Romans 13:3

For princes be not to the dread of good work (s), but of evil (works), (or For rulers or leaders should not be feared by those who do good works, but by those who do evil works). But wilt thou, that thou dread not power? Do thou (a) good thing, and thou shalt have (the) praising of it; [For why princes be not to the dread of good work (s), but of evil. Soothly wilt thou not dread power? Do good, and thou shalt have (the) praising of it;]

Wycliffe Modern Spelling

In The King James Version

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:

In Context

2Therefore he that against-standeth power, against-standeth the ordinance of God; and they that against-stand (that), get to themselves damnation.

4for he is the minister of God to thee into good. But if thou doest evil, dread thou; for not without cause he beareth the sword, for he is the minister of God, venger into wrath to him that doeth evil. (for he is God’s servant for your own good. But if thou doest evil, fear thou; for not without cause he beareth the sword, for he is God’s servant, the avenger unto wrath of those who do evil.)

Read all of Romans 13

Cross References

Proverbs 14:35A servant understanding is acceptable to a king; a servant unprofitable shall suffer the wrathfulness of him. (An understanding servant shall receive the king’s favour; an unprofitable servant shall suffer his wrath.)

Ecclesiastes 10:4If the spirit of him, that hath power, goeth upon thee, forsake thou not thy place, (or If the spirit of him, who hath power, goeth against thee, do not leave thy position, that is, do not resign thy post); for curing, or taking heed, shall make (the) greatest sins to cease.

Romans 13:4for he is the minister of God to thee into good. But if thou doest evil, dread thou; for not without cause he beareth the sword, for he is the minister of God, venger into wrath to him that doeth evil. (for he is God’s servant for your own good. But if thou doest evil, fear thou; for not without cause he beareth the sword, for he is God’s servant, the avenger unto wrath of those who do evil.)

1 Peter 3:13And who is it that shall annoy you, if ye be (pur)suers and lovers of goodness? [And who is it that shall annoy to you, if ye shall be good (pur) suers?] (And who is it that shall harm you, if ye be followers and lovers of goodness, or if ye pursue after that which is good?)

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 13:3