1 Peter 1:16

16 because it is written, ^[a] Be ye holy, for *I* am holy.

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 children of obedience, not conformed to [your] former lusts in your ignorance;

15 but as he who has called you is holy, be ye also holy in all [your] conversation;

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

17 And if ye invoke as Father him who, without regard of persons, judges according to the work of each, pass your time of sojourn in fear,

18 knowing that ye have been redeemed, not by corruptible [things, as] silver or gold, from your vain conversation handed down from [your] fathers,

Footnotes

• [a]. See Lev. 19.2. 'Holy' here is hagios: see Note i, Heb. 7.26.