But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

1 PETER 1:15KJV
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1 Peter 1:15 (KJV)

What does 1 Peter 1:15 mean?

1 Peter 1:15 says that the character of the God who called the readers is the pattern for their conduct. Because God is holy, the readers are told to be holy in every part of the way they live.

Peter’s sentence follows a contrast with the desires that shaped the readers’ lives before they knew better in verse 14. The phrase “all manner of conversation” reaches beyond speech to their whole way of behaving.

The Greek behind 1 Peter 1:15

  • “holy” — ἅγιος (hagios): The word carries the sense of being set apart. Here it describes both God and the conduct expected of the readers, linking the two.
  • “conversation” — ἀναστροφή (anastrophē): The Greek word means conduct or way of life. In the KJV, “conversation” can have this broader meaning rather than referring only to talk.

Why 1 Peter 1:15 matters

  • The verse gives a reason for its instruction: the one who called the readers is himself holy. The words “as he” and “so be ye” draw the comparison.
  • The instruction is not limited to a particular setting. “In all manner of conversation” covers the whole range of the readers’ conduct.
  • The call to holiness continues into verse 16, where Peter quotes the words “Be ye holy; for I am holy.” That quotation shows the connection between God’s character and the readers’ conduct in the words of earlier Scripture.

Where else these words appear

“conversation” Greek G391 · used in 13 verses

  • Galatians 1:13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
  • James 3:13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
  • 1 Peter 3:2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

“called” Greek G2564 · used in 138 verses

  • Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
  • Luke 7:39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.
  • Romans 9:25 As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.