Romans 13:4

Those in power are God's servants, put there for your own good. If you do wrong, you should be frightened—it's not without reason that authorities have the power to punish! They are God's servants, punishing offenders.

Free Bible Version

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 don't frighten those who do right, but those who do wrong. If you don't want to live in fear of the authorities, then do what is right, and you'll have their approval.

5So it's important to do as you're told, not just because of the threat of punishment, but because of what your conscience tells you.

Read all of Romans 13

Cross References

Joshua 20:5If the one seeking revenge comes looking for the man, they must not hand the one who committed manslaughter over to him, because he killed someone unintentionally and without deliberate hatred.

1 Kings 10:9Praise the Lord your God who is so pleased with you, who placed you on his throne as king to rule on his behalf. Because of the love of your God for Israel he has made them secure forever, and he has made you king over them to do what is fair and right.”

Psalms 82:2How long will you make unfair judgments and show favoritism to the wicked? Selah.

Proverbs 20:2When a king gets terribly angry, he sounds like a roaring lion; anyone who makes him furious is liable to be killed.

Proverbs 20:26A wise king separates out the wicked by winnowing and punishes them by threshing.

Proverbs 31:8Speak up for those who have no voice, for the rights of those marginalized by society.

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 →

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