Peculiar People; Peculiar Treasure

Dictionary of Biblical Words:

This expression is found in 1 Peter 2:9, and does not mean “odd” or “out of the way,” but a people acquired by God for Himself, as seen in the general use of the word; translated “obtain” in 1 Thess. 5:9; 2 Thess. 2:14, and “purchased,” Eph. 1:14. The world accounts some Christians “peculiar” in many ways, but peculiarity is not their object.

Concise Bible Dictionary:

Except in Ecclesiastes 2:8, where “the peculiar treasure of kings” is gathered by Solomon, these expressions both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament refer to what God’s people are to Him (Ex. 19:5; Deut. 14:2; Deut. 26:18; Psa. 135:4; Titus 2:14). The terms imply a possession upon which a specially choice value is set. 1 Peter 2:9 is a little different: “Ye are a people for a possession.” (compare Mal. 3:17.)