FREE.In the use of this adj. in the Eng. Bible notice 1Pe_2:16 as free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God, that is, free from the Law, yet servants (slaves) to the higher law of love to God. Psa_88:5 free among the dead, a difficult passage: the probable meaning of the Heb. is separated from companionship or perhaps from Divine protection. Act_22:28 I was free born, that is, as a Roman citizen. 2Th_3:1 Pray for us that the word of the Lord may have free course (Gr. literally May run, as AVm [Note: Authorized Version margin.] and RV [Note: Revised Version.] ): free means unhindered as in Shakespeares Loves Labours Lost, v. ii. 738, For mine own part, I breathe free breath. Psa_51:12 uphold me with thy free spirit (RVm [Note: Revised Version margin.] and Amer. RV [Note: Revised Version.] willing): the word means generous, noble, and the reference is to the mans own spirit (RV [Note: Revised Version.] with a free spirit).
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible
Edited by James Hastings, D.D. Published in 1909