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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>Romans 13:6 This is also why you pay taxes. For the authorities are God's servants, who devote themselves to their work.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/romans/13-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/45_Rom_13_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Romans 13:6 - Submission to Authorities" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="This is also why you pay taxes. 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For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/romans/13.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/romans/13.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />This is also why you pay taxes. For the authorities are God’s servants, who devote themselves to their work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/13.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For because of this, you also pay taxes; for they are servants of God, attending continually upon this very thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/romans/13.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/romans/13.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/romans/13.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For because of this you also pay taxes, for <i>rulers</i> are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/romans/13.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/romans/13.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For because of this you also pay taxes, for <i>rulers</i> are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/romans/13.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For because of this you also pay taxes, for <i>rulers</i> are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/romans/13.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For this same reason you pay taxes, for <i>civil authorities</i> are God’s servants, devoting themselves to governance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/romans/13.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />And for this reason you pay taxes, since the authorities are God’s servants, continually attending to these tasks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/romans/13.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />And for this reason you pay taxes, since the authorities are God&#8217s public servants, continually attending to these tasks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/romans/13.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For this cause ye pay tribute also; for they are ministers of God's service, attending continually upon this very thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/romans/13.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You must also pay your taxes. The authorities are God's servants, and it is their duty to take care of these matters. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/romans/13.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For for this cause ye pay tribute also; for they are ministers of God's service, attending continually upon this very thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/romans/13.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />That is also why you pay your taxes. People in the government are God's servants while they do the work he has given them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/romans/13.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />That is also why you pay taxes, because the authorities are working for God when they fulfill their duties. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/romans/13.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />This is also why you pay taxes. For rulers are God's servants faithfully devoting themselves to their work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/romans/13.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />This is also why you pay taxes. For the authorities are God?s servants, who devote themselves to their work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/romans/13.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For this reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants devoted to governing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/romans/13.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For this reason you also pay taxes, for they are servants of God's service, attending continually on this very thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/romans/13.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For, for this cause ye pay tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/13.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Why, this is really the reason you pay taxes; for tax-gatherers are ministers of God, devoting their energies to this very work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/romans/13.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For this reason you also pay taxes, for they are servants of God’s service, continually doing this very thing. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/romans/13.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />for because of this you also pay tribute; for they are servants of God, on this very thing attending continually;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/13.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For because of this, you also pay taxes; for they are servants of God, attending continually upon this very thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/romans/13.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> for because of this also pay ye tribute; for servants of God they are, on this very thing attending continually;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/romans/13.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For this also pay ye taxes: for they are workmen of God, persevering in this same.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/romans/13.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For therefore also you pay tribute. For they are the ministers of God, serving unto this purpose. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/romans/13.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Therefore, you must also offer tribute. For they are the ministers of God, serving him in this.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/romans/13.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />This is why you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, devoting themselves to this very thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/romans/13.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />For the same reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, busy with this very thing.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/romans/13.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For, for this reason you pay head tax also: for they are ministers of God who are in charge of these things.<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 />For this cause, also, you pay the head tax, for they are the Ministers of God who are appointed for these things.