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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Peter 2:13 Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_peter/2-13.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/60_1Pe_02_13.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Peter 2:13 - Submission to Authorities" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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<a href="/nkjv/1_peter/2.htm">New King James Version</a> Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, <a href="/nasb_/1_peter/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, <a href="/nasb/1_peter/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> Submit yourselves for the Lord&#8217s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, <a href="/nasb77/1_peter/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, <a href="/lsb/1_peter/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Be subject for the sake of the Lord to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, <a href="/amp/1_peter/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Submit yourselves to [the authority of] every human institution for the sake of the Lord [to honor His name], whether it is to a king as one in a position of power, <a href="/csb/1_peter/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Submit to every human authority because of the Lord, whether to the emperor as the supreme authority <a href="/hcsb/1_peter/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Submit to every human authority because of the Lord, whether to the Emperor as the supreme authority <a href="/asv/1_peter/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether to the king, as supreme; <a href="/cev/1_peter/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The Lord wants you to obey all human authorities, especially the Emperor, who rules over everyone. <a href="/erv/1_peter/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; <a href="/gwt/1_peter/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Place yourselves under the authority of human governments to please the Lord. Obey the emperor. He holds the highest position of authority. <a href="/gnt/1_peter/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> For the sake of the Lord submit yourselves to every human authority: to the Emperor, who is the supreme authority, <a href="/isv/1_peter/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> For the Lord's sake submit yourselves to every human authority: whether to the king as supreme, <a href="/msb/1_peter/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Therefore submit yourselves for the Lord?s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, <a href="/net/1_peter/2.htm">NET Bible</a> Be subject to every human institution for the Lord's sake, whether to a king as supreme <a href="/nheb/1_peter/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Subject yourselves to every human institution for the Lord's sake: whether to the king, as supreme; <a href="/wbt/1_peter/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether to the king, as supreme; <a href="/wey/1_peter/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Submit, for the Lord's sake, to every authority set up by man, whether it be to the Emperor as supreme ruler, <a href="/web/1_peter/2.htm">World English Bible</a> Therefore subject yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether to the king, as supreme, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_peter/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Be subject, then, to every human creation, because of the LORD, whether to a king, as the highest, <a href="/blb/1_peter/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Be in subjection to every human institution for the sake of the Lord, whether to the king as being supreme, <a href="/ylt/1_peter/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Be subject, then, to every human creation, because of the Lord, whether to a king, as the highest, <a href="/slt/1_peter/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Be subjected to every creation proceeding from man on account of the Lord: whether to the king, as having superiority;<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_peter/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Be ye subject therefore to every human creature for God's sake: whether it be to the king as excelling; <a href="/cpdv/1_peter/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Therefore, be subject to every human creature because of God, whether it is to the king as preeminent, <a href="/nabre/1_peter/2.htm">New American Bible</a> Be subject to every human institution for the Lord’s sake, whether it be to the king as supreme <a href="/nrsvce/1_peter/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For the Lord’s sake accept the authority of every human institution, whether of the emperor as supreme,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_peter/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Submit yourselves to all human authority for God’s sake: whether it be to kings, because of their power, <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_peter/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Submit to all the sons of men for the sake of God; to Kings, because of their authority,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_peter/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man, for the Lord's sake; whether it be to the king, as supreme ruler, <a href="/godbey/1_peter/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Submit to every human creature for the sake of the Lord: whether to the king as supereminent, <a href="/haweis/1_peter/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Be subject therefore to every human constitution for the Lord?s sake; whether to a king as the supreme magistrate; <a href="/mace/1_peter/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> and glorify God in the times of distress, be subject therefore, for the Lord's sake to every human establishment: whether it be to the king, <a href="/wey/1_peter/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Submit, for the Lord's sake, to every authority set up by man, whether it be to the Emperor as supreme ruler, <a href="/worrell/1_peter/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Submit yourself to every human ordinance, for the Lord's sake; whether to a king as supreme; <a href="/worsley/1_peter/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Be subject therefore to every human form of government, for the Lord's sake: whether it be to a king as supreme; <a href="/parallel/1_peter/2-13.