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href="/bsb/romans/13.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/romans/13.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/romans/13.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/romans/13.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/romans/13.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore it is necessary to submit to authority, not only to avoid punishment, but also as a matter of conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/13.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Therefore <i>it is</i> necessary to be subject, not only on account of wrath, but also on account of the conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/romans/13.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Wherefore <i>ye</i> must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/romans/13.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Therefore <i>you</i> must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/romans/13.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for the sake of conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/romans/13.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience&#8217 sake.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/romans/13.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Wherefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/romans/13.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of that wrath, but also because of conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/romans/13.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Therefore one must be subject [to civil authorities], not only to escape the punishment [that comes with wrongdoing], but also as a matter of principle [knowing what is right before God].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/romans/13.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, you must submit, not only because of wrath but also because of your conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/romans/13.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, you must submit, not only because of wrath, but also because of your conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/romans/13.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Wherefore ye must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience' sake.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/romans/13.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But you should obey the rulers because you know it is the right thing to do, and not just because of God's anger. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/romans/13.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Wherefore ye must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience sake.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/romans/13.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Therefore, it is necessary for you to obey, not only because you're afraid of God's anger but also because of your own conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/romans/13.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />For this reason you must obey the authorities--not just because of God's punishment, but also as a matter of conscience. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/romans/13.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore, it is necessary for you to be acquiescent to the authorities, not only for the sake of God's punishment, but also for the sake of your own conscience. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/romans/13.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore it is necessary to submit to authority, not only to avoid punishment, but also as a matter of conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/romans/13.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath of the authorities but also because of your conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/romans/13.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Therefore you need to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience' sake.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/romans/13.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/13.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />We must obey therefore, not only in order to escape punishment, but also for conscience' sake.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/romans/13.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Therefore you need to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/romans/13.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />For this reason it is necessary to be subject, not only because of the wrath, but also because of the conscience,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/13.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Therefore <i>it is</i> necessary to be subject, not only on account of wrath, but also on account of the conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/romans/13.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Wherefore it is necessary to be subject, not only because of the wrath, but also because of the conscience,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/romans/13.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Wherefore necessity to be placed under, not only for anger, but also for consciousness.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/romans/13.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Wherefore be subject of necessity, not only for wrath, but also for conscience' sake. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/romans/13.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For this reason, it is necessary to be subject, not solely because of wrath, but also because of conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/romans/13.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, it is necessary to be subject not only because of the wrath but also because of conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/romans/13.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore one must be subject, not only because of wrath but also because of conscience.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/romans/13.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Wherefore, we must be obedient, not only in fear of wrath, but also for our conscience sake.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/romans/13.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Therefore it is urgent for us to be subject, not for the sake of wrath only, but also for the sake of conscience.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/romans/13.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Wherefore, it is necessary to be subject, not only because of punishment, but also for conscience sake.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/romans/13.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Therefore it is necessary to submit, not only on account of wrath, but also on account of conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/romans/13.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Wherefore there is a necessity for being in subjection, not only for fear of wrath, but also for conscience sake.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/romans/13.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />wherefore you ought to submit not only from an apprehension of punishment, but<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/13.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />We must obey therefore, not only in order to escape punishment, but also for conscience' sake.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/romans/13.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Wherefore, <i>there is</i> necessity that ye submit yourselves, not only because of the wrath, but also because of conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/romans/13.