1 Peter 2:10

Which in time past [were] not a people, but [are] now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

Which {G3588} in time past {G4218} were not {G3756} a people {G2992}, but {G1161} are now {G3568} the people {G2992} of God {G2316}: which {G3588} had {G1653} not {G3756} obtained mercy {G1653}, but {G1161} now {G3568} have obtained mercy {G1653}.

Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; before, you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

who in time past were no people, but now are the people of God: who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

Commentary

Context

This verse serves as a powerful declaration of the transformed identity of believers, building directly on the profound descriptions in 1 Peter 2:9. Peter is addressing scattered Christians across Asia Minor, many of whom were likely Gentile converts. Prior to their conversion, these individuals, by birth, had no covenant relationship with God's chosen people, Israel. Peter's words emphasize the radical shift from being outsiders to being intimately part of God's family, a theme echoing Old Testament prophecies where God promised to call those "not my people" His people, as seen in Romans 9:25-26 (quoting Hosea). For Gentile believers, this transformation was particularly profound, as they were once alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise.

Key Themes

  • Divine Transformation: The verse highlights a miraculous change in status, from being "not a people" in God's sight to becoming "the people of God." This signifies a spiritual adoption and inclusion into God's covenant community, regardless of former ethnic or social standing.
  • Unmerited Mercy: The phrase "had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy" underscores that this new status is entirely a result of God's compassionate and unearned favor. It emphasizes that salvation and inclusion are acts of divine grace, not human merit, aligning with the truth found in Titus 3:5.
  • New Identity in Christ: Believers are given a new, divinely conferred identity. Their past state of alienation is completely superseded by their present reality as those who belong to God, chosen and redeemed by His mercy.

Linguistic Insights

The stark contrast in the verse is powerful in the original Greek. The phrase "not a people" (Greek: ou laos) directly opposes "the people of God" (laos Theou), underscoring a complete reversal of covenantal and relational status. Similarly, "had not obtained mercy" (ouk ēleēmenoi) conveys a past state of being without divine compassion, while "now have obtained mercy" (nun de ēleēthentes) emphasizes the present reality of having received God's profound pity and kindness. The passive voice used for "obtained mercy" highlights that this mercy is something given by God, a gift received, rather than something achieved or earned by human effort.

Practical Application

This verse profoundly impacts how believers understand their identity and purpose. First, it calls for immense gratitude for God's sovereign choice and immeasurable mercy that brought us from spiritual destitution to divine belonging. Second, it defines our Christian identity: we are not defined by our past failures, social standing, or ethnic background, but by our new relationship with God as His cherished people. Third, it compels us to live in a way that reflects this high calling, demonstrating the same mercy, love, and holiness that we have received. It reminds the church that its unity stems not from shared demographics, but from the common experience of God's transforming grace, uniting people from every background into one spiritual family.

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Cross-References

  • Hosea 2:23 (14 votes)

    And I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to [them which were] not my people, Thou [art] my people; and they shall say, [Thou art] my God.

  • Hosea 1:9 (10 votes)

    Then said [God], Call his name Loammi: for ye [are] not my people, and I will not be your [God].

  • Hosea 1:10 (10 votes)

    Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, [that] in the place where it was said unto them, Ye [are] not my people, [there] it shall be said unto them, [Ye are] the sons of the living God.

  • Hebrews 4:16 (10 votes)

    Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

  • Romans 9:25 (8 votes)

    ¶ As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.

  • Romans 9:26 (8 votes)

    And it shall come to pass, [that] in the place where it was said unto them, Ye [are] not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.

  • Romans 10:19 (6 votes)

    But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by [them that are] no people, [and] by a foolish nation I will anger you.