1 Peter 2:9

Authorized King James Version

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Word-by-Word Analysis

Ὑμεῖς

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

γένος

G1085

generation

"kin" (abstract or concrete, literal or figurative, individual or collective)

ἐκλεκτόν

G1588

are a chosen

select; by implication, favorite

βασίλειον

G934

a royal

kingly (in nature)

ἱεράτευμα

G2406

priesthood

the priestly fraternity, i.e., sacerdotal order (figuratively)

ἔθνος

G1484

nation

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

ἅγιον

G40

an holy

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

λαὸς

G2992

people

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

#10

εἰς

G1519

a peculiar

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#11

περιποίησιν

G4047

acquisition (the act or the thing); by extension, preservation

#12

ὅπως

G3704

that

what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)

#13

τὰς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#14

ἀρετὰς

G703

the praises

properly, manliness (valor), i.e., excellence (intrinsic or attributed)

#15

ἐξαγγείλητε

G1804

ye should shew forth

to publish, i.e., celebrate

#16

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#17

ἐκ

G1537

out of

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

#18

σκότους

G4655

darkness

shadiness, i.e., obscurity (literally or figuratively)

#19

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

#20

καλέσαντος

G2564

of him who hath called

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

#21

εἰς

G1519

a peculiar

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#22

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#23

θαυμαστὸν

G2298

marvellous

wondered at, i.e., (by implication) wonderful

#24

αὐτοῦ

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#25

φῶς·

G5457

light

luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ Exodus 19:6 Exodus 19:6
And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
— Kingdom of priests
² Revelation 1:6 Revelation 1:6
And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
— Made us kings and priests

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Peter. The concept of covenant community reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within 1 Peter chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Hope