Cheryl Schatz

Craig,
I do think that the variant read arose because the concept of humility and submission are so closely aligned. Also the submission and/or humility that one gives is volitional and is not aligned with forced subjection that comes from authority that requires submission. Thus the passage says that God opposes the proud and in verse 3 the “lording over” is an act of pride that comes from taking authority over others. Rather than “lording over” others, the one who has been given the responsibility to protect the flock is to be an example to the flock and verse 5 shows what kind of example that is. It is an example of humility. Humility places oneself under another for the other person’s good and when all do this mutually, the body grows in love and respect for one another rather than in a hierarchical authority structure.