CategoryDoctrine / Covenant Identity
Modern Equivalentcovenant people; God’s selected people.
KJV Word TypeTheological phrase / covenant identity term
DefinitionThe Israelites, whom God chose to be His covenant people. In the New Testament, similar chosen-language is also applied to believers in Christ.
Key Verses"For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself." (Deuteronomy 7:6); "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people." (1 Peter 2:9)
KJV Usage NoteDescribes covenant identity and divine calling, not ethnic superiority or human merit.
Common MisunderstandingIt does not mean God chose people because of human superiority; the phrase emphasizes covenant calling, grace, and responsibility.
EtymologyFrom Old English ceosan ("to choose").