1 Peter 2:10
Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
Which
G3588
οἱ
Which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαὸς
a people
G2992
λαὸς
a people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
4 of 14
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
νῦν
are now
G3568
νῦν
are now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
5 of 14
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
λαὸς
a people
G2992
λαὸς
a people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
7 of 14
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
8 of 14
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
οἱ
Which
G3588
οἱ
Which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐκ
had not
G3756
οὐκ
had not
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
10 of 14
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
ἐλεηθέντες
have obtained mercy
G1653
ἐλεηθέντες
have obtained mercy
Strong's:
G1653
Word #:
11 of 14
to compassionate (by word or deed, specially, by divine grace)
Cross References
Hosea 2:23And I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God.Hebrews 4:16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.1 Timothy 1:13Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.Romans 10:19But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.Romans 11:30For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:1 Corinthians 7:25Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.
Historical Context
Hosea prophesied Israel's restoration after judgment. Peter applies this to Gentile inclusion in covenant community—stunning claim that offended Jewish exclusivists. The church, predominantly Gentile by time of writing, fulfilled promises made to Israel. This doesn't mean replacement but expansion—one people of God comprising believing Jews and Gentiles (Galatians 3:28-29, Ephesians 2:11-22). Early church struggled with Jew-Gentile unity; Peter's teaching promoted reconciliation in Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- How should knowing you were 'not a people' but now are 'God's people' shape your identity and purpose?
- What does receiving mercy (which you didn't obtain before) motivate in terms of showing mercy to others?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Peter applies Hosea's prophecy to church. "Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God" (hoi pote ou laos, nyn de laos theou) quotes Hosea 2:23. Gentiles, formerly excluded from covenant, now constitute God's people through Christ. "Which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy" (hoi ouk ēlēmenoi, nyn de eleēthentes) emphasizes transformation from judgment to grace. This radical shift demonstrates gospel power—transforming outsiders into insiders, strangers into family, enemies into beloved.