1 Peter 2:16 akjv — As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.

American King James Version

"As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. "

— 1 Peter 2:16, American King James Version

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

1 Peter 2:16 in Other Translations

7 versions All translations

1 Peter 2 — Context

13

Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;

14

Or to governors, as to them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.

15

For so is the will of God, that with well doing you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

16

As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.

17

Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

18

Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the fraudulent.

19

For this is thank worthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.

1 Peter 2:16 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Peter 2:16 say?
1 Peter 2:16 in the American King James Version reads: “As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. ”
Where is 1 Peter 2:16 in the Bible?
1 Peter 2:16 is found in the New Testament, in the book of 1 Peter, chapter 2, verse 16.
Who wrote 1 Peter?
1 Peter is traditionally attributed to Peter the Apostle. It was written c. AD 62–64.
What is the book of 1 Peter about?
Peter writes to "elect exiles" suffering for their faith, anchoring them in a living hope, an incorruptible inheritance, and the example of Christ who suffered for them. The letter teaches believers how to live well as strangers in a hostile world.
What are the major themes of 1 Peter?
1 Peter explores themes including Suffering, Living Hope, Holiness, Submission, Shepherding. These themes shape the meaning and context of 1 Peter 2:16.
What translation should I read 1 Peter 2:16 in?
1 Peter 2:16 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 1 Peter 2:16?
1 Peter 2:16 reads (AKJV): “As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. ” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2