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/romans/13.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />On this very account, too, pay tribute also: for they are the public servants of God, attending continually to this very thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/romans/13.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />For on account of this also pay tribute; for they are the ministers of God, attending to this very thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/romans/13.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />For on this account pay ye taxes also: for they are God?s ministers, continually employed on this very service.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/romans/13.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />from a principle of conscience, for this is the reason why you also pay tribute, because under God, they are continually<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/13.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Why, this is really the reason you pay taxes; for tax-gatherers are ministers of God, devoting their energies to this very work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/romans/13.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />For, on this account, ye pay tribute also; for they are God's ministers, attending continually to this very thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/romans/13.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />For you pay <i>them</i> tribute also for this <i>reason;</i> because they are God's ministers, continually attending hereunto.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/romans/13-6.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=3253" 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">5</span>Therefore it is necessary to submit to authority, not only to avoid punishment, but also as a matter of conscience. <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason."></a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">This is also why</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: touto (DPro-ANS) -- This; he, she, it. "></a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/5055.htm" title="5055: teleite (V-PIA-2P) -- (a) I end, finish, (b) I fulfill, accomplish, (c) I pay. From telos; to end, i.e. Complete, execute, conclude, discharge.">you pay</a> <a href="/greek/5411.htm" title="5411: phorous (N-AMP) -- A tax, tribute, especially on persons. From phero; a load, i.e. a tax.">taxes.</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: eisin (V-PIA-3P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">the authorities are</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God’s</a> <a href="/greek/3011.htm" title="3011: leitourgoi (N-NMP) -- From a derivative of laos and ergon; a public servant, i.e. A functionary in the Temple or Gospel, or a worshipper or benefactor.">servants,</a> <a href="/greek/4342.htm" title="4342: proskarterountes (V-PPA-NMP) -- To persist, persevere in, continue steadfast in; I wait upon. ">who devote themselves</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">to</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auto (PPro-AN3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: touto (DPro-ANS) -- This; he, she, it. ">their work.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">7</span>Pay everyone what you owe him: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.…<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="/matthew/22-17.htm">Matthew 22:17-21</a></span><br />So tell us what You think: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” / But Jesus knew their evil intent and said, “You hypocrites, why are you testing Me? / Show Me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought Him a denarius. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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="/mark/12-14.htm">Mark 12:14-17</a></span><br />“Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and seek favor from no one. Indeed, You are impartial and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay them or not?” / But Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to inspect.” / So they brought it, and He asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they answered. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/20-22.htm">Luke 20:22-25</a></span><br />Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” / But Jesus saw through their duplicity and said to them, / “Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?” “Caesar’s,” they answered. ...<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="/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="/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="/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="/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="/daniel/4-32.htm">Daniel 4:32</a></span><br />You will be driven away from mankind to live with the beasts of the field, and you will feed on grass like an ox. And seven times will pass you by, until you acknowledge that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/27-5.htm">Jeremiah 27:5-7</a></span><br />By My great power and outstretched arm, I made the earth and the men and beasts on the face of it, and I give it to whom I please. / So now I have placed all these lands under the authority of My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. I have even made the beasts of the field subject to him. / All nations will serve him and his son and grandson, until the time of his own land comes; then many nations and great kings will enslave him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezra/7-24.htm">Ezra 7:24</a></span><br />And be advised that you have no authority to impose tribute, duty, or toll on any of the priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, temple servants, or other servants of this house of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/5-4.htm">Nehemiah 5:4</a></span><br />Still others were saying, “We have borrowed money to pay the king’s tax on our fields and vineyards.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/41-39.htm">Genesis 41:39-40</a></span><br />Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. / 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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/18-21.htm">Exodus 18:21-22</a></span><br />Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. / Have these men judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you any major issue, but all minor cases they can judge on their own, so that your load may be lightened as they share it with you.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For for this cause pay you tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually on this very thing.</p><p class="hdg">pay.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezra/4-13.htm">Ezra 4:13,20</a></b></br> Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls set up <i>again, then</i> will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and <i>so</i> thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezra/6-8.htm">Ezra 6:8</a></b></br> Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, <i>even</i> of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expences be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/5-4.htm">Nehemiah 5:4</a></b></br> There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king's tribute, <i>and that upon</i> our lands and vineyards.