A metaphor for believers, highlighting their tendency to wander and their need for guidance and protection. 3. <a href="/topical/s/shepherd.htm">Shepherd</a> A title for Jesus Christ, emphasizing His role in guiding, protecting, and caring for His followers. 4. <a href="/topical/o/overseer.htm">Overseer</a> Another title for Jesus, indicating His authority and responsibility over the spiritual well-being of believers. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_early_church.htm">The Early Church</a> The initial audience of Peter's letter, consisting of both Jewish and Gentile Christians facing persecution and needing encouragement.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_humanity.htm">The Nature of Humanity</a> Like sheep, humans have a natural tendency to wander away from God. Recognizing this helps us understand our need for a Savior. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_jesus_as_shepherd.htm">The Role of Jesus as Shepherd</a> Jesus is not only our Savior but also our Shepherd, guiding us through life's challenges and leading us to spiritual nourishment. <a href="/topical/t/the_authority_of_jesus_as_overseer.htm">The Authority of Jesus as Overseer</a> As the Overseer, Jesus has authority over our lives, and we are called to submit to His leadership and trust in His care. <a href="/topical/r/returning_to_god.htm">Returning to God</a> The call to return to the Shepherd is a call to repentance and renewed relationship with God, emphasizing His readiness to welcome us back. <a href="/topical/l/living_under_christ's_care.htm">Living Under Christ's Care</a> Understanding Jesus as our Shepherd and Overseer should impact how we live daily, relying on His guidance and protection.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_peter_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Peter 2</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_role_of_the_good_shepherd.htm">What is the role of the Good Shepherd?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'naked_and_not_ashamed'_mean.htm">What does 'My sheep hear My voice' mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_a_christian_minister.htm">What defines a Christian minister?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_it_mean_to_be_god's_sheep.htm">What does it mean to be God's sheep?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_peter/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(25) For ye were as sheep going astray.--The right reading does not attach "going astray" to "sheep," but as predicate of the sentence, "ye were going astray like sheep." The "for" introduces an explanation of how they came to be in need of "healing." "I may well say that ye were healed; for Israelites though you are, your consciences and memories tell you that you were as far gone in wilful error as any Gentiles, and needed as complete a conversion." (Comp. <a href="/1_peter/2-10.htm" title="Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.">1Peter 2:10</a>.) Jew and Gentile take different ways, but both alike fulfil the prophecy, "every man to his own way." The two metaphors, of healing and going astray, do not match very well, but the fact that both are quotations from Isaiah 53 makes their disagreement less harsh. We must notice how deeply that prophecy (the interpretation of which was probably learned from the Baptist) had sunk into St. Peter's mind. (See <a href="/1_peter/1-19.htm" title="But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:">1Peter 1:19</a>.)But are now returned.--The tense of the original verb points to the actual historical time at which it took place, rather than the position now occupied, "but now ye returned." The word "now" is used in the same way in <a href="/1_peter/2-10.htm" title="Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.">1Peter 2:10</a>, where literally it is, "but now did obtain mercy." "Returned" does not in the Greek imply that they had at first been under the Shepherd's care and had left Him. The word is that which is often rendered "were converted," and only indicates that they turned round and moved in a contrary direction.The shepherd and bishop of your souls.--Undoubtedly this means Christ. The first of the two titles is of course suggested by the simile of the sheep. The image is so natural and so frequent, that we can not say for certain that it proves St. Peter's acquaintance with the parable of the Good Shepherd in John 10. More probably, perhaps, he is thinking of <a href="/psalms/23-3.htm" title="He restores my soul: he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.">Psalm 23:3</a>, "He converted my soul" (LXX.), where "the Lord," as usual, may be taken to mean the Son of God rather than the Father; or else of <a href="/ezekiel/34-11.htm" title="For thus said the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.">Ezekiel 34:11</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/34-16.htm" title="I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.">Ezekiel 34:16</a>, where the words rendered "seek them out" in our version is represented in the LXX. by that from which the name of a "bishop" is derived. (Comp. <a href="/ezekiel/34-23.htm" title="And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.">Ezekiel 34:23</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/37-24.htm" title="And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them.">Ezekiel 37:24</a>; also <a href="/isaiah/40-11.htm" title="He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.">Isaiah 40:11</a>, which last citation comes from a passage which has been in St. Peter's mind just before, <a href="/1_peter/1-24.htm" title="For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass wither, and the flower thereof falls away:">1Peter 1:24</a>.) It is hardly necessary to add that to the Hebrew mind the thought of superintendence and ruling, not that of giving food, was uppermost when they spoke of shepherds, and that the pastors spoken of in the Old Testament are not the priests or givers of spiritual nutriment, but the kings and princes. Thus it will here be nearly synonymous with the second title of bishop. This name suggests in the first instance not so much overseeing as visiting--i.e., going carefully into the different cases brought under the officer's notice. (Comp. <a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm" title="Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;">1Peter 5:2</a>; <a href="/1_peter/5-4.htm" title="And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, you shall receive a crown of glory that fades not away.">1Peter 5:4</a>, and <a href="/acts/20-28.htm" title="Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood.">Acts 20:28</a>.) Both words were already familiar as ecclesiastical words already, and as such were especially appropriate to Christ, the Head of the Church; but as they had not yet become stereotyped in