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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 13:2 Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/romans/13-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/45_Rom_13_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Romans 13:2 - Submission to Authorities" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves." /><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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and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. <a href="/nasb/romans/13.htm">NASB 1995</a> Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. <a href="/nasb77/romans/13.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Therefore he who resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. <a href="/lsb/romans/13.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Therefore whoever resists that authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. <a href="/amp/romans/13.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Therefore whoever resists [governmental] authority resists the ordinance of God. And those who have resisted it will bring judgment (civil penalty) on themselves. <a href="/csb/romans/13.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves. <a href="/hcsb/romans/13.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God&#8217s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves. <a href="/asv/romans/13.htm">American Standard Version</a> Therefore he that resisteth the power, withstandeth the ordinance of God: and they that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment. <a href="/cev/romans/13.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> People who oppose the authorities are opposing what God has done, and they will be punished. <a href="/erv/romans/13.htm">English Revised Version</a> Therefore he that resisteth the power, withstandeth the ordinance of God: and they that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment. <a href="/gwt/romans/13.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Therefore, whoever resists the government opposes what God has established. Those who resist will bring punishment on themselves. <a href="/gnt/romans/13.htm">Good News Translation</a> Whoever opposes the existing authority opposes what God has ordered; and anyone who does so will bring judgment on himself. <a href="/isv/romans/13.htm">International Standard Version</a> so that whoever resists the authorities opposes what God has established, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. <a href="/msb/romans/13.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. <a href="/net/romans/13.htm">NET Bible</a> So the person who resists such authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will incur judgment <a href="/nheb/romans/13.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Therefore he who resists the authority, withstands the ordinance of God; and those who withstand will receive to themselves judgment. <a href="/wbt/romans/13.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Whoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. <a href="/wey/romans/13.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Therefore the man who rebels against his ruler is resisting God's will; and those who thus resist will bring punishment upon themselves. <a href="/web/romans/13.htm">World English Bible</a> Therefore he who resists the authority withstands the ordinance of God; and those who withstand will receive to themselves judgment. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/romans/13.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> so that he who is setting himself against the authority, has resisted against God’s ordinance; and those resisting will receive judgment to themselves. <a href="/blb/romans/13.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore the one rebelling against the authority has resisted the ordinance of God, and those having resisted will bring judgment upon themselves. <a href="/ylt/romans/13.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> so that he who is setting himself against the authority, against God's ordinance hath resisted; and those resisting, to themselves shall receive judgment. <a href="/slt/romans/13.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> So he opposing the power, has resisted the arrangement of God: and they having resisted shall receive to themselves judgment.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/romans/13.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Therefore he that resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God. And they that resist, purchase to themselves damnation. <a href="/cpdv/romans/13.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And so, whoever resists authority, resists what has been ordained by God. And those who resist are acquiring damnation for themselves. <a href="/nabre/romans/13.htm">New American Bible</a> Therefore, whoever resists authority opposes what God has appointed, and those who oppose it will bring judgment upon themselves. <a href="/nrsvce/romans/13.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Therefore whoever resists authority resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/romans/13.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Whoever therefore resists the civil authority, resists the command of God: and they that resist, shall receive judgment to themselves. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/romans/13.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Whoever therefore stands against the authority stands against the decrees of God, and these who stand against them shall receive judgment.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/romans/13.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Therefore, he that resists the authority, resists the appointment of God; and those who resist shall receive to themselves condemnation. <a href="/godbey/romans/13.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> So the one resisting the authority, antagonizes the ordinance of God: and those antagonizing shall receive to themselves judgment. <a href="/haweis/romans/13.