1 Peter 1:15

KJV

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G235} as {G2596} he which hath called {G2564} you {G5209} is holy {G40}, so {G2532} be {G1096} ye {G846} holy {G40} in {G1722} all {G3956} manner of conversation {G391};

Complete Jewish Bible

On the contrary, following the Holy One who called you, become holy yourselves in your entire way of life;

Berean Standard Bible

But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do,

American Standard Version

but like as he who called you is holy, be ye yourselves also holy in all manner of living;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Peter 1:15 issues a profound imperative for believers to embody holiness in every facet of their lives, mirroring the intrinsic holiness of God who has sovereignly called them. This command serves as a stark contrast to the former patterns of life governed by ignorance and worldly desires, urging a transformed conduct that reflects the divine character of the One who has initiated their salvation and set them apart for His purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Peter's opening exhortations to scattered believers, immediately following his call for them to live as "obedient children" and to resist conformity to their former lusts, which were rooted in ignorance ([1 Peter 1:14](/1_peter/1-14 "1 Peter 1:14 - Do Not Conform to Former Lusts")). The preceding verses establish the glorious reality of their salvation, their living hope through Christ's resurrection, and their divinely preserved inheritance ([1 Peter 1:3-5](/1_peter/1-3-5 "1 Peter 1:3-5 - Living Hope and Heavenly Inheritance")). Peter has just urged them to "gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ" ([1 Peter 1:13](/1_peter/1-13 "1 Peter 1:13 - Gird Up Your Minds")). Thus, verse 15 presents the positive command—to be holy—as the natural and necessary outcome of this new identity and hope in Christ, directly contrasting with the negative command to not conform to past behaviors. It also sets the stage for the direct quotation from Leviticus in the subsequent verse ([1 Peter 1:16](/1_peter/1-16 "1 Peter 1:16 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter is addressing believers, likely primarily Gentiles, dispersed throughout various Roman provinces in Asia Minor ([1 Peter 1:1](/1_peter/1-1 "1 Peter 1:1 - Peter's Greeting to the Elect Exiles")). These Christians were living as "sojourners and exiles" in a predominantly pagan Greco-Roman society, often facing social ostracism, misunderstanding, and even persecution ([1 Peter 1:6-7](/1_peter/1-6-7 "1 Peter 1:6-7 - Trials and the Testing of Faith")). The moral climate of the Roman world was vastly different from the ethical standards of the nascent Christian community; idolatry, sexual immorality, and various forms of pagan worship were commonplace. In this environment, the call to holiness was not merely an abstract theological concept but a radical counter-cultural mandate. It meant living a life distinctly set apart from the prevailing norms, visibly demonstrating the transforming power of the Gospel and providing a clear testimony to their new allegiance to Christ. This distinctiveness would inevitably lead to friction with their surrounding culture.
* **Key Themes:** The command in [1 Peter 1:15](/1_peter/1-15 "1 Peter 1:15 - Be Holy in All Your Conduct") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the epistle. The most prominent is **God's Holiness as the Standard for Believers**. The verse explicitly grounds the human call to holiness in the divine nature: "as he which hath called you is holy." This establishes God's character as the ultimate blueprint for transformed living. Another crucial theme is **The Believer's Divine Calling and Identity**. The phrase "he which hath called you" underscores that holiness is not a self-initiated endeavor but a response to God's sovereign initiative. Believers are not merely trying to be good; they are living out the implications of being "called out" and set apart by a holy God, a concept deeply rooted in Old Testament covenant theology, where Israel was called to be a holy nation ([Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - A Kingdom of Priests and a Holy Nation")). Furthermore, the theme of **Holiness in All Aspects of Life** is central. The phrase "in all manner of conversation" (KJV) emphasizes that holiness is not confined to religious rituals or private piety but must permeate every sphere of a believer's existence—their thoughts, words, actions, and relationships. This comprehensive scope of holiness is a recurring emphasis in the New Testament, urging a consistent, integrated walk of faith ([Philippians 1:27](/philippians/1-27 "Philippians 1:27 - Live Worthy of the Gospel")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **But (Greek, _allá'_):** This conjunction serves as a strong adversative, indicating a sharp contrast or opposition. In this context, it marks a transition from the negative command in [1 Peter 1:14](/1_peter/1-14 "1 Peter 1:14 - Do Not Conform to Former Lusts") (not to conform to former lusts) to the positive imperative that follows. It highlights that the believer's new identity in Christ demands a radically different way of life, distinct from their past and the surrounding unholy world.
