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Eagerness (4290) (prothumos from pró = forward + thumos = mind, temperament, passion) means predisposed, ready, willing, eager (moved by a strong and urgent desire or interest; implies ardor and enthusiasm), prompt. It means inclined or favorably disposed in mind.
Shepherds who serve with false motives care only for themselves and devour the flock (Ezekiel 34:2,3). True shepherds are characterized by being ready and willing and favorably inclined to accept the responsibility. Prothumos is extremely strong and expresses enthusiasm and devoted zeal to the task assigned.
The Shepherd must be eager to work (a ready mind), not listless or lazy.
It is the same word Paul used in Ro1:15 (note)—“I am so eager to preach the Gospel” (NIV). It means a willingness to serve because of a readiness and an eagerness within the heart. This is the difference between a true shepherd and a hireling: a hireling works because he is paid for it, but a shepherd works because he loves the sheep and has a heart devoted to them.
Read Acts 20:17-27, Acts 20:28-38 (See Acts 20:17-27 Commentary; Acts 20:28-38 Commentary) for a description of the heart and ministry of a true shepherd.
1Peter 5:3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. (NASB: Lockman)
Greek: med' os katakurieuontes (PAPMPN) ton kleron alla tupoi ginomenoi (PMPMPN) tou poimniou
Amplified:Not domineering [as arrogant, dictatorial, and overbearing persons] over those in your charge, but being examples (patterns and models of Christian living) to the flock (the congregation). (Amplified Bible - Lockman)
KJV: Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
NLT: Don't lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your good example. (NLT - Tyndale House)
Phillips: You should aim not at being "little tin gods" but as examples of Christian living in the eyes of the flock committed to your charge. (New Testament in Modern English)
Wuest: nor yet as lording it in a high-handed manner over the portions of the flock assigned to you, but as becoming patterns for the flock. (Eerdmans)
Young's Literal: neither as exercising lordship over the heritages, but patterns becoming of the flock,
NOR YET AS LORDING IT OVER: med os katakurieuontes (PAPMPN): (Ezek 34:4; Mt 20:25,26; 23:8, 9, 10; Mark 10:42, 43, 44, 45; Lk 22:24, 25, 26, 27; 1Co 3:5,9; 2Co 1:24; 4:5; 3Jn 1:9,10) (1Pe 2:9; Dt 32:9; Ps 33:12; 74:2; Mic 7:14; Acts 20:28)
Phillips paraphrase is boldly pithy...
You should aim not at being "little tin gods" (NT in Modern English)
The Amplified version also gives a clear picture of the attitude that is not to be manifest by God's shepherds over their sheep...
Not domineering [as arrogant, dictatorial, and overbearing persons] over those in your charge (Amplified Bible - Lockman)
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