Romans 13:4
for it is a servant of God to you for good; and if you may do that which is evil, be fearing, for it does not bear the sword in vain; for it is a servant of God, an avenger for wrath to him who is doing that which is evil.
Literal Standard Version
In The King James Version
In Context
Cross References
Joshua 20:5And when the redeemer of blood pursues after him, then they do not shut up the manslayer into his hand, for he has struck his neighbor without knowledge, and is not hating him until now;
1 Kings 10:9Your God YHWH is blessed, who delighted in you, to put you on the throne of Israel; in YHWH’s loving Israel for all time He sets you for king, to do judgment and righteousness.”
Psalms 82:2Until when do you judge perversely? And lift up the face of the wicked? Selah.
Proverbs 20:2The fear of a king [is] a growl as of a young lion, || He who is causing him to be angry is wronging his soul.
Proverbs 20:26A wise king is scattering the wicked, || And turns the wheel back on them.
Proverbs 31:8Open your mouth for the mute, || For the right of all sons of change.
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 →