Have you ever wondered why certain word choices in our Bible translations carry such profound theological weight? The King James Version’s use of “peculiar people” to describe God’s chosen ones has puzzled and intrigued Bible readers for centuries.
This unique terminology isn’t just an archaic quirk—it reveals something profound about our relationship with God. When we understand the rich meaning behind this translation choice, we discover a deeper dimension of how God sees His people and what it means to belong to Him in a world that often pulls us in different directions.
Biblical Insight
The term “peculiar people” appears in several key passages in the King James Version, most notably in 1 Peter 2:9: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” This translation choice stems from the Hebrew word “segullah” (סְגֻלָּה) in the Old Testament, which appears in passages like Exodus 19:5: “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine.”
The original Hebrew term “segullah” carried the meaning of a special possession or treasured property—specifically referring to the personal treasure of a king. In ancient Near Eastern culture, kings would have their royal treasury containing items of great value, but they would also have a personal collection of treasures they particularly cherished. When יהוה (Yahweh) refers to Israel as His “segullah,” He is claiming them as His personal, cherished possession—a treasure He values above all other nations, not because of their inherent worth but because of His sovereign choice and covenant love. This concept continues in the New Testament with the Greek term “peripoiēsis,” which carries similar connotations of being specially acquired or purchased.
The King James translators chose “peculiar” because in 17th century English, the word didn’t primarily mean “strange” or “odd” as it does today. Rather, it derived from the Latin “peculiaris,” meaning “belonging exclusively to one person,” “private property,” or “special.” Thus, “peculiar people” conveyed the idea of a people who exclusively belong to God—His special possession or treasure. Modern translations like “special possession,” “treasured possession,” or “people for God’s own possession” capture this meaning more clearly for contemporary readers, but the KJV’s “peculiar” actually carries profound theological richness that has been somewhat lost in our modern understanding of the word.
Practical Wisdom
Understanding ourselves as God’s “peculiar treasure” transforms how we view our identity and purpose. When we grasp that we are God’s prized possession—specially chosen and deeply valued by the Creator of the universe—it reshapes our self-worth. This isn’t about inflating our ego but recognizing the immense price paid for us through the blood of the Messiah. As 1 Corinthians 6:20 reminds us, “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
This identity as God’s special treasure comes with both privilege and responsibility. Being set apart as יהוה (Yahweh)’s personal possession means we represent Him in this world. Our lives should reflect His character and values, even when they run counter to cultural norms. This is where the modern sense of “peculiar” as “different” actually becomes applicable to believers—we are called to stand out from the world’s patterns and priorities. However, this difference isn’t meant to be merely odd or deliberately contrary; rather, it should reflect the holiness, love, and righteousness of our God who has claimed us as His own.
Living as God’s “peculiar treasure” means surrendering our independence and acknowledging His rightful ownership of our lives. Just as a treasured possession doesn’t determine its own purpose but fulfills the desires of its owner, we find our true purpose not in self-determination but in yielding to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. This surrender paradoxically leads to our greatest freedom and joy, as we align ourselves with the loving purposes of the One who treasures us beyond measure.
Clearing up misunderstandings
One common misunderstanding about the KJV’s “peculiar people” is that it suggests Christians should be deliberately strange or socially awkward. This misinterpretation has sometimes led believers to equate cultural oddity with spiritual faithfulness. However, the biblical concept isn’t about superficial distinctiveness but about belonging to God and reflecting His character. Our distinctiveness should stem from Christlike love, integrity, and holiness—not from arbitrary cultural isolation or peculiar behaviors that have no biblical basis.
Another misconception is that being God’s “peculiar treasure” implies superiority over others. This misunderstanding has unfortunately fueled spiritual pride in some Christian communities. Yet the biblical teaching emphasizes that God’s choosing was based on His grace, not on any inherent worthiness in us. As Deuteronomy 7:7-8 clarifies regarding Israel: “יהוה (Yahweh) did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: But because יהוה (Yahweh) loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers.” Our status as God’s special possession should promote humility and grateful service, not arrogance.
Some also miss the communal dimension of being God’s “peculiar people.” The biblical concept refers not primarily to individual believers but to the corporate body of believers. We are collectively His treasure, which emphasizes our need for community and mutual accountability. No single believer fully represents God’s treasured possession in isolation; we need each other to fully express His character and purposes in the world.
Conclusion
The King James translators’ choice of “peculiar people” beautifully captures the essence of our relationship with God—we are His exclusive treasure, specially acquired and deeply valued. This identity grounds us in divine love while calling us to distinctive living that honors our Owner and King. As you walk through life today, carry this profound truth with you: you belong to God as His cherished possession, purchased with the priceless blood of Yeshua the Messiah.
May this understanding of being God’s “peculiar treasure” transform how you see yourself and how you live. Rather than conforming to the world’s expectations or pursuing its fleeting treasures, embrace your identity as one who belongs completely to God. In doing so, you’ll discover the joy and purpose that comes from fulfilling your created design—to glorify and enjoy the One who calls you His own special possession.
Did you know
The King James translators were working during a time when English was undergoing significant changes, and many of their word choices that seem unusual to us were deliberately archaic even in 1611. They often selected words with Latin roots (like “peculiar” from “peculiaris”) rather than common Anglo-Saxon equivalents, believing this lent dignity and gravitas to the sacred text. This translation philosophy explains many of the KJV’s distinctive linguistic features and contributes to its enduring literary influence, even as it sometimes creates comprehension challenges for modern readers unfamiliar with 17th century English vocabulary and syntax.