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1h9-AlUcaGE?start=374" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_peter/2.htm">Submission to Authorities</a> 12Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us. 13<a href="/greek/5293.htm" title="5293: Hypotagēte (V-AMP-2P) -- From hupo and tasso; to subordinate; reflexively, to obey.">Submit yourselves</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">for the</a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyrion (N-AMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">Lord’s</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">sake</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pasē (Adj-DFS) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">to every</a> <a href="/greek/442.htm" title="442: anthrōpinē (Adj-DFS) -- Belonging to human beings (especially as contrasted with God), human (as contrasted with divine). From anthropos; human.">human</a> <a href="/greek/2937.htm" title="2937: ktisei (N-DFS) -- From ktizo; original formation.">institution,</a> <a href="/greek/1535.htm" title="1535: eite (Conj) -- And if, whether. From ei and te; if too.">whether</a> <a href="/greek/935.htm" title="935: basilei (N-DMS) -- A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign.">to the king</a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">as</a> <a href="/greek/5242.htm" title="5242: hyperechonti (V-PPA-DMS) -- To excel, surpass, be superior. From huper and echo; to hold oneself above, i.e. to excel; participle superior, superiority.">the supreme authority,</a> 14or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1-7</a> Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. / For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. ... <a href="/titus/3-1.htm">Titus 3:1</a> Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work, <a href="/matthew/22-21.htm">Matthew 22:21</a> “Caesar’s,” they answered. So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” <a href="/acts/5-29.htm">Acts 5:29</a> But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men. <a href="/proverbs/24-21.htm">Proverbs 24:21</a> My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious. <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:2</a> Keep the king’s command, I say, because of your oath before God. <a href="/jeremiah/29-7.htm">Jeremiah 29:7</a> Seek the prosperity of the city to which I have sent you as exiles. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for if it prospers, you too will prosper.” <a href="/daniel/6-6.htm">Daniel 6:6-10</a> So the administrators and satraps went together to the king and said, “O King Darius, may you live forever! / All the royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers, and governors have agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce a decree that for thirty days anyone who petitions any god or man except you, O king, will be thrown into the den of lions. / Therefore, O king, establish the decree and sign the document so that it cannot be changed—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” ... <a href="/1_timothy/2-1.htm">1 Timothy 2:1-2</a> First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— / for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. <a href="/colossians/3-22.htm">Colossians 3:22</a> Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. <a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5-8</a> Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. / And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. / Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, ... <a href="/hebrews/13-17.htm">Hebrews 13:17</a> Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you. <a href="/matthew/17-24.htm">Matthew 17:24-27</a> After they had arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, “Does your Teacher pay the two drachmas?” / “Yes,” he answered. When Peter entered the house, Jesus preempted him. “What do you think, Simon?” He asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs and taxes: from their own sons, or from others?” / “From others,” Peter answered. “Then the sons are exempt,” Jesus said to him. ... <a href="/john/19-11.htm">John 19:11</a> Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of greater sin.” <a href="/genesis/41-40.htm">Genesis 41:40-44</a> You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands. Only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” / Pharaoh also told Joseph, “I hereby place you over all the land of Egypt.” / Then Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;<a href="/proverbs/17-11.htm">Proverbs 17:11</a> An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.<a href="/proverbs/24-21.htm">Proverbs 24:21</a> My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:<a href="/jeremiah/29-7.htm">Jeremiah 29:7</a> And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/james/3-7.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-20.htm">Creation</a> <a href="/acts/25-25.htm">Emperor</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-13.htm">Highest</a> <a href="/james/3-8.htm">Human</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-28.htm">Instituted</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-25.htm">Lord's</a> <a href="/romans/13-2.htm">Ordinance</a> <a href="/hebrews/2-8.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-20.htm">Sake</a> <a href="/james/5-17.htm">Subject</a> <a href="/james/4-7.htm">Submit</a> <a href="/james/2-8.htm">Supreme</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-15.htm">Whether</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-11.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_peter/3-6.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-4.htm">Creation</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-17.htm">Emperor</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-10.htm">Highest</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-2.htm">Human</a> <a href="/numbers/28-6.htm">Instituted</a> <a href="/revelation/1-10.htm">Lord's</a> <a href="/exodus/12-14.htm">Ordinance</a> <a href="/2_john/1-1.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-19.htm">Sake</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-18.htm">Subject</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-18.htm">Submit</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-7.htm">Supreme</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-14.htm">Whether</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-18.