This is the only place in the Bible where this specific term is used (though words built from the same root appear in many places). The term describes the activity of someone “announcing” (something) to those who are “out” there. A “chosen race” acts as a family together, and those outside notice it. A “royal priesthood” serves another readily in denial of self, and those outside notice it. A “holy nation” embraces different values than is customary in the local community and lives in a manner consistent with those values, and those outside notice it. So the term translated as “proclaim” is not a reference simply to words nor simply to deeds but to the entire spectrum of living and of lifestyle that neighbours see and hear from God’s people.
9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.