1 Peter 1:16
Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
By quoting Leviticus, Peter establishes continuity between Old and New Covenants. The same God who demanded Israel's holiness demands church's holiness. However, the nature of holiness shifted: Old Covenant emphasized ceremonial separation (dietary laws, ritual purity, Sabbath observance, separation from Gentiles) pointing forward to Messiah; New Covenant emphasizes moral/ethical holiness (love, purity, truth, justice) enabled by indwelling Spirit. Jesus fulfilled ceremonial law (Matthew 5:17), so believers aren't bound by kosher regulations or circumcision, but moral law's demands intensify—Jesus radicalized commandments by addressing heart, not just actions (Matthew 5:21-48). For Jewish Christians tempted to retain ceremonial regulations or Gentile Christians confused about Law's role, Peter clarifies: holiness remains essential, grounded in God's unchanging character, but manifests differently post-Christ. Reformed theology's third use of Law (teaching believers how to live gratefully in light of grace) finds support here—Law no longer condemns but guides sanctified living.
Questions for Reflection
- How does grounding the holiness command in God's character ("I am holy") rather than arbitrary rules change your motivation for pursuing godliness?
- What's the relationship between God's holiness and your holiness, and how does union with Christ enable you to become holy?
Analysis & Commentary
Peter grounds the holiness command in Scripture's authority. "Because it is written" (dioti gegraptai, διότι γέγραπται) uses the perfect tense gegraptai indicating action completed in past with enduring results: Scripture was written and remains authoritative. This formula introduces Old Testament quotations throughout New Testament, affirming Hebrew Scriptures' binding authority. The quotation: "Be ye holy; for I am holy" (hagioi esesthe, hoti egō hagios eimi, ἅγιοι ἔσεσθε, ὅτι ἐγὼ ἅγιος εἰμί) directly cites Leviticus 11:44-45; 19:2; 20:7. The command "be holy" is imperative—divine order, not mere suggestion. The reason "for I am holy" reveals holiness's ultimate foundation: God's own character. Because Yahweh is intrinsically, essentially, eternally holy, His people must be holy. The logic is covenantal: God's people bear His name, represent His character, manifest His glory. Holiness isn't primarily about human flourishing (though it produces that) but about God's glory—reflecting Creator's perfection, vindicating His reputation, displaying His nature. The phrase also implies enabling grace: the holy God who commands holiness provides power to obey through regenerating and sanctifying Spirit. Holiness flows from relationship with holy God, not human effort to impress or manipulate Him.