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">1 Peter 2</div>1. <a href="/1_peter/2-1.htm">He exhorts to put away wickedness;</a> 4. <a href="/1_peter/2-4.htm">showing that Christ is the foundation whereupon they are built.</a> 11. <a href="/1_peter/2-11.htm">He beseeches them also to abstain from sinful desires;</a> 13. <a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">to be obedient to authorities;</a> 18. <a href="/1_peter/2-18.htm">and teaches servants how to obey their masters;</a> 20. <a href="/1_peter/2-20.htm">patiently suffering for well doing, after the example of Christ.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_peter/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_peter/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_peter/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake This phrase emphasizes the motivation behind submission: it is done for the Lord's sake. The act of submission is not merely a social or civic duty but a spiritual one, reflecting a commitment to God's will. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching that believers are to live in a way that honors God (<a href="/colossians/3-17.htm">Colossians 3:17</a>). The concept of submission is rooted in humility and obedience, virtues highly esteemed in Scripture (<a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3-8</a>).to every human institution The term "every human institution" refers to the various structures of authority established in society, including government, legal systems, and other forms of leadership. This reflects the biblical understanding that all authority is ultimately instituted by God (<a href="/romans/13.htm">Romans 13:1-2</a>). The call to submit to these institutions acknowledges their role in maintaining order and justice, even when they are imperfect. Historically, the early Christians lived under Roman rule, which was often oppressive, yet they were encouraged to respect and obey the governing authorities.whether to the king as the supreme authority In the context of the first century, "the king" would refer to the Roman Emperor, who was the highest authority in the land. This phrase underscores the extent of the submission required, even to those in the highest positions of power. The call to submit to the emperor, despite his often tyrannical rule, highlights the Christian principle of respecting authority while maintaining ultimate allegiance to God. This is consistent with Jesus' teaching to "render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's" (<a href="/mark/12-17.htm">Mark 12:17</a>). The phrase also foreshadows the ultimate kingship of Christ, who is the true supreme authority (<a href="/revelation/19-16.htm">Revelation 19:16</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/peter.htm">Peter</a> The apostle Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, is the author of this epistle. He writes to encourage and instruct believers who are scattered and facing persecution. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_recipients.htm">The Recipients</a> The letter is addressed to the "elect exiles" scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, regions in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_king.htm">The King</a> Refers to the ruling authority or emperor of the time. In the context of Peter's writing, this would have been the Roman Emperor. 4. <a href="/topical/h/human_institutions.htm">Human Institutions</a> This term encompasses all forms of human governance and authority structures, including kings, governors, and other officials. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The Lord</a> Refers to Jesus Christ, for whose sake believers are called to submit to human authorities.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/submission_as_a_witness.htm">Submission as a Witness</a> Believers are called to submit to authorities as a testimony of their faith and trust in God's sovereignty. This submission is not blind obedience but a conscious act for the Lord's sake. <a href="/topical/u/understanding_authority.htm">Understanding Authority</a> Recognize that all authority is ultimately under God's control. Submission to human institutions is a reflection of our submission to God. <a href="/topical/b/balancing_obedience_and_conscience.htm">Balancing Obedience and Conscience</a> While submission is important, it must be balanced with a conscience that is aligned with God's Word. When human laws conflict with God's commands, believers must choose to obey God. <a href="/topical/r/role_of_christians_in_society.htm">Role of Christians in Society</a> Christians are called to be exemplary citizens, showing respect and honor to authorities, which can lead to a peaceful and orderly society. <a href="/topical/i/impact_of_submission_on_evangelism.htm">Impact of Submission on Evangelism</a> By submitting to authorities, Christians can silence critics and demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel in their lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_peter_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Peter 2</a> <a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_1_peter_2_13-14_with_civil_disobedience.htm">1 Peter 2:13–14: How can we reconcile the instruction to submit to all human authorities with moral responsibility and examples of civil disobedience elsewhere in the Bible? </a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_meaning_of_cancel_culture.htm">What is the relationship between state and church?</a> <a href="/q/bible_on_churches'_tax-exemption.htm">What does the Bible say about churches' tax-exempt status?</a> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_submission.htm">What does the Bible say about submission?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_peter/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(13) To every ordinance of man.