that sense, the writer adds, "of your souls," to show that it was not an outward sovereignty and protectorate which the Messiah had assumed over them. "Soul" is a word of which St. Peter is fond (<a href="/1_peter/1-9.htm" title="Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.">1Peter 1:9</a>; <a href="/1_peter/1-22.htm" title="Seeing you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit to unfeigned love of the brothers, see that you love one another with a pure heart fervently:">1Peter 1:22</a>; <a href="/1_peter/2-11.htm" title="Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;">1Peter 2:11</a>; <a href="/1_peter/4-19.htm" title="Why let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as to a faithful Creator.">1Peter 4:19</a>; <a href="/2_peter/2-8.htm" title="(For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)">2Peter 2:8</a>), but which is, perhaps, never used by St. Paul in this sense. It is to be remarked how St. Peter works almost every section of the Epistle round, so as to end with some encouragement to the readers to cling to Jesus as the Messiah, and to their Christian state, from which they were in danger of receding into Judaism. He makes even the special exhortations lead up to that which is the main exhortation of the Letter. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_peter/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 25. - For ye were as sheep going astray; rather, with the best manuscripts, for ye were going astray like sheep. The apostle is probably still thinking of the great prophecy of Isaiah, and here almost reproduces the words of the sixth verse, "All we like sheep have gone astray." He who had been thrice charged to feed the sheep and the lambs of Christ would think also of the parable of the lost sheep, and of the people of Israel who were "as sheep having no shepherd" (<a href="/matthew/9-36.htm">Matthew 9:36</a>). But are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls; literally, but ye returned (the verb is aorist); that is, at the time of their conversion. The aorist passive, ἐπεστράφην, is so frequently used in a middle sense that the translation, "ye were converted," cannot be insisted on (comp. <a href="/mark/5-30.htm">Mark 5:30</a>; <a href="/matthew/9-22.htm">Matthew 9:22</a>; <a href="/matthew/10-13.htm">Matthew 10:13</a>). Christ is the Shepherd of our souls. The quotation from Isaiah doubtless brought before St. Peter's thoughts the sweet and holy allegory of the good Shepherd, which he had heard from the Savior's lips (comp. also <a href="/isaiah/40-11.htm">Isaiah 40:11</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/34-23.htm">Ezekiel 34:23</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/37-24.htm">Ezekiel 37:24</a>; also <a href="/psalms/22.htm">Psalm 22</a>.). The word "bishop" (ἐπίσκοπος) is used in a similar connection in <a href="/acts/20-28.htm">Acts 20:28</a>, "Take heed... to all the flock over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers (ἐπισκόπους);" comp. also <a href="/ezekiel/34-11.htm">Ezekiel 34:11</a>, "I will both search my sheep, and seek them out," where the Greek word for "seek them out" is ἐπισκέψομαι. The Lord Jesus Christ is the chief Shepherd (<a href="/1_peter/5-4.htm">1 Peter 5:4</a>). He is also the chief Bishop or Overseer of those souls which he has bought to be his own with his most precious blood. <a href="/commentaries/1_peter/2-25.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>For γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. you were Ἦτε (Ēte) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. like ὡς (hōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5613.htm">Strong's 5613: </a> Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner. sheep πρόβατα (probata) Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4263.htm">Strong's 4263: </a> A sheep. Probably neuter of a presumed derivative of probaino; something that walks forward, i.e., a sheep. going astray, πλανώμενοι (planōmenoi) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4105.htm">Strong's 4105: </a> To lead astray, deceive, cause to wander. From plane; to roam. but ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. now νῦν (nyn) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3568.htm">Strong's 3568: </a> A primary particle of present time; 'now'; also as noun or adjective present or immediate. you have returned ἐπεστράφητε (epestraphēte) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1994.htm">Strong's 1994: </a> From epi and strepho; to revert. to ἐπὶ (epi) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1909.htm">Strong's 1909: </a> On, to, against, on the basis of, at. the τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Shepherd Ποιμένα (Poimena) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4166.htm">Strong's 4166: </a> A shepherd; hence met: of the feeder, protector, and ruler of a flock of men. Of uncertain affinity; a shepherd. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. Overseer Ἐπίσκοπον (Episkopon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1985.htm">Strong's 1985: </a> From epi and skopos; a superintendent, i.e. Christian officer in genitive case charge of a church. of τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. your ὑμῶν (hymōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. souls. ψυχῶν (psychōn) Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5590.htm">Strong's 5590: </a> From psucho; breath, i.e. spirit, abstractly or concretely. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_peter/2-25.htm">1 Peter 2:25 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_peter/2-25.htm">1 Peter 2:25 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_peter/2-25.htm">1 Peter 2:25 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_peter/2-25.htm">1 Peter 2:25 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_peter/2-25.htm">1 Peter 2:25 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_peter/2-25.htm">1 Peter 2:25 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_peter/2-25.htm">1 Peter 2:25 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_peter/2-25.htm">1 Peter 2:25 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_peter/2-25.htm">1 Peter 2:25 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_peter/2-25.htm">1 Peter 2:25 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-25.htm">NT Letters: 1 Peter 2:25 For you were going astray like sheep (1 Pet. 1P iP i Pet) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_peter/2-24.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Peter 2:24"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Peter 2:24" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_peter/3-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Peter 3:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Peter 3:1" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>