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Wherefore he that sets himself against authority, resists the ordinance of God: and they who resist shall receive to themselves condemnation. <a href="/mace/romans/13.htm">Mace New Testament</a> so that he who opposes the ruler, disobeys the orders of God: and will be punished too for resisting, by those very powers. <a href="/wey/romans/13.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Therefore the man who rebels against his ruler is resisting God's will; and those who thus resist will bring punishment upon themselves. <a href="/worrell/romans/13.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> So that he who resists the authority withstands the ordinance of God; and those having resisted shall receive to themselves condemnation; <a href="/worsley/romans/13.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> So that he who resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive condemnation. <a href="/parallel/romans/13-2.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/KIZs4GUMn-g?start=3202" 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/romans/13.htm">Submission to Authorities</a> 1Everyone 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. 2<a href="/greek/5620.htm" title="5620: hōste (Conj) -- So that, therefore, so then, so as to. From hos and te; so too, i.e. Thus therefore.">Consequently,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">whoever</a> <a href="/greek/498.htm" title="498: antitassomenos (V-PPM-NMS) -- From anti and the middle voice of tasso; to range oneself against, i.e. Oppose.">resists</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1849.htm" title="1849: exousia (N-DFS) -- From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence.">authority</a> <a href="/greek/436.htm" title="436: anthestēken (V-RIA-3S) -- To set against; I withstand, resist, oppose. From anti and histemi; to stand against, i.e. Oppose.">is opposing</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">what</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God</a> <a href="/greek/1296.htm" title="1296: diatagē (N-DFS) -- Ordaining, ordinance, disposition. From diatasso; arrangement, i.e. Institution.">has set in place,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">those who</a> <a href="/greek/436.htm" title="436: anthestēkotes (V-RPA-NMP) -- To set against; I withstand, resist, oppose. From anti and histemi; to stand against, i.e. Oppose.">do so</a> <a href="/greek/2983.htm" title="2983: lēmpsontai (V-FIM-3P) -- (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. ">will bring</a> <a href="/greek/2917.htm" title="2917: krima (N-ANS) -- From krino; a decision (crime).">judgment</a> <a href="/greek/1438.htm" title="1438: heautois (RefPro-DM3P) -- Himself, herself, itself. ">on themselves.</a> 3For 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.…<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="/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13-14</a> 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. <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="/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="/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 24:21-22</a> 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? <a href="/daniel/2-21.htm">Daniel 2:21</a> He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:2-5</a> 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?” ... <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="/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="/1_samuel/15-23.htm">1 Samuel 15:23</a> For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king.” <a href="/1_peter/2-17.htm">1 Peter 2:17</a> Treat everyone with high regard: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. <a href="/deuteronomy/17-12.htm">Deuteronomy 17:12</a> 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. <a href="/2_peter/2-10.htm">2 Peter 2:10</a> Such punishment is specially reserved for those who indulge the corrupt desires of the flesh and despise authority. Bold and self-willed, they are unafraid to slander glorious beings. <a href="/jude/1-8.htm">Jude 1:8</a> Yet in the same way these dreamers defile their bodies, reject authority, and slander glorious beings.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Whoever therefore resists the power, resists the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.power.<a href="/jeremiah/23-8.htm">Jeremiah 23:8-17</a> But, The LORD liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land… <a href="/jeremiah/44-14.htm">Jeremiah 44:14-17</a> So that none of the remnant of Judah, which are gone into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, shall escape or remain, that they should return into the land of Judah, to the which they have a desire to return to dwell there: for none shall return but such as shall escape… <a href="/titus/3-1.htm">Titus 3:1</a> Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,ordinance.<a href="/isaiah/58-2.htm">Isaiah 58:2</a> Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God.<a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13</a> Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;receive.<a href="/romans/13-5.htm">Romans 13:5</a> Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.<a href="/matthew/23-14.htm">Matthew 23:14</a> Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.<a href="/mark/12-40.htm">Mark 12:40</a> Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Authorities</a> <a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/romans/8-1.htm">Condemnation</a> <a href="/romans/10-17.htm">Consequently</a> <a href="/romans/3-8.htm">Damnation</a> <a href="/romans/13-1.htm">God's</a> <a href="/romans/8-33.htm">Guilt</a> <a href="/romans/12-3.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/romans/7-23.htm">Opposition</a> <a href="/romans/11-32.htm">Order</a> <a href="/romans/8-4.htm">Ordinance</a> <a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Power</a> <a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/romans/4-6.htm">Puts</a> <a href="/romans/12-6.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/psalms/78-17.htm">Rebelling</a> <a href="/mark/15-7.htm">Rebels</a> <a href="/romans/11-35.