as used in the phrase "peculiar people" in 1Pe 2:9, is derived from the Lat. peculium, and denotes, as rendered in the Revised Version ("a people for God's own possession"), a special possession or property. The church is the "property" of God, his "purchased possession" (Eph 1:14; R.V., "God's own possession").
who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory.
But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
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