New International Version For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. New Living Translation The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. English Standard Version for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Berean Standard Bible 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. Berean Literal Bible For he is God’s servant to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is God’s servant, an avenger for wrath to the one practicing evil. King James Bible 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: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. New King James Version For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. New American Standard Bible for it is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a servant of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. NASB 1995 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. NASB 1977 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath upon the one who practices evil. Legacy Standard Bible for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword in vain, for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Amplified Bible For he is God’s servant to you for good. But if you do wrong, [you should] be afraid; for he does not carry the [executioner’s] sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an avenger who brings punishment on the wrongdoer. Berean Annotated Bible For he is God’s {Theou} servant {diakonos} 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. Christian Standard Bible For it is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For it is God’s servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong. Holman Christian Standard Bible For government is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For government is God’s servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong. American Standard Version for he is a 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: for he is a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him that doeth evil. Contemporary English Version After all, they are God's servants, and it is their duty to help you. If you do something wrong, you ought to be afraid, because these rulers have the right to punish you. They are God's servants who punish criminals to show how angry God is. English Revised Version for he is a 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: for he is a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him that doeth evil. GOD'S WORD® Translation The government is God's servant working for your good. But if you do what is wrong, you should be afraid. The government has the right to carry out the death sentence. It is God's servant, an avenger to execute God's anger on anyone who does what is wrong. Good News Translation because they are God's servants working for your own good. But if you do evil, then be afraid of them, because their power to punish is real. They are God's servants and carry out God's punishment on those who do evil. International Standard Version For they are God's servants, working for your good. But if you do what is wrong, you should be afraid, for it is not without reason that they bear the sword. Indeed, they are God's servants to administer punishment to anyone who does wrong. NET Bible for it is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be in fear, for it does not bear the sword in vain. It is God's servant to administer retribution on the wrongdoer. New Heart English Bible for he is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is a servant of God, an avenger for wrath to him who does evil. Webster's Bible Translation For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou doest that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, an avenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Weymouth New Testament For he is God's servant for your benefit. But if you do what is wrong, be afraid. He does not wear the sword to no purpose: he is God's servant--an administrator to inflict punishment upon evil-doers. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFor 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. World English Bible for he is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he doesn’t bear the sword in vain; for he is a servant of God, an avenger for wrath to him who does evil. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor it is a servant of God to you for good; and if you may do that which is evil, be fearing, for it does not bear the sword in vain; for it is a servant of God, an avenger for wrath to him who is doing that which is evil. Berean Literal Bible For he is God’s servant to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is God’s servant, an avenger for wrath to the one practicing evil. Young's Literal Translation for of God it is a ministrant to thee for good; and if that which is evil thou mayest do, be fearing, for not in vain doth it bear the sword; for of God it is a ministrant, an avenger for wrath to him who is doing that which is evil. Smith's Literal Translation For he is servant of God to thee for good. And if thou do evil, be afraid; for he bears not the sword without order: for he is servant of God, avenging for anger to him doing evil. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor he is God's minister to thee, for good. But if thou do that which is evil, fear: for he beareth not the sword in vain. For he is God's minister: an avenger to execute wrath upon him that doth evil. Catholic Public Domain Version For he is a minister of God for you unto good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid. For it is not without reason that he carries a sword. For he is a minister of God; an avenger to execute wrath upon whomever does evil. New American Bible for it is a servant of God for your good. But if you do evil, be afraid, for it does not bear the sword without purpose; it is the servant of God to inflict wrath on the evildoer. New Revised Standard Version for it is God’s servant for your good. But if you do what is wrong, you should be afraid, for the authority does not bear the sword in vain! It is the servant of God to execute wrath on the wrongdoer. