Online Resource Library
Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - 1 Peter 2:18 - 2:18
(Show All Books | Show All Chapters)
This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Servants (hoi oiketai). Note article with the class as with andres (1Pe 3:7), though not with gunaikes (1Pe 3:1). Oiketēs, old word from oikos (house), means one in the same house with another (Latin domesticus), particularly house servants (slaves) in distinction from the general term doulos (slave). “Ye domestics.” See similar directions to Christian servants (slaves) in Col 3:22-25; Eph 6:5-7; 1Ti 6:1.; Tit 2:9. Oiketēs in N.T. occurs only here, Luk 16:13; Act 10:7; Rom 14:4.
Be in subjection (hupotassomenoi). Present middle participle of hupotassō, common late compound to subject oneself to one (Luk 2:51). Either the participle is here used as an imperative (so in 1Pe 3:1, 1Pe 3:7) as in Rom 12:16., or the imperative este has to be supplied (Robertson, Grammar, p. 945).
To your masters (tois despotais). Dative case of despotēs, old word for absolute owner in contrast with doulos. It is used also of God (Luk 2:29; Act 4:24, Act 4:29) and of Christ (2Pe 2:1; Jud 1:4). Kurios has a wider meaning and not necessarily suggesting absolute power.
To the good and gentle (tois agathois kai epieikesin). Dative case also with the article with class. For epieikēs see note on Jam 3:17. There were slave-owners (masters) like this as there are housekeepers and employers of workmen today. This is no argument for slavery, but only a sidelight on a condition bad enough at its best.
To the froward (tois skoliois). “To the crooked.” Old word, also in Luk 3:5; Act 2:40; Phi 2:15. Unfortunately there were slave-holders as there are employers today, like this group. The test of obedience comes precisely toward this group.