1 Peter 2:9
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:
Original Language Analysis
γένος
generation
G1085
γένος
generation
Strong's:
G1085
Word #:
3 of 25
"kin" (abstract or concrete, literal or figurative, individual or collective)
ἱεράτευμα
priesthood
G2406
ἱεράτευμα
priesthood
Strong's:
G2406
Word #:
6 of 25
the priestly fraternity, i.e., sacerdotal order (figuratively)
ἔθνος
nation
G1484
ἔθνος
nation
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
7 of 25
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
ἅγιον
an holy
G40
ἅγιον
an holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
8 of 25
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
λαὸς
people
G2992
λαὸς
people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
9 of 25
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
εἰς
a peculiar
G1519
εἰς
a peculiar
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 25
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
περιποίησιν
G4047
περιποίησιν
Strong's:
G4047
Word #:
11 of 25
acquisition (the act or the thing); by extension, preservation
ὅπως
that
G3704
ὅπως
that
Strong's:
G3704
Word #:
12 of 25
what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀρετὰς
the praises
G703
ἀρετὰς
the praises
Strong's:
G703
Word #:
14 of 25
properly, manliness (valor), i.e., excellence (intrinsic or attributed)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκ
out of
G1537
ἐκ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
17 of 25
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
σκότους
darkness
G4655
σκότους
darkness
Strong's:
G4655
Word #:
18 of 25
shadiness, i.e., obscurity (literally or figuratively)
καλέσαντος
of him who hath called
G2564
καλέσαντος
of him who hath called
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
20 of 25
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
εἰς
a peculiar
G1519
εἰς
a peculiar
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
21 of 25
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 7:6For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.Revelation 1:6And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.Revelation 5:10And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.Isaiah 61:6But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.2 Timothy 1:9Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,Deuteronomy 14:2For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.Titus 2:14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.1 Peter 2:5Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.Deuteronomy 10:15Only the LORD had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and he chose their seed after them, even you above all people, as it is this day.Isaiah 26:2Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.
Historical Context
Written to predominantly Gentile Christians in Asia Minor (c. AD 62-64), this verse radically redefines covenant identity. First-century Jews understood these titles as exclusively theirs by physical descent from Abraham. Peter's application to Gentile believers would have been controversial, asserting that covenant promises transfer to the multinational church united in Christ, not ethnic Israel rejecting their Messiah. This theological shift, rooted in Jesus's teaching and the Jerusalem Council's decisions (Acts 15), established Christianity as the fulfillment of Israel's calling rather than a competing religion.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your identity as part of a 'royal priesthood' change your understanding of prayer and direct access to God?
- In what practical ways are you 'showing forth the praises' of God who called you from darkness to light in your daily life and relationships?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Peter applies four Old Testament titles for Israel directly to the church, demonstrating the New Covenant community as God's true people. The Greek genos eklekton (chosen race/generation) echoes Isaiah 43:20-21, while basileion hierateuma (royal priesthood) quotes Exodus 19:6, affirming believers' privileged access to God without human mediators—a revolutionary claim abolishing the Levitical priesthood's exclusive role. The phrase "holy nation" (ethnos hagion) and "peculiar people" (laos eis peripoiēsin, literally "a people for God's own possession") from Exodus 19:5-6 establish the church as God's treasured possession among all peoples. This identity carries responsibility: believers exist not for self-congratulation but to "show forth the praises" (exangeilēte tas aretas, proclaim the excellencies) of God who called them from darkness to light, a missionary purpose extending salvation's blessings to the nations.