1 Peter 5:8

Be sober, be vigilant . For the first word, νήψατε , see note on 1 Peter 4:7 . The second γρηγόρησατε , is the word so often and so emphatically used by our Lord. The imperatives are aorist, as in 1 Peter 4:7 ; and, as there, either imply that the exhortation was needed by the readers, or are used to express vividly the necessity of instant attention. Because your adversary the devil. The conjunction "because" is omitted in the best manuscripts. The asyndeten, as in the last clause, increases the emphasis. The word rendered "adversary" ἀντίδικος means properly an opponent in a lawsuit, as in Matthew 5:25 ; but it is also used generally for "adversary," and so is a translation of the Hebrew word Satan . The word διάβολος , devil, means "slanderer," "false accuser." As a roaring lion . He is called a serpent to denote his subtlety, a lion to express his fierceness and strength. The word rendered "roaring" ὠρυόμενος is used especially of the cries of wild beasts when ravenous with hunger (see Psalms 104:21 ; and comp. Psalms 22:13 , Psalms 22:21 ). Walketh about, seeking whom he may devour (comp. Job 1:7 ; Job 2:2 ). The words express the restless energy of the wicked one. He cannot touch those who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation; but he walketh about, looking eagerly after any lost sheep that may have wandered from the fold. He roars in the craving of his heart for prey, like a hungry lion, seeking whom he may devour, or (for the reading here is somewhat uncertain) to devour some one, or simply to devour. The Greek word means literally "to drink down;" it implies utter destruction. It is the word in 1 Corinthians 15:54 , "Death is swallowed up κατεπόθη in victory." Satan now seeks whom he may destroy: "The Lord will destroy him that hath the power of death, that is, the devil" ( Hebrews 2:14 ).