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/romans/9-19.htm">Resist</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-5.htm">Resisteth</a> <a href="/romans/9-19.htm">Resisting</a> <a href="/romans/9-19.htm">Resists</a> <a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/romans/9-28.htm">Sentence</a> <a href="/romans/3-5.htm">Sets</a> <a href="/acts/28-10.htm">Setting</a> <a href="/romans/10-21.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/acts/11-17.htm">Withstand</a> <a href="/romans/9-19.htm">Withstands</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/4-9.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/romans/13-5.htm">Authorities</a> <a href="/romans/13-3.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-29.htm">Condemnation</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-19.htm">Consequently</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-29.htm">Damnation</a> <a href="/romans/13-4.htm">God's</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-11.htm">Guilt</a> <a href="/romans/14-1.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/romans/16-17.htm">Opposition</a> <a href="/romans/13-5.htm">Order</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">Ordinance</a> <a href="/romans/13-3.htm">Power</a> <a href="/romans/13-4.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/romans/14-5.htm">Puts</a> <a href="/romans/13-3.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-19.htm">Rebelling</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-9.htm">Rebels</a> <a href="/romans/13-3.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-13.htm">Resist</a> <a href="/james/4-6.htm">Resisteth</a> <a href="/acts/7-51.htm">Resisting</a> <a href="/james/4-6.htm">Resists</a> <a href="/romans/13-3.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-9.htm">Sentence</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-28.htm">Sets</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-6.htm">Setting</a> <a href="/romans/13-6.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-13.htm">Withstand</a> <a href="/romans/9-19.htm">Withstands</a><div class="vheading2">Romans 13</div>1. <a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Subjection, and many other duties, we owe to the authorities.</a> 8. <a href="/romans/13-8.htm">Love is the fulfillment of the law.</a> 11. <a href="/romans/13-11.htm">The acts of darkness are out of season in the time of the Gospel.</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/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>Consequently, whoever resists authority This phrase emphasizes the principle of submission to governing authorities. In the biblical context, Paul writes to the Roman Christians who lived under the Roman Empire, a regime not always favorable to Christians. The term "authority" here refers to governmental powers, which were seen as instituted by God for maintaining order. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching that God is sovereign over all nations and rulers (<a href="/daniel/2-21.htm">Daniel 2:21</a>). The resistance mentioned is not just civil disobedience but a deeper rebellion against God's ordained structure.is opposing what God has set in place This highlights the divine origin of governmental authority. The Bible consistently teaches that God establishes rulers and kingdoms (<a href="/proverbs/8-15.htm">Proverbs 8:15-16</a>). This does not mean all actions by authorities are just, but the institution itself is part of God's order. The phrase suggests a theological understanding that God uses even imperfect governments to accomplish His purposes, as seen in the stories of Joseph in Egypt (<a href="/genesis/50-20.htm">Genesis 50:20</a>) and Daniel in Babylon (<a href="/daniel/4-17.htm">Daniel 4:17</a>).and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves This serves as a warning of the consequences of resisting authority. The "judgment" can be understood in two ways: divine judgment and legal consequences. Biblically, God holds individuals accountable for their actions, and rebellion against authority is seen as rebellion against God (<a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13-14</a>). Historically, the Roman legal system was strict, and defiance often led to severe penalties. This phrase underscores the importance of living peaceably and lawfully, reflecting Jesus' teaching to "render to Caesar what is Caesar's" (<a href="/matthew/22-21.htm">Matthew 22:21</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> 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. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_roman_church.htm">The Roman Church</a> The recipients of the letter, the early Christian community in Rome, who were navigating their faith under Roman rule. 3. <a href="/topical/r/roman_authorities.htm">Roman Authorities</a> The governing bodies in Rome during the time of Paul's writing, representing the secular power structure. 4. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The ultimate authority who, according to Paul, establishes earthly authorities. 5. <a href="/topical/j/judgment.htm">Judgment</a> The consequence mentioned by Paul for those who resist authority, implying both divine and earthly repercussions.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/divine_ordination_of_authority.htm">Divine Ordination of Authority</a> Recognize that all authority is established by God, and resisting it is akin to resisting God's order. <a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_resistance.htm">Consequences of Resistance</a> Understand that opposing authority leads to judgment, both from God and potentially from earthly systems. <a href="/topical/c/christian_conduct_in_society.htm">Christian Conduct in Society</a> As Christians, we are called to be exemplary citizens, respecting and obeying laws unless they directly contradict God's commands. <a href="/topical/b/balancing_obedience_and_conscience.htm">Balancing Obedience and Conscience</a> While submission to authority is important, discernment is necessary when laws conflict with God's higher law. <a href="/topical/r/role_of_prayer_for_leaders.htm">Role of Prayer for Leaders</a> Pray for those in authority, seeking God's guidance and wisdom for them, as their decisions impact society.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_romans_13.