1 Peter 2:16

As free (w eleuqeroi). Note nominative again connected with upotaghte in verse 1 Corinthians 13 , not with pimoin in verse 1 Corinthians 14 (a parenthesis in fact). For this ethical sense of eleuqero see Galatians 4:26 . And not using your freedom (kai mh econte thn eleuqerian). "And not holding your liberty" (present active participle of ecw, with usual negative mh with participle. For a cloke of wickedness (w epikalumma th kakia). Epikalumma (from epikaluptw Romans 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 (all w qeou douloi). Paul's proud title. There is no such thing as absolute freedom (personal freedom), for that is anarchy. Cf. Romans 6:22 "enslaved to God."