</p><p class="hdg">attending.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/12-8.htm">Romans 12:8</a></b></br> Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, <i>let him do it</i> with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/18-13.htm">Exodus 18:13-27</a></b></br> And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/1-9.htm">Deuteronomy 1:9-17</a></b></br> And I spake unto you at that time, saying, I am not able to bear you myself alone: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/13-5.htm">Account</a> <a href="/acts/24-23.htm">Attending</a> <a href="/romans/13-5.htm">Authorities</a> <a href="/romans/13-5.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/acts/27-3.htm">Care</a> <a href="/romans/13-3.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/romans/11-10.htm">Continually</a> <a href="/acts/18-5.htm">Devoting</a> <a href="/matthew/14-2.htm">Energies</a> <a href="/romans/12-16.htm">Full</a> <a href="/romans/13-5.htm">God's</a> <a href="/luke/1-2.htm">Ministers</a> <a href="/acts/25-23.htm">Officers</a> <a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/romans/8-9.htm">Really</a> <a href="/romans/13-3.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/romans/13-3.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/romans/13-4.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/romans/12-11.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/romans/12-7.htm">Service</a> <a href="/luke/23-2.htm">Taxes</a> <a href="/luke/15-1.htm">Tax-Gatherers</a> <a href="/romans/13-2.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/romans/11-31.htm">Time</a> <a href="/romans/11-30.htm">Times</a> <a href="/luke/23-2.htm">Tribute</a> <a href="/romans/13-3.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/14-12.htm">Account</a> <a href="/numbers/3-28.htm">Attending</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-10.htm">Authorities</a> <a href="/romans/15-15.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/romans/14-15.htm">Care</a> <a href="/romans/14-13.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-4.htm">Continually</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/3-6.htm">Devoting</a> <a href="/matthew/14-2.htm">Energies</a> <a href="/romans/13-11.htm">Full</a> <a href="/romans/14-3.htm">God's</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-5.htm">Ministers</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-1.htm">Officers</a> <a href="/romans/13-7.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/romans/15-22.htm">Really</a> <a href="/romans/14-9.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-6.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/romans/14-4.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/romans/16-18.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/romans/15-16.htm">Service</a> <a href="/romans/13-7.htm">Taxes</a> <a href="/matthew/5-46.htm">Tax-Gatherers</a> <a href="/romans/15-31.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/romans/13-11.htm">Time</a> <a href="/romans/15-4.htm">Times</a> <a href="/romans/13-7.htm">Tribute</a> <a href="/romans/13-10.htm">Work</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>This is also why you pay taxes.</b><br>The instruction to pay taxes is rooted in the broader context of <a href="/romans/13.htm">Romans 13</a>, which discusses the Christian's relationship to governing authorities. In the Roman Empire, taxes were a significant part of life, funding public works and the military. The command to pay taxes aligns with Jesus' teaching in <a href="/matthew/22-21.htm">Matthew 22:21</a>, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's," emphasizing the believer's responsibility to support governmental structures. This reflects a recognition of God's sovereignty over earthly authorities and the believer's duty to live peaceably within society.<p><b>For the authorities are God’s servants,</b><br>The term "servants" here is translated from the Greek word "leitourgos," often used to describe public servants or ministers. This suggests that governing authorities, regardless of their personal beliefs or actions, are instituted by God to maintain order and justice. This concept is echoed in <a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13-14</a>, where believers are urged to submit to every human authority for the Lord's sake. The idea that authorities are God's servants underscores the belief that God uses even secular governments to accomplish His purposes.<p><b>who devote themselves to their work.</b><br>The phrase indicates a sense of duty and commitment expected from those in authority. In the Roman context, officials were responsible for maintaining peace and order, collecting taxes, and administering justice. The dedication to their roles is seen as part of God's providential plan, ensuring societal stability. This devotion is a reminder to believers that while human leaders are fallible, their roles are part of a divine order. The call for authorities to be devoted to their work also implies a standard of integrity and diligence, reflecting the biblical principle that all work should be done as unto the Lord (<a href="/colossians/3-23.htm">Colossians 3:23</a>).<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/r/roman_authorities.htm">Roman Authorities</a></b><br>The governing bodies in Rome during the time of Paul's writing. These authorities were often seen as oppressive, yet Paul instructs Christians to respect and submit to them.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/christian_believers_in_rome.htm">Christian Believers in Rome</a></b><br>The recipients of Paul's letter, who were living under Roman rule and facing various challenges in practicing their faith.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_ordination_of_authority.htm">Divine Ordination of Authority</a></b><br>Recognize that all authority is established by God, and respecting it is part of our obedience to Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/christian_responsibility.htm">Christian Responsibility</a></b><br>Paying taxes and fulfilling civic duties are part of our witness as Christians, demonstrating integrity and respect for God's order.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/servanthood_in_governance.htm">Servanthood in Governance</a></b><br>Authorities are described as God's servants, indicating that their role is to serve the public good, and we should pray for them to fulfill this role justly.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/balancing_allegiance.htm">Balancing Allegiance</a></b><br>While we are called to respect earthly authorities, our ultimate allegiance is to God, and we must discern when to stand firm in our faith if human laws contradict divine commands.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/witness_through_obedience.htm">Witness Through Obedience</a></b><br>Our compliance with laws and respect for authorities can serve as a testimony to non-believers, showcasing the peace and order that come from living under God's principles.