Romans 13 2

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 verses

Romans 13 2 Meaning

Romans 13:2 teaches that opposing or resisting governing authorities is not merely opposing human rule, but is a direct defiance against the order and arrangement God Himself has established. Those who actively stand against these divinely instituted structures will inevitably bring upon themselves divine judgment or condemnation, indicating the seriousness of such resistance in God's eyes. This verse underscores God's sovereignty over earthly powers and calls believers to respect the established social order.

Romans 13 2 Context

Romans 13:2 is nestled within a larger section of Paul's letter (Romans 12:1-15:13) that transitions from theological exposition to practical Christian living, ethical responsibilities, and civic duties. Specifically, Romans 13:1-7 addresses the believer's relationship with governing authorities. Verse 1 explicitly states that "there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." Verse 2 directly flows from this premise, stating the consequence of resisting such God-ordained authority.

The historical context for the original audience in Rome was crucial. Rome was the seat of a powerful empire. Christians, including Jews and Gentiles, faced various suspicions, from accusations of sedition (refusing the emperor cult or Jewish rebellions) to being considered atheists for not worshipping Roman gods. Paul's instruction aimed to clarify the Christian's role, promoting civic obedience and order within the Pax Romana. He sought to demonstrate that Christians were not a threat to social stability, but rather contributed to it, thereby allowing the gospel to flourish without unnecessary impediment from the state.

Romans 13 2 Word analysis

• Ὥστε (Hōste): "Therefore," "So then."

  • Significance: Functions as a consequential conjunction, directly linking this verse to the preceding statement in Rom 13:1 that "there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." It indicates that the following statement is a logical conclusion from the divine origin of governmental authority.

• ὁ ἀντιτασσόμενος (ho antitassomenos): "the one resisting," "whoever opposes."

  • Transliteration: ho antitassomenos
  • Meaning: From antitassō, which means to range oneself against, oppose, resist, or defy. The present participle suggests an ongoing or characteristic action, someone habitually opposing authority.
  • Significance: This is an active and deliberate posture of opposition, not merely passive disagreement or civil disobedience (which might be handled differently in specific cases, as per Acts 5:29). It denotes a rebellious arrangement against.

• τῇ ἐξουσίᾳ (tē exousia): "the authority."

  • Transliteration: tē exousia
  • Meaning: Power, right, delegated authority, jurisdiction, or privilege. It denotes an authority that is inherently legitimate, whether civil, religious, or even demonic (though not in this context). Here it specifically refers to governing bodies.
  • Significance: Emphasizes that it's legitimate and divinely-enabled power that is being resisted.

• τῇ τοῦ Θεοῦ διαταγῇ (tē tou Theou diatagē): "the ordinance/appointment of God."

  • Transliteration: tē tou Theou diatagē
  • Meaning: Diatagē means an arrangement, ordering, command, or divine appointment. This phrase explicitly states the source and nature of the authority mentioned earlier. "τῇ τοῦ Θεοῦ" (of God) modifies diatagē.
  • Significance: This is the crux of the verse. It confirms that the human authority being resisted is directly understood as God's specific arrangement or institution. Resistance is therefore a defiance of God's order.

• ἀνθέστηκεν (anthestēken): "has resisted" or "stands against."

  • Transliteration: anthestēken
  • Meaning: From anthistēmi, meaning to stand against, resist, oppose. The perfect tense indicates a completed action with ongoing results, emphasizing the state of being in opposition.
  • Significance: Reinforces antitassomenos but perhaps from the perspective of taking a firm stance against. The repetition emphasizes the gravity of the act.

• οἱ δὲ ἀνθεστηκότες (hoi de anthestēkotes): "and those who have resisted/are standing against."

  • Transliteration: hoi de anthestēkotes
  • Meaning: "But those who are characterized by this opposition." Again, a perfect participle, indicating the ones already engaged in this state of resistance.
  • Significance: Directly identifies the group upon whom the consequence will fall.

• ἑαυτοῖς κρίμα (heautois krima): "to themselves judgment."

  • Transliteration: heautois krima
  • Meaning: Krima signifies judgment, condemnation, decision, or the divine verdict and its consequences. Heautois ("to themselves") suggests that they are the architects of their own misfortune or divine condemnation.
  • Significance: The judgment is self-inflicted in the sense that their own actions directly lead to the divine punitive consequences. It's not arbitrary punishment but a just response to their defiance.

• λήμψονται (lēmpsontai): "will receive," "will incur."

  • Transliteration: lēmpsontai
  • Meaning: From lambanō, to take, receive, or grasp. The future tense implies certainty.
  • Significance: Highlights the assured and inevitable outcome of resisting God's order as manifested through governing authorities.

Words-group Analysis:

• "Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed": This phrase clearly articulates the theological foundation. Human governance is God's active arrangement (diatagē). Therefore, defying civil authority is not a purely political act but an act of spiritual defiance against the divine will and order.
• "and those who resist will incur judgment": This states the definite and inevitable consequence. The repetition of "resist" (from different Greek roots, antitassō and anthistēmi) highlights the emphasis. The "judgment" (krima) is not merely human consequence but a divine reckoning for disrespecting God's established order.

Romans 13 2 Bonus section

While Romans 13:2 calls for submission to governing authorities and warns against resistance, it's essential to understand its boundaries and nuanced interpretations that have evolved throughout church history:

• Higher Authority (Acts 5:29): The principle "We must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29) provides a critical qualification. If a governmental authority commands something that directly violates God's clear commands or moral law, a believer's ultimate loyalty is to God. In such cases, non-compliance is justifiable, but it is typically expressed through passive resistance (accepting the legal consequences) rather than violent, rebellious overthrow. This nuanced approach respects the authority's office even when refusing a sinful command.
• Purpose of Government: Paul emphasizes that government is God's servant (Rom 13:4) for good, to praise those who do good and punish those who do evil. This is the ideal. Even imperfect governments can fulfill aspects of this role.
• What Constitutes "Resistance"?: The Greek terms for "resist" (antitassomenos and anthestēkotes) denote a deliberate, hostile, and organized opposition. This is distinct from respectful petition, prophetic critique (like OT prophets challenged kings), or peaceful, non-violent protest against injustice that does not seek to dismantle the established order itself, but to reform it within its structure.
• Tyrannical Rulers: The Bible affirms God's sovereignty even over wicked rulers (e.g., Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Pilate in Jn 19:11). Romans 13 focuses on the divine origin of the institution of government, even if the individuals holding office are corrupt. The responsibility to pray for leaders (1 Tim 2:1-2) suggests engaging even with imperfect ones. The verse does not, by itself, grant carte blanche approval to every governmental act, but it calls believers to acknowledge God's ultimate hand in their existence.

Romans 13 2 Commentary

Romans 13:2 presents a profound theological assertion regarding civil authority: it originates from God and operates according to His appointment. Consequently, any act of resistance against established governance is understood as direct opposition to God's divinely instituted order, not merely an affront to human power. The verse sternly warns that such resistance will result in incurring divine judgment. This is not an endorsement of every action by every ruler, but rather an affirmation of the institution of governing authority itself as God-ordained to maintain order, restrain evil (as per Rom 13:3-4), and ensure a stable environment, which is often beneficial for the spread of the gospel. Paul aims to clarify the Christian's loyal citizenship in the earthly kingdom while maintaining primary allegiance to the heavenly one. It stresses the gravity of disrupting God's order and emphasizes obedience as a virtue, reflecting submission to God's will.