1 Peter 5:3

“Neither as being lords over God's heritage, etc.] Or “clergy”; meaning not ecclesiastical persons, as presbyters, and deacons, who are supposed to be under the government of bishops, though not to be governed with tyranny, and in a haughty, imperious, and arrogant manner; to which sense the Arabic version inclines, rendering the words thus; “not as those who domineer over such that are appointed in the dignities of the priesthood”; but such cannot be designed, because they are presbyters, or elders, which are here exhorted not to use such tyrannical power and authority; wherefore the flock, or church of God, the people of Christ, and members of churches, in common, are here intended: the…”

“being lords--Greek, "lording it": implying pride and oppression. "Not that we have dominion over your faith." God's heritage--Greek, "the inheritances," that is, the portions of the Church committed severally to your pastoral charge [BENGEL]. It is explained by "the flock" in the next clause. However, in Pe1 5:2, "flock of God which is among you," answering to "(God's) heritages" (plural to express the sheep who are God's portion and inheritance, Deu 32:9) committed to you, favors English Version. The flock, as one whole, is God's heritage, or flock in the singular. Regarded in relation to its component sheep, divided among several pastors, it is in the plural "heritages." Compare Act 1:17,…”

“Neither as being lords - Margin, “overruling.” The word here used (κατακυριεύω katakurieuō) is rendered “exercise dominion over,” in Matthew 20:25; exercise lordship over, in Mark 10:42; and overcame, in Acts 19:16. It does not elsewhere occur in the New Testament. It refers properly to that kind of jurisdiction which civil rulers or magistrates exercise. This is an exercise of authority, as contradistinguished from the influence of reason, persuasion, and example. The latter pertains to the ministers of religion; the former is forbidden to them. Their dominion is not to be that of temporal lordship; it is to be that of love and truth. This command would prohibit all assumption of temporal…”

“Neither as lording over the heritage - Behaving in a haughty, domineering manner, as though you had dominion over their conscience. The word translated heritage, is, literally, the portions. There is one flock under the one chief Shepherd; but many portions of this, under many pastors. But being examples to the flock - This procures the most ready and free obedience. 1 Peter 5:5”

“as: Eze 34:4; Mat 20:25, Mat 20:26, Mat 23:8-10; Mar 10:42-45; Luk 22:24-27; Co1 3:5, Co1 3:9; Co2 1:24, Co2 4:5; Jo3 1:9, Jo3 1:10 being lords over: or, over-ruling heritage: Pe1 2:9; Deu 32:9; Psa 33:12, Psa 74:2; Mic 7:14; Act 20:28 but: Co1 11:11; Phi 3:17, Phi 4:9; Th1 1:5, Th1 1:6; Th2 3:9; Ti1 4:12; Tit 2:7 1 Peter 5:4”