* **Called (Greek, _kaléō'_):** This verb signifies a divine summons or invitation. It emphasizes God's initiative in salvation, highlighting that believers are not self-appointed but have been specifically chosen and summoned by God into a relationship with Him. This calling is foundational to their new status and the subsequent command to live a life commensurate with this divine election.
* **Holy (Greek, _hágios'_):** This word fundamentally means "set apart," "sacred," or "consecrated." When applied to God, it denotes His absolute moral purity, His transcendence, and His distinctness from all that is common or sinful. When applied to believers, it means being set apart *by* God and *for* God's purposes, leading to a life that increasingly reflects His moral character and purity. It implies both a positional holiness (being declared holy in Christ) and a progressive holiness (living out that reality).
* **Conversation (Greek, _anastrophḗ'_):** In the King James Version, "conversation" does not refer primarily to verbal speech as in modern English, but to one's entire "conduct," "behavior," or "manner of life." This term encompasses all aspects of a person's daily living—their actions, attitudes, relationships, and moral choices. Peter's use of this word underscores that the call to holiness is comprehensive, permeating every sphere of a believer's existence, not just their religious observances.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But as he which hath called you is holy":** This clause establishes the theological foundation for the command. The "But" (G235 *allá*) introduces a strong contrast with the previous verse's warning against conforming to past ignorance and lusts. The phrase "he which hath called you" points to God's sovereign initiative in salvation, emphasizing that believers are recipients of a divine summons. The core assertion, "is holy," declares God's inherent nature as the ultimate standard of purity, moral perfection, and distinctness. This divine holiness serves as both the source and the pattern for the believer's call to holiness.
* **"so be ye holy":** This is the direct imperative, the central command of the verse. The "so" (G2532 *kaí*) indicates a logical consequence or correspondence: because God is holy, those who belong to Him must also embody holiness. The verb "be" (G1096 *gínomai*) here functions as a command to become or exist in a state of holiness. This is not merely an external conformity but an internal transformation that manifests in outward conduct, reflecting the character of the God who has called them.
* **"in all manner of conversation;":** This phrase specifies the scope and comprehensiveness of the holiness required. "In all manner of" (G1722 *en* G3956 *pâs*) means "in every way" or "in every respect." "Conversation" (G391 *anastrophḗ*) refers to one's entire conduct, behavior, or manner of life, not just verbal communication. This emphasizes that holiness is not limited to specific religious acts or private thoughts but must permeate every aspect of a believer's public and private life, including their interactions, decisions, and overall lifestyle.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Analogy** or **Simile**, expressed through the "as... so" construction ("as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy"). This directly draws a parallel between God's inherent holiness and the commanded holiness of believers, establishing God's character as the ultimate model and motivation. The use of the **Imperative Mood** ("be ye holy") underscores the non-negotiable nature of the command; it is not a suggestion but a divine mandate. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Contrast**, introduced by the opening "But" (G235 *allá*), which sets the call to holiness against the backdrop of the "former lusts in your ignorance" mentioned in the preceding verse ([1 Peter 1:14](/1_peter/1-14 "1 Peter 1:14 - Do Not Conform to Former Lusts")). This highlights the radical transformation expected in the lives of those called by God. Finally, there is an element of **Allusion** or **Intertextuality**, as this command directly anticipates the explicit quotation of [Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy") in the very next verse ([1 Peter 1:16](/1_peter/1-16 "1 Peter 1:16 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")), grounding the New Testament call to holiness firmly in Old Testament covenantal demands.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The call to holiness in [1 Peter 1:15](/1_peter/1-15 "1 Peter 1:15 - Be Holy in All Your Conduct") is deeply rooted in biblical theology, particularly the concept of God's character and His relationship with His people. God's holiness is His defining attribute, encompassing His absolute moral purity, His distinctness from all creation, and His righteous perfection. Because God is holy, He demands holiness from those He calls to Himself. This is not a legalistic burden but an invitation to reflect His nature and to experience the joy of intimate fellowship with Him. The pursuit of holiness is thus an act of worship, a demonstration of love for God, and a necessary condition for seeing and knowing Him more fully. It signifies a life set apart for His purposes, distinct from the world's values and practices, and empowered by His Spirit.

