Romans 13 3

Romans 13:3 kjv

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:

Romans 13:3 nkjv

For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.

Romans 13:3 niv

For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended.

Romans 13:3 esv

For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval,

Romans 13:3 nlt

For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you.

Romans 13 verses

Romans 13 3 Meaning

The authority of governing officials is not a threat to those who do good, but rather to those who do evil. If a ruler is doing the will of God, they are a cause for praise for good behavior. This verse establishes that righteous conduct will not bring the disapproval of just authorities, as their role is to uphold justice.

Romans 13 3 Context

Chapter 13 of Romans addresses the Christian's relationship with governing authorities. The immediate context is encouraging believers to live peacefully and righteously within Roman society, which was under the authority of an often pagan empire. Paul's teaching in this chapter is not a carte blanche endorsement of all governmental actions but a framework for understanding the God-ordained purpose of civil authority. Specifically, Romans 13:1-7 establishes that governing authorities are instituted by God and serve God's purpose to maintain order and punish evil. Verse 3 directly elaborates on how authorities fulfill this purpose, by not being a terror to good deeds but to evil ones, indicating that the exercise of authority, when aligned with divine principles, is meant to protect and affirm righteousness. Historically, Christians were a minority group within the Roman Empire, and there could have been questions about their civic responsibilities and allegiance, especially when civil laws conflicted with divine commands.

Romans 13 3 Word Analysis

• For (gar - γάρ): A conjunction introducing a reason or explanation for the preceding statement. Here, it explains why believers should be subject to governing authorities (from v.1).

• Rulers (archontōn - ἄρχοντων): From archōn (ἄρχων), meaning "ruler," "prince," "magistrate," or "one in authority." Refers to those who hold positions of power and governance in civil society. It is in the genitive plural, indicating the object of the ruler's attention or fear.

• Hold no terror (phantasia - φαντασία): In the passive sense here, implying not to be an object of fear or dread. The authorities are not designed to inspire fear in those who do good.

• For (ei tis - εἰ τίς): A conditional particle meaning "if anyone" or "whoever."

• Good (agathō ergō - ἀγαθῷ ἔργῳ): Literally "good deed" or "good work." Refers to conduct that is morally right and pleasing to God and the community. The dative case indicates the sphere of action related to the rulers.

• But (alla - ἀλλά): A strong adversative conjunction, introducing a contrast.

• Evil (kako - κακῷ): Refers to bad deeds or wicked actions, morally wrong behavior that disrupts order and harms others. It's in the dative case, signifying what the terror is directed towards.

• word-group analysis: The phrase "For rulers hold no terror for those who do good, but for those who do evil" establishes a clear principle: legitimate government authority functions as a deterrent against evil and a protector of good. The governmental "sword" (mentioned in v.4) is not meant to be wielded against the innocent but against those who practice wickedness.

Romans 13 3 Bonus Section

The concept of a ruler not being a "terror to good works" aligns with the Old Testament expectation of just kingship, such as described in Psalm 101, where David pledged to rule with integrity and justice. Jesus himself, when questioned by Pilate, affirmed that Pilate's authority came from above (John 19:11), indicating a divine framework for even temporal power. However, the line of obedience is drawn when governmental mandates require actions that directly violate God's law, as seen in Daniel's refusal to cease prayer (Daniel 6:10) or the apostles' declaration, "We must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). This verse, therefore, sets a general principle of submission while implicitly leaving room for the higher authority of God in matters of conscience.

Romans 13 3 Commentary

This verse clearly articulates the intended purpose of civil government as a force for justice and order. Rulers who govern justly will commend good behavior and punish wrongdoing. Christians, therefore, should not fear authorities if they are conducting themselves in accordance with God's standards. When government functions as intended—to punish the wrongdoer—it reflects God's own order and justice. Submission to such authority is therefore submission to God's ordained system, as long as its commands do not directly contradict higher divine law. When rulers uphold righteousness, their authority is a blessing, not a burden, to the righteous. Conversely, disobedience to such authorities would rightly incur their displeasure and penalty, as that would indicate a departure from good conduct.

• Practical Usage Example: A citizen who pays taxes honestly, obeys traffic laws, and refrains from criminal activity has no reason to fear lawful apprehension by police or government officials. Their good conduct exempts them from the negative consequences authorities are meant to impose.