1 Peter 2:16
As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
Original Language Analysis
ὡς
As
G5613
ὡς
As
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
1 of 15
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἐλεύθεροι
free
G1658
ἐλεύθεροι
free
Strong's:
G1658
Word #:
2 of 15
unrestrained (to go at pleasure), i.e., (as a citizen) not a slave (whether freeborn or manumitted), or (genitive case) exempt (from obligation or lia
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
4 of 15
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ὡς
As
G5613
ὡς
As
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
5 of 15
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἔχοντες
using
G2192
ἔχοντες
using
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
7 of 15
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κακίας
of maliciousness
G2549
κακίας
of maliciousness
Strong's:
G2549
Word #:
9 of 15
badness, i.e., (subjectively) depravity, or (actively) malignity, or (passively) trouble
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐλευθερίαν
your liberty
G1657
ἐλευθερίαν
your liberty
Strong's:
G1657
Word #:
11 of 15
freedom (legitimate or licentious, chiefly moral or ceremonial)
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ὡς
As
G5613
ὡς
As
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
13 of 15
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
Cross References
Galatians 5:13For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.Romans 6:22But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.1 Corinthians 7:22For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.Romans 6:18Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.Galatians 5:1Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.James 1:25But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.Ephesians 6:6Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;James 2:12So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.Colossians 3:24Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.2 Peter 2:19While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
Historical Context
Antinomianism (liberty as license to sin) threatened early church. Some misunderstood grace as permission to continue in sin (Romans 6:1-2). Peter insists: freedom from law's condemnation doesn't mean freedom from law's moral instruction or freedom to sin. True freedom is Christ's service. Early church balanced grace (freedom from works-righteousness) with holiness (moral obedience flowing from love). This tension appears throughout New Testament (Galatians 5:13, "use not liberty for occasion to flesh").
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas are you tempted to use Christian 'freedom' as excuse for selfish or questionable behavior?
- How does understanding yourself as God's voluntary bondservant reshape your view of freedom?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Peter addresses potential abuse of Christian liberty. "As free" (hōs eleutheroi) acknowledges believers' freedom in Christ—liberated from sin's bondage, ceremonial law, condemnation. But negatively: "and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness" (kai mē hōs epikalymma echontes tēs kakias tēn eleutherian)—don't use freedom as cover/pretext for evil. Freedom isn't license to sin. Positively: "but as the servants of God" (all' hōs theou douloi)—though free, believers are God's bondservants, voluntarily submitting to His will. True freedom is freedom to serve God, not freedom from all restraint.