1 Peter 1:16 web — because it is written, "You shall be holy; for I am holy."

World English Bible

"because it is written, "You shall be holy; for I am holy.""

— 1 Peter 1:16, World English Bible

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1 Peter 1:16 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

1 Peter 1 — Context

13

Therefore, prepare your minds for action, be sober and set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ--

14

as children of obedience, not conforming yourselves according to your former lusts as in your ignorance,

15

but just as he who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all of your behavior;

16

because it is written, "You shall be holy; for I am holy."

17

If you call on him as Father, who without respect of persons judges according to each man's work, pass the time of your living as foreigners here in reverent fear:

18

knowing that you were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from the useless way of life handed down from your fathers,

19

but with precious blood, as of a faultless and pure lamb, the blood of Christ;

1 Peter 1:16 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Peter 1:16 say?
1 Peter 1:16 in the World English Bible reads: “because it is written, "You shall be holy; for I am holy."”
Where is 1 Peter 1:16 in the Bible?
1 Peter 1:16 is found in the New Testament, in the book of 1 Peter, chapter 1, verse 16.
Who wrote 1 Peter?
1 Peter is traditionally attributed to Peter the Apostle. It was written c. AD 62–64.
What is the book of 1 Peter about?
Peter writes to "elect exiles" suffering for their faith, anchoring them in a living hope, an incorruptible inheritance, and the example of Christ who suffered for them. The letter teaches believers how to live well as strangers in a hostile world.
What are the major themes of 1 Peter?
1 Peter explores themes including Suffering, Living Hope, Holiness, Submission, Shepherding. These themes shape the meaning and context of 1 Peter 1:16.
What translation should I read 1 Peter 1:16 in?
1 Peter 1:16 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 1 Peter 1:16?
1 Peter 1:16 reads (WEB): “because it is written, "You shall be holy; for I am holy."” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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