Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Peter 5:4

"And when the chief Shepherd shall be manifested, ye shall receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away." — 1 Peter 5:4 (ASV)

Those elders who are faithful will receive a “crown of glory that does not fade away.” The “crown” (GK 5109) could be a garland or wreath made of leaves or of gold. In Christ’s suffering it was ironically made of thorns (Matthew 27:29). The unfading “crown of glory” makes a striking contrast to the use of withered parsley used for the crown at the Isthmian games. The glorification will take place at the manifestation of the True Shepherd or Chief Shepherd (cf. Romans 8:17ff.).