<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/bible's_view_on_christianity_and_politics.htm">What does the Bible say about Christianity and politics?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_taxes.htm">What is the Bible's stance on paying taxes?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_a_sin_tax.htm">What is a sin tax?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_'render_to_caesar'_conflict_with_serving_god.htm">Matthew 22:15–22: Does Jesus’s instruction to “render to Caesar” conflict with other biblical commands to serve God alone? </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>(6) <span class= "bld">Ministers.</span>--The words thus translated here and in <a href="/romans/13-4.htm" title="For he is the minister of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid; for he bears not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath on him that does evil.">Romans 13:4</a> are not the same, but both are words commonly used in the New Testament of a sacred office; that in <a href="/romans/13-4.htm" title="For he is the minister of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid; for he bears not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath on him that does evil.">Romans 13:4</a> is the original of our word "deacon," that used in this verse is (in another form) the original of our word "liturgy." The choice of such terms harmonises with the conception which is presented in this chapter of the divine origin and character of the state system.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/romans/13.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For for this cause ye pay</span> (so, rather than, as in the Authorized Version, <span class="accented">pay ye.</span> The <span class="greek">γὰρ</span> suggests this interpretation. So in the Vulgate, <span class="accented">ideo enim et tributa praestatis.</span> The Christians, we may suppose, did pay all legal dues and taxes; it was a recognized principle that they were bound to do so; perhaps because of Christ himself having settled the question in his dictum about the tribute-money (<a href="/matthew/22-21.htm">Matthew 22:21</a>). And what the apostle means may be that the same principle on which they paid their taxes extended to all legal requirements) <span class="cmt_word">tribute also: for they</span> (<span class="accented">i.e.</span> the officers who exact tribute) <span class="cmt_word">are</span> <span class="cmt_word">God's ministers</span> (not, as in ver. 4, <span class="greek">διακόνοι</span>, but <span class="greek">λειτουργοὶ</span>. This word, with its correlatives, is used in the New Testament especially with reference to the ceremonial services of the temple, and to their counterpart in Christian devotion; but not exclusively so (see <a href="/romans/15-27.htm">Romans 15:27</a>; <a href="/philippians/2-25.htm">Philippians 2:25</a>). In classical Greek it denotes peculiarly persons performing public duties, or works of public use. This well-known use of the word may have suggested it here, the apostle meaning to say that such as in any such way served the state were in fact serving God), <span class="cmt_word">attending continually upon this very thing</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> on <span class="greek">λειτουργία</span> for God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/romans/13-6.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">This is also why</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">you pay</span><br /><span class="grk">τελεῖτε</span> <span class="translit">(teleite)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5055.htm">Strong's 5055: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I end, finish, (b) I fulfill, accomplish, (c) I pay. From telos; to end, i.e. Complete, execute, conclude, discharge.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">taxes.</span><br /><span class="grk">φόρους</span> <span class="translit">(phorous)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5411.htm">Strong's 5411: </a> </span><span class="str2">A tax, tribute, especially on persons. From phero; a load, i.e. a tax.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">For</span><br /><span class="grk">γὰρ</span> <span class="translit">(gar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> </span><span class="str2">For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the authorities] are</span><br /><span class="grk">εἰσιν</span> <span class="translit">(eisin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">God’s</span><br /><span class="grk">Θεοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(Theou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> </span><span class="str2">A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">servants,</span><br /><span class="grk">λειτουργοὶ</span> <span class="translit">(leitourgoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3011.htm">Strong's 3011: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a derivative of laos and ergon; a public servant, i.e. A functionary in the Temple or Gospel, or a worshipper or benefactor.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who devote themselves</span><br /><span class="grk">προσκαρτεροῦντες</span> <span class="translit">(proskarterountes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4342.htm">Strong's 4342: </a> </span><span class="str2">To persist, persevere in, continue steadfast in; I wait upon. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="grk">εἰς</span> <span class="translit">(eis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[their work].</span><br /><span class="grk">τοῦτο</span> <span class="translit">(touto)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> </span><span class="str2">This; he, she, it. </span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/13-6.htm">Romans 13:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/romans/13-6.htm">Romans 13:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/romans/13-6.htm">Romans 13:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/romans/13-6.htm">Romans 13:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/romans/13-6.htm">Romans 13:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/13-6.htm">Romans 13:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/13-6.htm">Romans 13:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/13-6.htm">Romans 13:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/romans/13-6.htm">Romans 13:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/romans/13-6.htm">Romans 13:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/romans/13-6.htm">NT Letters: Romans 13:6 For this reason you also pay taxes (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/13-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 13:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 13:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/13-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 13:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 13:7" /></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>