Romans 13:1
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God.
2 Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval.
Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God.
- KJV
- Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
- WEB
- Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God.
- ASV
- Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the [powers] that be are ordained of God.
- DARBY
- Let every soul be subject to the authorities that are above [him]. For there is no authority except from God; and those that exist are set up by God.
- BLB
- Let every soul be subject to the authorities being above [him]. For there is no authority except by God; but those existing are appointed by God.
- ÅB
- La enhver underordne seg de overordnede myndigheter! For det finnes ingen myndighet som ikke er innsatt av Gud, og de som finnes, er innsatt av Gud.
- OTB
- Hver person skal underordne seg de styrende myndigheter, for det er ingen myndighet utenom den som er fra Gud, og de som eksisterer er blitt opprettet av Gud.
- B1930
- Hver sjel være lydig mot de foresatte øvrigheter! for det er ikke øvrighet uten av Gud, men de som er, de er innsatt av Gud,
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
Titus 3:1
Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work,
Read in context1 Peter 2:13–17
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority,
Read in contextDaniel 2:21
He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.
Read in contextJohn 19:11
Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of greater sin.”
Read in contextProverbs 8:15–16
By me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws;
Read in contextJeremiah 27:5–8
By My great power and outstretched arm, I made the earth and the men and beasts on the face of it, and I give it to whom I please.
Read in contextJude 1:8
Yet in the same way these dreamers defile their bodies, reject authority, and slander glorious beings.
Read in contextDaniel 5:18–23
As for you, O king, the Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty and greatness, glory and honor.
Read in context