Romans 13:4

For he is the servant of God to you for good. But if you do evil, have fear; for the sword is not in his hand for nothing: he is God's servant, making God's punishment come on the evil-doer.

Bible in Basic English

In The King James Version

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.

In Context

3For rulers are not a cause of fear to the good work but to the evil. If you would have no fear of the authority, do good and you will have praise;

5So put yourselves under the authority, not for fear of wrath, but because you have the knowledge of what is right.

Read all of Romans 13

Cross References

Joshua 20:5And if the one who has the right of punishment comes after him, they are not to give the taker of life up to him; because he was the cause of his neighbour's death without designing it and not in hate.

1 Kings 10:9May the Lord your God be praised, whose pleasure it was to put you on the seat of the kingdom of Israel; because the Lord's love for Israel is eternal, he has made you king, to be their judge in righteousness.

Psalms 82:2How long will you go on judging falsely, having respect for the persons of evil-doers? (Selah.)

Proverbs 20:2The wrath of a king is like the loud cry of a lion: he who makes him angry does wrong against himself.

Proverbs 20:26A wise king puts evil-doers to flight, and makes their evil-doing come back on them.

Proverbs 31:8Let your mouth be open for those who have no voice, in the cause of those who are ready for death.

Matthew Henry on Romans 13:2-7

Obedience to Magistrates Enforced. ( a. d. 58.) 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. 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… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Romans 13:4