Peculiar People

"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of
him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Pet 2:9).

Over the years the meaning of this word (peculiar) has digressed from its primary meaning. With today's English it means something odd, strange, queer. At best, it is just something that doesn't fit, and it has little value or practical use. The first definition for peculiar in Webster's Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary is quite different: "private property, special; belonging exclusively to one person or group."
The verse Peter wrote about God's chosen people being peculiar was quoted from the book of Exodus:

"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" (Exo 19:5).

One translation renders Exodus 19:5: "Now therefore, if you obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession out of all the peoples. Indeed, the whole earth is mine" (Exo 19:5 NRSV)

This peculiar people, peculiar treasure, treasured possession, people for a purpose, has a much more profound meaning than it being a religious bunch who acts a little strange. From the definitions of this word You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a special possession which is over and above all else, a purchased acquisition of high value who is shut up, preserved, and saved unto the appointed time of God's purpose, when you will show forth the glory and perfections of Sonship from Him who has called you out of darkness into His wonderful light (1 Pet 2:9).