Romans 13:3
1 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.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
For 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:
4 For 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.
5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- 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.
- KJV
- For 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:
- WEB
- For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Do you desire to have no fear of the authority? Do that which is good, and you will have praise from the authority,
- ASV
- For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. And wouldest thou have no fear of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise from the same:
- DARBY
- For rulers are not a terror to a good work, but to an evil [one]. Dost thou desire then not to be afraid of the authority? practise [what is] good, and thou shalt have praise from it;
- BLB
- For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Now do you want not to fear the authority? Do that which [is] good, and you will have praise from him.
- ÅB
- For de styrende er ikke til trussel for den som gjør det gode, men for den som gjør det onde. Vil du slippe å frykte for myndigheten? Gjør det gode, så skal du ha ros av den.
- OTB
- For herskere er ikke en årsak til frykt for dem som gjør godt, men for dem som gjør ondt. Ønsker du å være fri fra frykt for myndigheten? Gjør det som er rett, og du vil få ros.
- B1930
- For de styrende er ikke til redsel for den gode gjerning, men for den onde. Men vil du slippe å frykte for øvrigheten? Gjør det som godt er, så skal du ha ros av den;
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
Ecclesiastes 10:4–6
If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.
Read in contextProverbs 14:35
The king’s favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.
Read in contextProverbs 20:2
The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.
Read in context1 Peter 2:13–14
Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
Read in contextDeuteronomy 25:1
If there be a controversy between men, and they come unto judgment, that the judges may judge them; then they shall justify the righteous, and condemn the wicked.
Read in context1 Peter 3:13–14
And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
Read in contextJeremiah 22:15–18
Shalt thou reign, because thou closest thyself in cedar? did not thy father eat and drink, and do judgment and justice, and then it was well with him?
Read in contextRomans 13:4
For 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.
Read in context