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Wherefore it is necessary to submit, not only on account of punishment, but also of conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/romans/13-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KIZs4GUMn-g?start=3243" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/romans/13.htm">Submission to Authorities</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">4</span>For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer. <span class="reftext">5</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1352.htm" title="1352: Dio (Conj) -- Wherefore, on which account, therefore. From dia and hos; through which thing, i.e. Consequently.">Therefore</a> <a href="/greek/318.htm" title="318: anankē (N-NFS) -- From ana and the base of agkale; constraint; by implication, distress.">it is necessary</a> <a href="/greek/5293.htm" title="5293: hypotassesthai (V-PNP) -- From hupo and tasso; to subordinate; reflexively, to obey.">to submit to authority,</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</a> <a href="/greek/3440.htm" title="3440: monon (Adv) -- Alone, but, only. Neuter of monos as adverb; merely.">only</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">to avoid</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3709.htm" title="3709: orgēn (N-AFS) -- From oregomai; properly, desire, i.e., violent passion (justifiable) abhorrence); by implication punishment.">punishment,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">also</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">as a matter of</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4893.htm" title="4893: syneidēsin (N-AFS) -- The conscience, a persisting notion. From a prolonged form of suneido; co-perception, i.e. Moral consciousness.">conscience.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">6</span>This is also why you pay taxes. For the authorities are God’s servants, who devote themselves to their work.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13-14</a></span><br />Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, / or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/3-1.htm">Titus 3:1</a></span><br />Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/22-21.htm">Matthew 22:21</a></span><br />“Caesar’s,” they answered. So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/2-1.htm">1 Timothy 2:1-2</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/5-29.htm">Acts 5:29</a></span><br />But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-17.htm">Hebrews 13:17</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-17.htm">1 Peter 2:17</a></span><br />Treat everyone with high regard: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/17-24.htm">Matthew 17:24-27</a></span><br />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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/20-25.htm">Luke 20:25</a></span><br />So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/24-21.htm">Proverbs 24:21-22</a></span><br />My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious. / For they will bring sudden destruction. Who knows what ruin they can bring?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:2-5</a></span><br />Keep the king’s command, I say, because of your oath before God. / Do not hasten to leave his presence, and do not persist in a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases. / For the king’s word is supreme, and who can say to him, “What are you doing?” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/2-21.htm">Daniel 2:21</a></span><br />He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/29-7.htm">Jeremiah 29:7</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/8-15.htm">Proverbs 8:15-16</a></span><br />By me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws; / By me princes rule, and all nobles who govern justly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/17-12.htm">Deuteronomy 17:12</a></span><br />But the man who acts presumptuously, refusing to listen either to the priest who stands there to serve the LORD your God, or to the judge, must be put to death. You must purge the evil from Israel.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Why you must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.</p><p class="hdg">ye.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/24-5.htm">1 Samuel 24:5,6</a></b></br> And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:2</a></b></br> I <i>counsel thee</i> to keep the king's commandment, and <i>that</i> in regard of the oath of God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/titus/3-1.htm">Titus 3:1,2</a></b></br> Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, … </p><p class="hdg">conscience.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/24-16.htm">Acts 24:16</a></b></br> And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and <i>toward</i> men.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/13-18.htm">Hebrews 13:18</a></b></br> Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_peter/2-19.htm">1 Peter 2:19</a></b></br> For this <i>is</i> thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/11-28.htm">Account</a> <a href="/romans/13-2.htm">Authorities</a> <a href="/romans/13-3.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/acts/20-16.htm">Avoid</a> <a href="/romans/9-1.htm">Conscience</a> <a href="/romans/2-3.htm">Escape</a> <a href="/romans/13-4.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/romans/13-4.htm">God's</a> <a href="/acts/28-10.htm">Necessary</a> <a href="/romans/12-20.htm">Need</a> <a href="/romans/12-13.htm">Needs</a> <a href="/romans/6-16.htm">Obey</a> <a href="/romans/13-2.htm">Order</a> <a href="/romans/12-18.htm">Possible</a> <a href="/romans/13-4.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/romans/13-3.htm">Right</a> <a href="/romans/11-28.htm">Sake</a> <a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Subject</a> <a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Subjection</a> <a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Submit</a> <a href="/romans/9-32.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/romans/13-4.htm">Wrath</a> <a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/13-6.htm">Account</a> <a href="/romans/13-6.htm">Authorities</a> <a href="/romans/13-6.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/romans/16-17.htm">Avoid</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-4.htm">Conscience</a> <a href="/romans/15-31.htm">Escape</a> <a href="/romans/13-7.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/romans/13-6.htm">God's</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-19.htm">Necessary</a> <a href="/romans/16-2.htm">Need</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/5-10.htm">Needs</a> <a href="/romans/15-18.htm">Obey</a> <a href="/romans/15-7.htm">Order</a> <a href="/romans/14-16.htm">Possible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-12.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/romans/13-7.htm">Right</a> <a href="/romans/14-6.htm">Sake</a> <a href="/romans/14-1.htm">Subject</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-27.htm">Subjection</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-7.htm">Submit</a> <a href="/romans/15-7.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/galatians/5-20.htm">Wrath</a> <a href="/romans/13-11.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Romans 13</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Subjection, and many other duties, we owe to the authorities.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/13-8.htm">Love is the fulfillment of the law.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/13-11.htm">The acts of darkness are out of season in the time of the Gospel.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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/romans/13.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/romans/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/romans/13.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Therefore it is necessary to submit to authority</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of submission to governing authorities. In the context of the Roman Empire, where Paul was writing, the government was often seen as oppressive, yet Paul instructs believers to submit. This aligns with Jesus' teaching in <a href="/matthew/22-21.htm">Matthew 22:21</a>, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's." The necessity of submission is rooted in the belief that all authority is established by God (<a href="/romans/13.htm">Romans 13:1</a>). This submission is not blind obedience but a recognition of God's sovereignty over human institutions.