1 Peter 2:9 web — But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim…

World English Bible

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:"

— 1 Peter 2:9, World English Bible

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1 Peter 2:9 in Other Translations

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1 Peter 2 — Context

6

Because it is contained in Scripture, "Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, chosen, and precious: He who believes in him will not be disappointed."

7

For you who believe therefore is the honor, but for those who are disobedient, "The stone which the builders rejected, has become the chief cornerstone,"

8

and, "a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense." For they stumble at the word, being disobedient, to which also they were appointed.

9

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:

10

who in time past were no people, but now are God's people, who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

11

Beloved, I beg you as foreigners and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

12

having good behavior among the nations, so in that of which they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they see, glorify God in the day of visitation.

1 Peter 2:9 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Peter 2:9 say?
1 Peter 2:9 in the World English Bible reads: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:”
Where is 1 Peter 2:9 in the Bible?
1 Peter 2:9 is found in the New Testament, in the book of 1 Peter, chapter 2, verse 9.
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 2:9.
What translation should I read 1 Peter 2:9 in?
1 Peter 2:9 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 2:9?
1 Peter 2:9 reads (WEB): “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:” 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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