Romans 13:6

It is for this reason that you also pay taxes, because the officials are ones who serve God as they continually do their work.

Translation for Translators

In The King James Version

For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

In Context

5So, it is necessary for you (pl) to be subject to officials, not only because they will punish you [MTY] if you disobey them, but also because you know that you should be subject to them

7Give to all the officials what you are supposed to give to them! Pay taxes to those who require that you pay taxes. Pay duties on goods to those who require that you pay those duties. Respect those who ought to be respected. Honor those who ought to be honored.

Read all of Romans 13

Cross References

Deuteronomy 1:9Moses/I also said to the people, “When we were still at Sinai Mountain, I told your ancestors ‘It is a very big burden/responsibility for me to govern all of you. So I cannot do it by myself.

2 Samuel 8:5When the army of Syria came from Damascus city to help King Hadadezer’s army, David’s soldiers killed 22,000 of them.

Ezra 4:13“It is important for you to know that if they rebuild the city and finish building the walls, they will stop paying any kind of taxes. As a result, there will be less money in your treasury.

Ezra 6:8“Furthermore, I declare that you must help these leaders of the Jews as they rebuild this temple of God by giving them funds for the building work.

Job 29:7“Whenever I went to the place where the elders gathered at the city gate, I sat down with them,

Matthew 22:17So tell us what you think [RHQ] about this matter: Is it right that we pay taxes to the Roman government [MTY], or not?”

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 13:6