--Second prudential rule, subordination. Literally, to every human creation, i.e., to every office or authority which men have established. It is not only to ordinances of directly Divine institution that we are to submit. Mind that he does not say we are to submit to every law that men may pass. This passage is most directly modelled on <a href="/romans/13-1.htm" title="Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.">Romans 13:1</a>, et seq., where the reason assigned for submission is the same as that in <a href="/john/19-11.htm" title="Jesus answered, You could have no power at all against me, except it were given you from above: therefore he that delivered me to you has the greater sin.">John 19:11</a>, viz., that ultimately the authority proceeds from God Himself. Here, however, the thought is quite different. They are to submit, but not because of the original source from which the authority flows, but because of the practical consequences of not submitting. It must be done "for the Lord's" (i.e., Jesus Christ's) "sake," i.e., in order not to bring discredit upon His teaching, and persecution upon His Church. This difference of treatment, in the midst of so much resemblance, shows that at the date of St. Peter's letter there was much more immediate cause for laying stress on political subordination. St. Paul, writing to the Roman Church, urges submission to Claudius, because the Roman Jews (among whom the Christians were reckoned) were often in trouble and expelled from the city of Rome (<a href="/acts/18-2.htm" title="And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came to them.">Acts 18:2</a>); St. Peter, writing in all probability from the Roman Church, urges submission to Nero and the provincial governors because "ignorant and foolish men" were beginning to misrepresent the Christian Church as a kind of Internationalist or Socialist conspiracy.The king, as supreme.--First division of second prudential rule: subordination political. Of course it means the emperor. The name "king," though detested in Latin, was used without scruple by the provincial Greeks to express the sovereignty of the Caesars. When he is described here as "supreme," it is not intended (as our English version would convey) to contrast his supreme power with the inferior power of the "governors;" the word is only the same which is rendered "higher" in <a href="/romans/13-1.htm" title="Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.">Romans 13:1</a>. Huther rightly says, "The emperor was in the Roman Empire not merely the highest, but actually the only ruler; all other magistrates were but the instruments by which he exercised his sway." Of course all Asia Minor, to which St. Peter was writing, was in the Roman Empire; the language would have been different had the letter been addressed to, or perhaps had it even been written from, the geographical Babylon.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_peter/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 13. - Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man. The aorist passive (ὑποτάγητε) is used, as often, in a middle sense. The word for "ordinance" is κτίσις, which in classical Greek means "foundation," as of a city; but in the New Testament is used elsewhere only of the works of God, in the sense of "creation," or "a creature" (see <a href="/mark/16-15.htm">Mark 16:15</a>; <a href="/colossians/1-23.htm">Colossians 1:23</a>, etc.). Hence some, as De Wette, translate the words, "to every human creature," supporting their view by <a href="/1_peter/5-5.htm">1 Peter 5:5</a>. But on the whole this seems unlikely; ἀνθρωπίνη κτίσις is a strange and awkward periphrasis for ἄνθρωπος. It is better to understand it as meaning a human creation or foundation. Certainly "there is no power but of God" (<a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1</a>); but the form which that power assumes is a human institution. St. Peter bids his readers to submit themselves to the de facto form of government. For the Lord's sake. Not from human motives, as fear of punishment; but for the Lord's sake, because "the powers that be are ordained of God," and in obeying them we obey the ordinance of God. Christians were commonly accused of insubordination, of doing "contrary to the decrees of Caesar" (<a href="/acts/17-7.htm">Acts 17:7</a>); they must show by their conduct that these accusations are false, that the progress of the gospel be not hindered. Whether it be to the king, as supreme. By "the king" is meant the Roman emperor, who was frequently so described in the Greek writers. Nero was emperor when St. Peter wrote. Christians were to obey even him, wicked tyrant as he was; for his power was given him from above, as the Lord himself had said of Pilate (<a href="/john/19-11.htm">John 19:11</a>). <a href="/commentaries/1_peter/2-13.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Submit yourselves Ὑποτάγητε (Hypotagēte) Verb - Aorist Imperative Passive - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5293.htm">Strong's 5293: </a> From hupo and tasso; to subordinate; reflexively, to obey. for the τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Lord’s Κύριον (Kyrion) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. sake διὰ (dia) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. to every πάσῃ (pasē) Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. human ἀνθρωπίνῃ (anthrōpinē) Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_442.htm">Strong's 442: </a> Belonging to human beings (especially as contrasted with God), human (as contrasted with divine). From anthropos; human. institution, κτίσει (ktisei) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2937.htm">Strong's 2937: </a> From ktizo; original formation. whether εἴτε (eite) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1535.htm">Strong's 1535: </a> And if, whether. From ei and te; if too. to [the] king βασιλεῖ (basilei) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign. as ὡς (hōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5613.htm">Strong's 5613: </a> Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner. the supreme [authority], ὑπερέχοντι (hyperechonti) Verb - Present Participle Active - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5242.htm">Strong's 5242: </a> To excel, surpass, be superior. From huper and echo; to hold oneself above, i.e. to excel; participle superior, superiority. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">NT Letters: 1 Peter 2:13 Therefore subject yourselves to every ordinance (1 Pet. 1P iP i Pet) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_peter/2-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Peter 2:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Peter 2:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_peter/2-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Peter 2:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Peter 2:14" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>