Romans 13:4

For, God’s minister, is he unto thee for that which is good. But, if, that which is evil, thou be doing, be afraid! For, not in vain, the sword he beareth; for, God’s minister, he is,—an avenger, unto anger, to him who practiseth what is evil.

The Emphasised Bible by J. B. Rotherham

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, they who bear rule, are not a terror unto the good work but unto the evil. Wouldst thou not be afraid of the authority? That which is good, be thou doing, and thou shall have praise of the same;

5Wherefore it is necessary to be in subjection,—not only because of the anger, but also because of the conscience;

Read all of Romans 13

Cross References

Joshua 20:5And, when the blood-redeemer pursueth after him, then shall they not deliver up the manslayer, into his hand,—because, unwittingly, it was that he slew his neighbour, and had not been, cherishing hatred, towards him, aforetime;

1 Kings 10:9Yahweh thy God be blessed, who delighted in thee, to set thee upon the throne of Israel,—because Yahweh loveth Israel unto times age-abiding, therefore hath he appointed thee to be king, to execute justice and righteousness.

Psalms 82:2How long will ye judge perversely, And, the countenances of the lawless, uplift? [Selah.]

Proverbs 20:2The growl as of a young lion, is the dread inspired by a king, he that provoketh him, endangereth his own life.

Proverbs 20:26A wise king, winnoweth out the lawless, when he hath turned over them the wheel.

Proverbs 31:8Open thy mouth for the dumb, for the cause of all the children of the departed.

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