1 Peter 1:16

16 for it is written, Be holy, because I am holy. ^{[a] [b]}

1 Peter 1:16 Meaning and Commentary

1 Peter 1:16

Because it is written
In ( Leviticus 11:44 ) ( 19:2 ) ( 20:7 )

be ye holy, for I am holy:
an argument the apostle knew must have weight with these persons, who were chiefly Jews, scattered abroad among the Gentiles, and had a value for the Scriptures of truth; and therefore, as the argument for holiness of life, from the nature and perfections of God, is strong, it must receive additional strength from this being the declared will of God, even their sanctification on this account; and though holiness, equal to God, is never to be attained to by a creature, yet so far as it is capable of it, it is desirable, because agreeable both to the nature and will of God, by all such who are truly his children, who love his name, adore his perfections, give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness, fear his goodness, and obey his will.

1 Peter 1:16 In-Context

14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance

15 but, as the One who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct;

16 for it is written, Be holy, because I am holy.

17 And if you address as Father the One who judges impartially based on each one's work, you are to conduct yourselves in reverence during this time of temporary residence.

18 For you know that you were redeemed from your empty way of life inherited from the fathers, not with perishable things, like silver or gold,

Footnotes

• [a]. Mt 5:48
• [b]. Lv 11:44-45; 19:2; 20:7