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Romans 13:1-4 KJV
Romans · chapter 13 · verses 1–4 · King James Version
1Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.Romans 13:1-4 · King James Version
Romans 13:1-4 in context
1Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
3For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
4For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
5Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
6For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
Commentary
Cross references
- Titus 3:1
- 1 Peter 2:13-17
- Daniel 2:21
- John 19:11
- Proverbs 8:15-16
- Jeremiah 27:5-8
- Daniel 5:18-23
- Jude 1:8
- 1 Peter 2:13
Key words (Strong's)
- themselvesheautouhimself, herself, itself, themselvesG1438 →
- resistethantitassōto range in battle against, to oppose one s self, resistG498 →
- resistethanthistēmito set one s self against, to withstand, resist, oppose, to set againstG436 →
- ordinancediatagēa disposition, arrangement, ordinanceG1296 →
- ordainedtassōto put in order, to station, to place in a certain order, to arrange, to assign a place…G5021 →
- ministerdiakonosone who executes the commands of another, esp. of a master, a servant, attendant…G1249 →
- revengerekdikoswithout law and justice, exacting penalty from one, an avenger, punisherG1558 →
- subjecthypotassōto arrange under, to subordinate, to subject, put in subjection, to subject one s self…G5293 →
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We are here taught how to conduct ourselves towards magistrates, and those that are in authority over us, called here the higher powers, intimating their authority (they are powers), and their dignity (they are higher powers), including not only the king as supreme, but all inferior magistrates under him: and yet it…
— Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on verses 1-6