First Epistle of Peter

1 Peter 2:9 is a verse from the New Testament of the Christian Bible, specifically from the First Epistle of Peter. The verse reads: "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." This passage is often interpreted as a call to Christians to recognize their special status and mission as followers of Christ. The phrase "chosen race" (ἐκλεκτὸν γένος, eklektron genos in Greek) and "royal priesthood" (βασιλεῦς ἱερεῦμα, basileus hiereuma) emphasize the collective identity and spiritual authority of believers. The verse also echoes themes from the Old Testament, particularly Exodus 19:5-6, where the Israelites are described as a "priestly kingdom and a holy nation." In Hebrew, the phrase "chosen race" can be translated as goy nivchar (גּוֹי נִבְחָר), and "royal priesthood" as kohenut malkhutit (כְּהֻנָּה מַלְכוּתִית). The contextual significance of this verse lies in its affirmation of the believers' identity and their role in proclaiming the gospel, highlighting their transition from spiritual darkness to the light of Christ.