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:
What does 1 Peter 2:9 mean?
Evil-speaking is a sign of malice and guile in the heart; and hinders our profiting by the word of God. A new life needs suitable food.
Key themes
Read with
Keep this verse inside 1 Peter 2:7-10 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on 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: But ye are a chosen generation - In contradistinction from those who, by their disobedience, had rejected the Saviour as the foundation of hope. The people of God are often represented as his chosen or elected people. See the notes at 1 Peter 1:2 . A royal priesthood - See the notes at 1 Peter 2:5 . The meaning of this is, probably, that they "at once bore the dignity of kings, and the sanctity of priests" - Doddridge.
Key words
- generation or kindred
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generation or kindred.
- the crown of the priesthood
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the crown of the priesthood.
- his most excellent light
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his most excellent light.
- generation or kindred
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generation or kindred.
Context in 1 Peter 2
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1 Peter 2 belongs to the early movement of the book, especially the section often described as conduct among the nations. First Peter calls believers a holy people in exile, formed by Christ’s suffering and destined for glory. Read this chapter with the wider themes of exile, hope, and holiness in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
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