<p><b>not only to avoid punishment</b><br>The immediate practical reason for submission is to avoid the consequences of disobedience. In the Roman context, punishment could be severe, including fines, imprisonment, or even death. This reflects a broader biblical principle found in <a href="/proverbs/24-21.htm">Proverbs 24:21-22</a>, which warns against rebellion against authority. The fear of punishment serves as a deterrent to wrongdoing, maintaining order and justice in society.<p><b>but also as a matter of conscience</b><br>Beyond fear of punishment, submission is a moral obligation. Conscience, in biblical terms, refers to the inner sense of right and wrong given by God. This aligns with <a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13-15</a>, which encourages submission for the Lord's sake, highlighting that obedience to authority is part of a believer's witness to the world. The conscience is informed by the Holy Spirit, guiding believers to act in ways that honor God, even when human laws are not directly aligned with divine laws.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_roman_church.htm">The Roman Church</a></b><br>The recipients of the letter, the early Christian community in Rome, who were navigating their faith under Roman rule.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/r/roman_authorities.htm">Roman Authorities</a></b><br>The governing bodies in Rome at the time, representing the secular power to which Paul refers in his teachings on submission.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_principle_of_submission.htm">The Principle of Submission</a></b><br>Submission to authority is a biblical principle that reflects order and respect for God's ordained structures in society.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/conscience_and_integrity.htm">Conscience and Integrity</a></b><br>Beyond fear of punishment, submission should be a matter of conscience, reflecting our integrity and commitment to God's commands.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/balancing_earthly_and_divine_allegiance.htm">Balancing Earthly and Divine Allegiance</a></b><br>While respecting earthly authorities, Christians must balance this with their ultimate allegiance to God, ensuring that their submission does not conflict with God's laws.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/witness_through_obedience.htm">Witness Through Obedience</a></b><br>By submitting to authorities, Christians can serve as a witness to the transformative power of the Gospel, demonstrating peace and order in their conduct.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/n/navigating_conflicts_with_authority.htm">Navigating Conflicts with Authority</a></b><br>When earthly laws conflict with God's commands, Christians must seek wisdom and courage to stand firm in their faith while maintaining respect and love for others.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_romans_13.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Romans 13</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_justify_disobedience_to_immoral_laws.htm">Given Romans 13:5 implies a duty to submit for conscience’s sake, how do we justify civil disobedience when authorities command actions contrary to moral law? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_celeb_pastors.htm">What does 'For Conscience Sake' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'for_conscience_sake'_mean.htm">What does "For Conscience Sake" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_abiathar_in_the_bible.htm">Should Christians choose to wear masks?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/romans/13.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) It follows, from this divine authority and title enjoyed by the magistrate, that he ought to be obeyed, not only from fear of the punishment that he is empowered to inflict, but also from the respect due to legitimate power. Of this respect conscience is the natural guardian.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/romans/13-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Therefore,</span><br /><span class="grk">Διὸ</span> <span class="translit">(Dio)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1352.htm">Strong's 1352: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wherefore, on which account, therefore. From dia and hos; through which thing, i.e. Consequently.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[it is] necessary</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀνάγκη</span> <span class="translit">(anankē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_318.htm">Strong's 318: </a> </span><span class="str2">From ana and the base of agkale; constraint; by implication, distress.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to submit [ to authority ],</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑποτάσσεσθαι</span> <span class="translit">(hypotassesthai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Infinitive Passive<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5293.htm">Strong's 5293: </a> </span><span class="str2">From hupo and tasso; to subordinate; reflexively, to obey.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">not</span><br /><span class="grk">οὐ</span> <span class="translit">(ou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> </span><span class="str2">No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">only</span><br /><span class="grk">μόνον</span> <span class="translit">(monon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3440.htm">Strong's 3440: </a> </span><span class="str2">Alone, but, only. Neuter of monos as adverb; merely.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to avoid</span><br /><span class="grk">διὰ</span> <span class="translit">(dia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">punishment,</span><br /><span class="grk">ὀργὴν</span> <span class="translit">(orgēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3709.htm">Strong's 3709: </a> </span><span class="str2">From oregomai; properly, desire, i.e., violent passion (justifiable) abhorrence); by implication punishment.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀλλὰ</span> <span class="translit">(alla)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> </span><span class="str2">But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">also</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">as a matter of</span><br /><span class="grk">διὰ</span> <span class="translit">(dia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">conscience.</span><br /><span class="grk">συνείδησιν</span> <span class="translit">(syneidēsin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4893.htm">Strong's 4893: </a> </span><span class="str2">The conscience, a persisting notion. From a prolonged form of suneido; co-perception, i.e. Moral consciousness.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/13-5.htm">Romans 13:5 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/romans/13-5.htm">Romans 13:5 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/romans/13-5.htm">Romans 13:5 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/romans/13-5.htm">Romans 13:5 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/romans/13-5.htm">Romans 13:5 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/13-5.htm">Romans 13:5 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/13-5.htm">Romans 13:5 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/13-5.htm">Romans 13:5 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/romans/13-5.htm">Romans 13:5 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/romans/13-5.htm">Romans 13:5 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/romans/13-5.htm">NT Letters: Romans 13:5 Therefore you need to be in subjection (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/13-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 13:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 13:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/13-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 13:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 13:6" /></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>