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1 Peter 1:16

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Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

Because {G1360} it is written {G1125}, Be ye {G1096} holy {G40}; for {G3754} I {G1473} am {G1510} holy {G40}.

since the Tanakh says,

“You are to be holy because I am holy.”

for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

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

Commentary

1 Peter 1:16 KJV

Verse Text:

"Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."

Commentary:

This verse quotes the Old Testament law, specifically found in Leviticus (Leviticus 11:44, Leviticus 19:2, Leviticus 20:7). Peter is reminding the scattered Christian believers (likely in Asia Minor) that the call to holiness is not new, but rooted in God's character revealed in the Old Covenant and now applicable to those under the New Covenant.

The core theme is God's absolute holiness and the corresponding command for His people to emulate that holiness in their lives. God's holiness means He is utterly separate from sin and dedicated to righteousness. The call for believers to "be holy" means to be set apart from the world's sinful ways and dedicated to God's purposes, reflecting His moral purity.

The Greek word translated "holy" is hagios. It signifies being set apart, consecrated, or sacred. It's not just about moral purity (though that's included), but primarily about being distinctively belonging to God and living in accordance with that relationship. Just as God is distinct and separate in His divine nature and purity, His people are called to be distinct and separate from the common, unholy practices of the world, consecrated to Him.

This verse serves as the foundation for the surrounding commands in 1 Peter, emphasizing that the Christian life is a call to live differently—a life set apart for God, motivated by His own perfect holiness. It's a high calling, but one made possible through Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 11:44 (82 votes)

    For I [am] the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I [am] holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

  • Leviticus 19:2 (67 votes)

    Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God [am] holy.

  • Leviticus 20:7 (62 votes)

    Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I [am] the LORD your God.

  • Amos 3:3 (-15 votes)

    Can two walk together, except they be agreed?