Romans 13:5
3 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.
Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- Therefore it is necessary to submit to authority, not only to avoid punishment, but also as a matter of conscience.
- KJV
- Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
- WEB
- Therefore you need to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience’ sake.
- ASV
- Wherefore [ye] must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience` sake.
- DARBY
- Wherefore it is necessary to be subject, not only on account of wrath, but also on account of conscience.
- BLB
- Therefore [it is] necessary to be subject, not only because of wrath, but also because of the conscience.
- ÅB
- Derfor er det nødvendig å underordne seg, ikke bare for straffens skyld, men også for samvittighetens skyld.
- OTB
- Derfor er det nødvendig å underordne seg myndighetene, ikke bare for å unngå vrede, men også for samvittighetens skyld.
- B1930
- Derfor er det nødvendig å være lydig mot den, ikke bare for straffens skyld, men også for samvittighetens.
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
1 Peter 2:19
For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
Read in contextEcclesiastes 8:2
I counsel thee to keep the king’s commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God.
Read in contextActs 24:16
And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.
Read in context1 Peter 2:13–15
Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
Read in contextTitus 3:1–2
Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
Read in context1 Samuel 24:5–6
And it came to pass afterward, that David’s heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul’s skirt.
Read in context1 Peter 3:16
Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
Read in contextHebrews 13:18
Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.
Read in context