What Does 1 Peter 2:16 Mean?

“As”

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

“free”

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

“and”

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

“not”

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

“As”

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

“a cloke”

a covering, i.e., (figuratively) pretext

“using”

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

“of maliciousness”

badness, i.e., (subjectively) depravity, or (actively) malignity, or (passively) trouble

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

“your liberty”

freedom (legitimate or licentious, chiefly moral or ceremonial)

“but”

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

“As”

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

“the servants”

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

“of God”

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)