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor he is the minister of God to you for good. But if you do that which is wrong, be afraid; for he is not girded with the sword in vain; for he is the minister of God, and an avenger of wrath upon those who commit crime. Aramaic Bible in Plain English For he is the Minister of God to you for good. But if you have done evil, be afraid, for he does not wear the sword for nothing, for he is the Minister of God and a furious avenger to those who do evil. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentFor he is the minister of God to you for that which is good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for he bears not the sword in vain. For he is the minister of God to inflict punishment on him that does evil. Godbey New Testament for he is the minister of God for you for good. But if you do evil, fear; for he bears not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, executing judgment unto wrath unto the one doing evil. Haweis New Testament for he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou doest that which is evil, tremble! for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, an avenger to inflict wrath on him that practises what is evil. Mace New Testament for his administration is appointed by God for your good, but if you do wrong, you have reason to be afraid; for he bears not the sword in vain: he being the minister of God, to execute punishment upon malefactors. Weymouth New Testament For he is God's servant for your benefit. But if you do what is wrong, be afraid. He does not wear the sword to no purpose: he is God's servant--an administrator to inflict punishment upon evil-doers. Worrell New Testament for he is God's minister 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 God's minister, an avenger for wrath to him that does evil. Worsley New Testament for he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou dost evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is also the minister of God, as an avenger to execute his wrath upon the malefactor. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Submission to Authorities…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. 4For 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. 5Therefore it is necessary to submit to authority, not only to avoid punishment, but also as a matter of conscience.… Cross References For he is God’s servant for your good. 1 Peter 2:13-15 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. / For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men. Titus 3:1 Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work, 1 Timothy 2:1-2 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. But if you do wrong, be afraid, Proverbs 20:2 The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his own life. Proverbs 16:14 The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it. Proverbs 24:21-22 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? for he does not carry the sword in vain. Genesis 9:6 Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind. Acts 12:2 He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. John 19:10-11 So Pilate said to Him, “Do You refuse to speak to me? Do You not know that I have authority to release You and authority to crucify You?” / Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of greater sin.” He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer. Romans 12:19 Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” Deuteronomy 32:35 Vengeance is Mine; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; for their day of disaster is near, and their doom is coming quickly.” 2 Thessalonians 1:6 After all, it is only right for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, Proverbs 8:15-16 By me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws; / By me princes rule, and all nobles who govern justly. Daniel 2:21 He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. Matthew 22:21 “Caesar’s,” they answered. So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” 1 Samuel 24:6 So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.” Treasury of Scripture 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. he is. Romans 13:6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 1 Kings 10:9 Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the LORD loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice. 2 Chronicles 19:6 And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment. be. Proverbs 16:14 The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it. Proverbs 20:2,8,26 The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul… revenger. Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Numbers 35:19-27 The revenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer: when he meeteth him, he shall slay him… Joshua 20:5,9 And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand; because he smote his neighbour unwittingly, and hated him not beforetime… Jump to Previous Administrator Afraid Agent Avenger Bear Beareth Benefit Evil Evil-Doer Evil-Doers Execute Fear Fearing God's Good Hand Inflict Making Mayest Minister Ministrant Practices Punishment Purpose Revenger Servant Sword Vain Wear Wrath Wrong WrongdoerJump to Next Administrator Afraid Agent Avenger Bear Beareth Benefit Evil Evil-Doer Evil-Doers Execute Fear Fearing God's Good Hand Inflict Making Mayest Minister Ministrant Practices Punishment Purpose Revenger Servant Sword Vain Wear Wrath Wrong WrongdoerRomans 13 1. Subjection, and many other duties, we owe to the authorities.8. Love is the fulfillment of the law. 11. The acts of darkness are out of season in the time of the Gospel. For he is God’s servant for your good. Civil authorities are appointed to preserve order, protect the innocent, and promote the public welfare. Their rightful work reflects God’s concern for justice and peace within society. 1Pe 2:13-15 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human… But if you do wrong, be afraid, Those who violate what is right should expect lawful consequences. Governmental authority restrains evil by holding wrongdoers accountable. Pro 20:2 The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion;… for he does not carry the sword in vain. In Paul’s Roman setting, the sword represented the magistrate’s real authority to punish crime, including the power of life and death. Such authority is not meant to be empty or merely symbolic. Gen 9:6 Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood… He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer. Rulers serve as instruments through whom God administers temporal justice. Their duty is to punish evil impartially and uphold what is right as agents (Greek: ekdikos), carrying out justice on God’s behalf. Rom 12:19 Do not avenge yourselves, beloved; leave room… Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of the Book of Romans, addressing the Christian community in Rome. 2. Roman Authorities The governing bodies in Rome during the time of Paul's writing, representing civil authority. 