Translations
Modern
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.
Traditional
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.
Literal
…who once were not a people, but now are the people of God—those not having received mercy, but now having received mercy.
Latin
Qui aliquando non populus, nunc autem populus Dei: qui non consecuti misericordiam, nunc autem misericordiam consecuti.
Original
Greek
English
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.
Notes
Throughout this letter, Peter encourages suffering believers by reminding them of the great honor they have from God. In this paragraph, he describes the Christian community as a new temple that is built on Christ. He also shows that they share in the blessings God promised to his covenant people.
Theme notes and profiles
Simon Peter Belonging to Christ God’s Faithfulness to His People Purity and Identity The Church The New Community
Parallels
Glossary
Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Bible, Quotations of the Old Testament in the New Testament Congregation Mercy Peter, First Letter of
Topics
God: Love of, Exemplified Men of Valor Personal Hygiene Potential Purpose of the Church Righteous: Described Titles and Names of Saints: People of God