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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comVincent Word Studies - 1 Peter 5:8 - 5:8
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Be sober (νήψατε)
See on 1Pe 4:7.
Be vigilant (γρηγορήσατε)
Rev., be watchful. See on Mar 13:35; and 1Th 5:6, where both verbs occur: watch and be sober. A reminiscence of the scene in Gethsemane: Could ye not watch with me? (Mat 26:40, Mat 26:41).
Adversary (ὁ αντίδικος)
The article points to a well-known adversary. From ἀντί, against, and δίκη, a lawsuit. Strictly, an adversary in a lawsuit. Here an adversary in general. Compare Zec 3:1-5. Only here, in New Testament, of Satan.
The devil
See on Mat 4:1.
Roaring (ὠρυόμενος)
Only here in New Testament. The word conveys somewhat of the sense by the sound (oruomenos). It denotes especially the howl of a beast in fierce hunger.
Lion
Augustine says, “Christ is called 'a lion' (Rev 5:5) because of his courage: the devil, because of his ferocity. The one lion comes to conquer, the other to hurt.” Seven Hebrew words are used for this animal; six to describe his movements and four to describe his roar. He is mentioned in the Bible about one hundred and thirty times. In Job 4:10, Job 4:11, five different words are used for him. In Jdg 14:5; Psalms 21:13; 103:21 (Sept.), the same word as here is used for the roaring of the lion as a translation of the Hebrew word for the thunder in Job 37:4.
Walketh about (περιπατεῖ)
Compare Job 1:7; Job 2:2. This word gave name to that sect of Greek philosophers known as Peripatetics, because they walked about while teaching or disputing. “St. Peter calls Satan the Peripatetic” (Cox, on Job). The Arabs call him the Busy One. It was to Peter that Christ said, “Satan hath desired to have you,” etc. (Luk 22:31).
Devour (καταπιῃ)
Lit., swallow down. See on Mat 23:24.