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Romans 13</a> <a href="/q/how_does_romans_13_2_align_with_exodus_1_17.htm">How does Romans 13:2’s warning against resisting authority align with biblical accounts of resisting evil rulers (e.g., Exodus 1:17)? </a> <a href="/q/how_should_we_dress_to_honor_god.htm">How should we submit to governing authorities?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_romans_13_stress_obeying_rulers.htm">Why does Paul in Romans 13 emphasize obedience to secular powers when other New Testament texts (e.g., Acts 5:29) suggest obeying God rather than human authorities?</a> <a href="/q/does_the_bible_mention_the_revolution.htm">Does the Bible address the American Revolution?</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>(2) Damnation.--Condemnation--i.e., the sentence passed upon him by the judge or magistrate as God's representative.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/romans/13.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 2-5. - Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, withstandeth the ordinance of God: and they which withstand shall receive to themselves condemnation (i.e. really God's, operating through the human "power;" not meaning damnation in the common sense of the word). For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same. It is the theory of the laws of all civilized governments to uphold justice, and only to punish what is wrong; and in the main they do so. The principles of the Roman law were just, and Paul himself found protection from its officers and tribunals, whose fairness he had, and had reason to have, more confidence in than in the tender mercy of either Gentile or Jewish zealots (cf. <a href="/acts/19-35.htm">Acts 19:35</a>, seq.; 21:31, seq.; 22:30; 24:10; 25:10, 11; 26:30, seq.). As has been observed already, the Neronian persecutions had not yet begun. For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain (though "the sword" might possibly be understood as only the familiar symbol of power, yet the mention of it may be taken to imply the apostle's recognition of the legitimacy of capital punishment, such as he also expressed distinctly, <a href="/acts/25-11.htm">Acts 25:11</a>): for he is the minister of God, an avenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wrath here expresses the familiar idea of the Divine wrath against evil-doing, for the execution of which, in the sphere of human law, the magistrate is the appointed instrument (see note on Romans 12:19). Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience' sake. Not only for fear of penal consequences, but because it is your duty, whatever might ensue, to submit to the ordinance of God. Similarly, in <a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13</a>, submission to every ordinance of man is enjoined "for the Lord's sake (διὰ τὸν Κύριον)." <a href="/commentaries/romans/13-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Consequently, ὥστε (hōste) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_5620.htm">Strong's 5620: </a> So that, therefore, so then, so as to. From hos and te; so too, i.e. Thus therefore. the [one who] ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative 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. resists ἀντιτασσόμενος (antitassomenos) Verb - Present Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_498.htm">Strong's 498: </a> From anti and the middle voice of tasso; to range oneself against, i.e. Oppose. authority ἐξουσίᾳ (exousia) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1849.htm">Strong's 1849: </a> From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence. is opposing ἀνθέστηκεν (anthestēken) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_436.htm">Strong's 436: </a> To set against; I withstand, resist, oppose. From anti and histemi; to stand against, i.e. Oppose. what τῇ (tē) Article - Dative Feminine 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. God Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. has set in place, διαταγῇ (diatagē) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1296.htm">Strong's 1296: </a> Ordaining, ordinance, disposition. From diatasso; arrangement, i.e. Institution. and δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. those who οἱ (hoi) Article - Nominative Masculine Plural <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. [do so] ἀνθεστηκότες (anthestēkotes) Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_436.htm">Strong's 436: </a> To set against; I withstand, resist, oppose. From anti and histemi; to stand against, i.e. Oppose. will bring λήμψονται (lēmpsontai) Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2983.htm">Strong's 2983: </a> (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. judgment κρίμα (krima) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2917.htm">Strong's 2917: </a> From krino; a decision ('crime'). on themselves. ἑαυτοῖς (heautois) Reflexive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1438.htm">Strong's 1438: </a> Himself, herself, itself. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/13-2.htm">Romans 13:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/romans/13-2.htm">Romans 13:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/romans/13-2.htm">Romans 13:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/romans/13-2.htm">Romans 13:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/romans/13-2.htm">Romans 13:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/13-2.htm">Romans 13:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/13-2.htm">Romans 13:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/13-2.htm">Romans 13:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/romans/13-2.htm">Romans 13:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/romans/13-2.htm">Romans 13:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/romans/13-2.htm">NT Letters: Romans 13:2 Therefore he who resists the authority withstands (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/13-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 13:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 13:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/13-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 13:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 13:3" /></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>