1Pe 2:16 | RWP | e4.org | As free ( ως ελευθερο ). Note nominative again connected with υποταγητε in verse , not with φιμοιν in verse (a parenthesis in fact). For this ethical sense of ελευθερος see . And not using your freedom ( κα μη εχοντες την ελευθεριαν ). "And not holding your liberty" (present active participle of εχω , with usual negative μη with participle. For a cloke of wickedness ( ως επικαλυμμα της κακιας ). Επικαλυμμα (from επικαλυπτω ) is a rare word (Aristotle, LXX) for veil, here only in N.T. and in figurative sense for pretext to do wickedness under, a thing, alas, that sometimes happens. But as bondservants of God ( αλλ' ως θεου δουλο ). Paul's proud title. There is no such thing as absolute freedom (personal freedom), for that is anarchy. Cf. "enslaved to God."

‏ 1 Peter 2:16

As free ( ως ελευθερο ). Note nominative again connected with υποταγητε in verse 13, not with φιμοιν in verse 14 (a parenthesis in fact). For this ethical sense of ελευθερος see Ga 4:26.

And not using your freedom ( κα μη εχοντες την ελευθεριαν ). "And not holding your liberty" (present active participle of εχω, with usual negative μη with participle.

For a cloke of wickedness ( ως επικαλυμμα της κακιας ). Επικαλυμμα (from επικαλυπτω Ro 4:7) is a rare word (Aristotle, LXX) for veil, here only in N.T. and in figurative sense for pretext to do wickedness under, a thing, alas, that sometimes happens.

But as bondservants of God ( αλλ' ως θεου δουλο ). Paul's proud title. There is no such thing as absolute freedom (personal freedom), for that is anarchy. Cf. Ro 6:22 "enslaved to God."