1 Peter 2 13

1 Peter 2:13 kjv

Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;

1 Peter 2:13 nkjv

Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme,

1 Peter 2:13 niv

Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority,

1 Peter 2:13 esv

Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme,

1 Peter 2:13 nlt

For the Lord's sake, submit to all human authority ? whether the king as head of state,

1 Peter 2 verses

1 Peter 2 13 Meaning

First Peter 2:13 instructs believers to submit themselves to all forms of human authority and institutions for the sake of the Lord. This command emphasizes a Christ-centered motivation for obedience to civil governments, whether it be the supreme ruler like an emperor or any other human-established authority. It calls for respectful engagement with society's structures, even when they are imperfect, as an act of witness to God's sovereignty and the Lordship of Christ.

1 Peter 2 13 Context

First Peter chapter 2 broadly exhorts believers to live distinctly in a hostile world. It follows a call for spiritual growth (2:1-3) and highlights the identity of believers as a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, and God's own people (2:4-10). Verses 11-12 set the immediate context for submission by urging Christians to live as "foreigners and exiles" (NKJV: "strangers and pilgrims"), abstaining from fleshly passions and maintaining honorable conduct among the Gentiles, so that even those who malign them might see their good deeds and glorify God. Verse 13 then introduces the specific application of this general command: how to behave under the prevailing human governing authorities. This advice was crucial for scattered Christians who faced suspicion and slander, guiding them to counter negative perceptions through blameless living, even amidst the political realities of the Roman Empire.

1 Peter 2 13 Word analysis

• Submit (ὑποτάγητε - hypotagēte): An imperative verb in the Aorist passive voice, implying an active submission, "to put yourself under," or "to arrange yourself under." It denotes a voluntary placing of oneself under another's authority or direction, not necessarily an inferior status in essence, but a willingness to align with an established order for a specific purpose. This word is also used in other New Testament passages for wives to husbands, children to parents, slaves to masters, and the church to Christ, always carrying the connotation of voluntary and appropriate ordering within God's design.
• yourselves (ἑαυτοῖς - heautois): The reflexive pronoun emphasizes the personal and active nature of the submission. It's not a forced submission, but one chosen and enacted by the believer.
• for the Lord's sake (διὰ τὸν Κύριον - dia ton Kyrion): This crucial phrase provides the ultimate motivation for submission. "Dia" with the accusative signifies "for the sake of" or "because of." Submission is not primarily due to the inherent goodness of the human authority, but out of obedience to and reverence for Christ. It acknowledges His supreme Lordship over all things, including human institutions, which exist by His divine permission.
• to every (πάσῃ - pasē): Meaning "all," "every," or "the whole." This indicates comprehensive scope, not just selective submission based on a ruler's moral standing or shared faith.
• human authority/ordinance (ἀνθρωπίνῃ κτίσει - anthrōpinē ktisei): Literally "human creation" or "human institution." This refers to any established structure, law, or form of governance created by human beings, in contrast to divine ordinances. It signifies that even earthly institutions derive their existence from the permission and ultimate sovereignty of God, as outlined in passages like Romans 13.
• whether to the emperor (εἴτε βασιλεῖ - eite basilei): "Eite" means "whether" or "or." "Basileus" (basilei in dative case) refers to a king, monarch, or, in the Roman context of Peter's time, the emperor (Caesar). This explicitly names the highest civil authority.
• as supreme (ὡς ὑπερέχοντι - hōs hyperechonti): "Hōs" means "as." "Huperechontos" (participle of huperechō) means "being superior," "excelling," "surpassing in rank." It emphasizes the emperor's top position within the human hierarchy, making it clear that the command applies to the highest level of human governance.

1 Peter 2 13 Bonus section

The concept of anarchic eschatology was a real concern among early Christians and Romans. Some misinterpreted Christian freedom in Christ as an excuse for lawlessness or disdain for societal structures. Peter, along with Paul (Romans 13), directly confronts this, teaching that true Christian freedom is expressed not in defiance but in voluntary, humble submission to established order, precisely because it serves a higher purpose—the glory of God and the advancement of the Gospel. The "human institution" (anthrōpinē ktisei) emphasizes that this submission applies broadly to all levels and forms of human government, from emperors down to local magistrates, not just those seen as "righteous." This inclusive phrasing meant Christians had to live peaceably and honorably under pagan rulers, which was a challenging and counter-cultural directive at the time. This verse forms part of a series of household codes (Haustafeln) in the New Testament (alongside Eph 5:22-6:9, Col 3:18-4:1), emphasizing ordered relationships in various spheres of life as a reflection of Christ's Lordship.

1 Peter 2 13 Commentary

First Peter 2:13 is a powerful call for Christian submission to governmental authorities, but crucially, it anchors this submission "for the Lord's sake." This divinely motivated obedience transforms a civic duty into an act of worship and a means of witness. Peter understands that earthly authorities, regardless of their nature or morality, are ultimately established or permitted by God's sovereignty. Therefore, a believer's willing submission reflects their reverence for God, not necessarily their approval of every human action or law.

This command is not absolute in the face of demands that contradict God's direct commands (Acts 5:29 serves as the biblical boundary). However, the general posture for the believer is one of respect and obedience, paying taxes, obeying laws, and honoring those in authority (Rom 13:1-7, Titus 3:1). Such conduct demonstrates the transforming power of the Gospel and silences accusations that Christians are subversive or anarchic. In an era where Christians were often misunderstood and persecuted, living peaceably under established rule was a potent demonstration of their primary allegiance to a heavenly King who desires order, not chaos, even in human society. Practical examples might include: faithfully paying taxes, obeying traffic laws even when not directly observed, respecting civil servants, or participating in legal democratic processes to bring about good, all done with a conscious awareness that this reflects a greater commitment to Christ's command and witness.