Romans 13:2 kjv
Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
Romans 13:2 nkjv
Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.
Romans 13:2 niv
Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
Romans 13:2 esv
Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.
Romans 13:2 nlt
So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.
Romans 13 2 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Rom 13:1 | Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. | Establishes the principle of subjection. |
| 1 Peter 2:13 | Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution. | Links submission to obedience to the Lord. |
| Titus 3:1 | Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities... | Reinforces the command to rulers. |
| John 19:11 | You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. | Jesus acknowledges the divine origin of authority. |
| Acts 5:29 | Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men." | Establishes a limit to submission when it conflicts with God's commands. |
| Prov 8:15-16 | By me kings reign, and rulers make laws that are just; by me princes decree justice. | Wisdom is presented as the source of righteous rule. |
| Ex 22:28 | You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people. | Old Testament command against disrespecting authorities. |
| Matt 22:21 | "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." | Differentiates civic duty from divine obligation. |
| 1 Sam 15:23 | For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. | Strongly condemns rebellion against established authority. |
| 1 Tim 2:1-2 | First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions... | Shows believers are to pray for their leaders. |
| Gal 5:19-21 | Now the works of the flesh are evident... strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. | Resisting authority can be an expression of these fleshly desires. |
| Phil 2:3 | Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. | Humility encourages submission. |
| Rom 13:3-4 | For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. | Explains the positive function of authority. |
| Gen 9:6 | Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image. | Underpins the authority to punish evil. |
| Deut 19:17-21 | If a false witness rises against any person, then the two shall stand before the Lord... | Emphasizes justice and truth in judgment, reflecting governmental purpose. |
| Neh 1:11 | ...may your servant prosper this day and gain compassion in the sight of this man. | Prayer for favor with authorities. |
| 1 Thess 5:12-13 | We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you... | Respect for church leadership is also a theme. |
| Ps 106:3 | Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times. | God's pleasure in just governance. |
| Zech 7:9 | Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgment, show steadfast love and compassion each to his neighbor. | Calls for righteousness in leaders. |
| Prov 16:12 | Kings detest wickedness, for throne is established by righteousness. | Righteousness upholds authority. |
Romans 13 verses
Romans 13 2 Meaning
This verse teaches that the governing authorities, established by God, are to be respected and obeyed. Therefore, resisting or disobeying them is equivalent to resisting God's ordained order. This submission is presented not merely as a civic duty, but as a spiritual one, reflecting recognition of God's ultimate sovereignty.
Romans 13 2 Context
In Romans chapter 13, Paul addresses the Roman believers concerning their conduct within society. He establishes the divine origin of civil government, asserting that all legitimate authority is instituted by God. This establishes a framework for Christian citizenship. This specific verse, Romans 13:2, flows directly from the foundational statement in verse 1 about subjection to governing authorities. It explains the consequence of not being subject, framing it as a rebellion against God Himself. The historical context is crucial, as Christians were living under the Roman Empire, an often oppressive and demanding regime. Paul's teaching here aimed to guide believers in their interactions with this powerful state, ensuring their faith did not lead to civil anarchy or unnecessary persecution, while still maintaining a framework for godly conscience.
Romans 13 2 Word Analysis
ho(ὁ): Definite article, masculine, nominative, singular. "The". Used here to specify "authority".gar(γάρ): Conjunction, typically meaning "for" or "because". Introduces a reason or explanation for the preceding statement.de(δὲ): Conjunction, usually adversative or continuative, meaning "but," "and," or "however." Here, it functions to introduce the consequence or elaboration of opposing the authority.ho(ὁ): Definite article, masculine, nominative, singular. "The". Refers to "authority" established by God.antitessemenos(ἀντιτασσόμενος): Present passive participle, fromantissomai(ἀντιτάσσω), meaning "to draw up in battle array against," "to oppose," "to resist." This implies active resistance, taking a stand against. The passive voice highlights that it is God who has set the authorities in place, making the opposition against God's action.tessō(τάσσω): Verb, meaning "to arrange," "to order," "to appoint." Combined withanti(against),antissōmeans to array against, to set in order against, thus "to oppose" or "to resist."theon(θεόν): Noun, accusative, masculine, singular. "God". The direct object of the action of setting in order or appointing. This emphasizes that God is the one who establishes the authorities.hesteken(ἑστηκεν): Present perfect indicative, fromhistēmi(ἵστημι), meaning "to stand," "to set," "to establish." The perfect tense emphasizes the result of God's action: the authorities stand established. It signifies a continuing state of being set in place by God.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
ho gar antitessemenos(ὁ γὰρ ἀντιτασσόμενος): "For whoever opposes" (literally, "the one drawing up against"). This is the subject of the clause, a participle acting as a noun, signifying any person who actively resists the governing authorities.tessō de theon hesteken(τάξιν δὲ θεὸν ἑστηκεν): This phrasing in some textual traditions is considered a possible scribal error or variant reading, or it can be interpreted in ways that make theological sense depending on the manuscript base. However, the most widely accepted and linguistically sound reading istessō de theon heuriskei(τάξιν δὲ θεοῦ ἑστηκεν in some texts, implying an established order of God), or more directly supporting the common understanding, the act of opposing is seen as positioning oneself against God's disposition. The emphasis is on the established, ordained order. The commonly received text means "whoever resists God's appointed order/will". The core idea is opposition to the established divine decree concerning governance.
Romans 13 2 Bonus Section
The concept of divine appointment of rulers can be found throughout Scripture, from Old Testament kings chosen and sometimes even anointed by God, to the New Testament acknowledgment of existing authorities. The resistance that Paul speaks against is not necessarily dissent or critical evaluation, but a refusal to submit to the legitimate functions of government. The ultimate "resistance" mentioned is against God's provision for order in society, which he establishes through authorities. This principle encourages believers to live peaceably, contribute positively to society, and uphold justice, reflecting God's own character. The key is understanding the intent and scope of authority, as dictated by divine principles.
Romans 13 2 Commentary
This verse strongly asserts that civil disobedience against lawful governing authorities is a form of rebellion against God Himself. This is because Paul views governments as God's appointed servants (Rom 13:4) to maintain order and punish wrongdoing. Resisting these authorities is not just a civic offense but a spiritual one, undermining the divine order. However, this submission has a critical boundary: when the government commands what God forbids, or forbids what God commands, believers are bound to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29). This verse does not grant authorities carte blanche to sin against their people, but it emphasizes the divine origin and purpose of government that should ideally be upheld. The call to submission is rooted in recognizing God's sovereignty in placing rulers.