3. Christian Community in Rome The recipients of Paul's letter, navigating their faith under Roman rule. 4. God The ultimate authority who ordains earthly rulers as His servants. 5. Wrongdoers Individuals who act contrary to the laws and moral standards established by God and enforced by authorities. Teaching Points Divine Ordination of AuthorityRecognize that all authority is established by God, and rulers serve as His agents for maintaining order and justice. Role of Government Understand that the primary role of government is to promote good and restrain evil, acting as God's servant for societal welfare. Fear of Retribution Acknowledge that fear of punishment is a legitimate deterrent for wrongdoing, as authorities are empowered to enforce justice. Christian Conduct As Christians, we are called to live righteously and respect authority, reflecting our ultimate submission to God. Balancing Obedience and Conscience While respecting authority, discern when obedience to God takes precedence, especially when human laws conflict with divine commands. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Romans 13:4?2. How does Romans 13:4 define the role of governing authorities as God's servants? 3. In what ways can we honor authorities as "God's servant for your good"? 4. How does Romans 13:4 connect with 1 Peter 2:13-14 on submission? 5. What actions demonstrate respect for authorities as "an avenger who carries out wrath"? 6. How can we apply Romans 13:4 in situations of unjust governance? 7. How does Romans 13:4 justify the role of government as God's servant for good? 8. Does Romans 13:4 imply that all government actions are divinely sanctioned? 9. How should Christians respond to unjust governments in light of Romans 13:4? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Romans 13? (4) The sword.--Not apparently the dagger worn by the Roman emperors, but, in a strict sense, "the sword." "To bear the sword" seems to be a recognised Greek phrase to express the power of the magistrates. It was carried before them in processions, and on other important occasions. It is clear from this passage that capital punishment is sanctioned by Scripture. At the same time its abolition is not excluded, as the abolition of slavery was not excluded, if the gradual development of Christian principle should seem to demand it. Whether or not capital punishment ought to be abolished, is a question for jurists, publicists, and statesmen. The theologian, as such, has no decision to give either way. Romans 13:4 teaches that civil government is God-ordained, meant to promote the common good and restrain evil. Believers honor God by respecting rightful authority, benefiting from its protection, and recognizing that the state’s power to punish is a divine trust.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Forγὰρ (gar) Conjunction Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. he is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. God’s Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. servant διάκονός (diakonos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 1249: Probably from an obsolete diako; an attendant, i.e. a waiter; specially, a Christian teacher and pastor. for εἰς (eis) Preposition Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. your σοὶ (soi) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. good. ἀγαθόν (agathon) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 18: A primary word; 'good'. But δὲ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. if ἐὰν (ean) Conjunction Strong's 1437: If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc. you do ποιῇς (poiēs) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Singular Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do. wrong, κακὸν (kakon) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 2556: Bad, evil, in the widest sense. Apparently a primary word; worthless, i.e. depraved, or injurious. be afraid, φοβοῦ (phobou) Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Singular Strong's 5399: From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere. for γὰρ (gar) Conjunction Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. he does not carry φορεῖ (phorei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 5409: To carry, wear, bear constantly. From phoros; to have a burden, i.e. to wear as clothing or a constant accompaniment. the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. sword μάχαιραν (machairan) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 3162: A sword. Probably feminine of a presumed derivative of mache; a knife, i.e. Dirk; figuratively, war, judicial punishment. in vain. εἰκῇ (eikē) Adverb Strong's 1500: Without a cause, purpose; purposelessly, in vain, for nothing. Probably from eiko; idly, i.e. Without reason. He is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. God’s Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. servant, διάκονός (diakonos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 1249: Probably from an obsolete diako; an attendant, i.e. a waiter; specially, a Christian teacher and pastor. an agent ἔκδικος (ekdikos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 1558: From ek and dike; carrying justice out, i.e. A punisher. of εἰς (eis) Preposition Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. retribution ὀργὴν (orgēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 3709: From oregomai; properly, desire, i.e., violent passion (justifiable) abhorrence); by implication punishment. to the τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. wrongdoer. κακὸν (kakon) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 2556: Bad, evil, in the widest sense. Apparently a primary word; worthless, i.e. depraved, or injurious. Additonal Resources Romans 13:4 Blue Letter BibleRomans 13:4 Bible Gateway Romans 13:4 Bible.com Romans 13:4 NIV |
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