* [Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [Philippians 1:27](/philippians/1-27 "Philippians 1:27 - Live Worthy of the Gospel")
* [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace and Holiness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Peter 1:15 stands as a timeless challenge to every believer, urging a radical transformation of life that aligns with the character of the holy God who has called us. This command transcends mere outward conformity; it demands an inward renewal that permeates our thoughts, desires, words, and actions. To "be holy in all manner of conversation" means that our entire existence—our relationships, our work, our leisure, our digital presence, our private moments—should reflect the purity and righteousness of God. This pursuit of holiness is not a burdensome legalism but a joyful response to the grace we have received, a natural outflow of our new identity in Christ. It requires intentionality, reliance on the Holy Spirit, and a willingness to surrender every area of our lives to God's refining work. As we strive for holiness, we not only honor God but also become a compelling witness to a world desperately in need of seeing His transforming power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my "conversation" (conduct) do I most need to grow in holiness?**
* **How does understanding God's own holiness motivate my pursuit of personal holiness?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to live more distinctly "set apart" for God in my daily life?**
* **How does my pursuit of holiness impact my witness to those around me?**

### FAQ

**What does "conversation" mean in 1 Peter 1:15?**

Answer: In the King James Version, the word "conversation" (Greek: *anastrophḗ*) does not refer to verbal speech as it commonly does in modern English. Instead, it encompasses one's entire "conduct," "behavior," or "manner of life." It refers to the sum total of a person's actions, habits, attitudes, and interactions within society. Therefore, when Peter commands believers to "be ye holy in all manner of conversation," he is calling for holiness to permeate every aspect of their daily living, both public and private, ensuring that their entire lifestyle reflects the purity and character of God. This usage is consistent with other New Testament passages, such as [Philippians 1:27](/philippians/1-27 "Philippians 1:27 - Live Worthy of the Gospel"), where it speaks of living "worthy of the gospel."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The call to holiness in [1 Peter 1:15](/1_peter/1-15 "1 Peter 1:15 - Be Holy in All Your Conduct") finds its ultimate fulfillment and enablement in Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of perfect holiness, the "Holy One of God" ([Mark 1:24](/mark/1-24 "Mark 1:24 - Jesus, the Holy One of God")). While the Old Testament commanded Israel to be holy because God is holy, it also revealed their inability to perfectly achieve this standard due to sin. Christ, however, lived a life of impeccable holiness, fulfilling all righteousness ([Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Fulfilling All Righteousness")). More profoundly, through His atoning sacrifice, believers are declared holy and righteous in Him, receiving His perfect righteousness by faith ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Furthermore, the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent, indwells believers, empowering them to progressively live out the holiness that is already theirs positionally in Christ ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - The Righteous Requirement of the Law Fulfilled")). Thus, our pursuit of holiness is not a striving to earn God's favor, but a Spirit-empowered response to the holiness already bestowed upon us in Christ, enabling us to reflect the character of the One who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 5:48

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

2 Corinthians 7:1

¶ Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Hebrews 12:14

Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

James 3:13

¶ Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

Ephesians 5:1

¶ Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

Ephesians 5:2

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

1 John 3:3

And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.