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.

World English Bible British with Deuterocanon

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 →

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