Romans 13:5 kjv
Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
Romans 13:5 nkjv
Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake.
Romans 13:5 niv
Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
Romans 13:5 esv
Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience.
Romans 13:5 nlt
So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.
Romans 13 5 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Romans 13:1 | Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities... | Authority of Government |
| Romans 13:2 | Whoever rebels against the existing authority is rebelling against what God has ordained... | God Ordains Authority |
| Romans 13:3 | Rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. | God's Ordained Purpose |
| Romans 13:4 | For the ruler is God’s servant to bring you good. | Servant of God |
| Romans 13:6 | For this reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God... | Ministers of God |
| 1 Peter 2:13 | Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority... | Submission for Lord |
| Titus 3:1 | Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient... | Obedience to Rulers |
| 1 Timothy 2:2 | ...for kings and for all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives... | Pray for Leaders |
| Matthew 22:21 | ...“Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” | Render to Caesar |
| Acts 5:29 | Peter replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! | Obey God over Man |
| John 19:11 | Jesus replied: “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.” | Authority from Above |
| Proverbs 8:15 | By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just. | Kings Reign by God |
| Jeremiah 29:7 | Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile... | Seek Peace of Exile |
| Psalm 2:10-11 | Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear... | Serve the Lord |
| Isaiah 45:1-2 | This is what the Lord says to his anointed, to Cyrus, whom he grasped right hand... | God Anoints Leaders |
| Daniel 2:21 | He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. | God Deposes Kings |
| 1 Corinthians 14:33 | For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the churches of God’s people. | God of Order |
| Colossians 3:17 | And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus... | Do All in Jesus' Name |
| Hebrews 13:17 | Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you... | Submit to Leaders |
| 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 | ...and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business... | Lead Quiet Life |
| Mark 12:17 | ...“Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” | Give to Caesar |
Romans 13 verses
Romans 13 5 Meaning
Believers are commanded to submit to governing authorities not only to avoid punishment but also for the sake of conscience. Obedience to earthly rulers is intrinsically linked to obedience to God.
Romans 13 5 Context
Chapter 13 of Romans discusses the believer's relationship with governing authorities. Paul establishes that governments are instituted by God to maintain order and punish wrongdoing. Therefore, Christians are instructed to be obedient to these authorities, paying taxes and showing respect. This obedience is not merely to avoid wrath, but out of a clear conscience informed by God's will for societal order.
Romans 13 5 Word Analysis
- Perimelō (περιμελῶ): Means "to be diligent about," "to be anxious about," "to take pains about."
- Significance: Implies a deliberate and mindful approach to paying dues, rather than a grudging compliance.
- Tas opsōnias (τὰς ὀψωνίας): Means "dues," "wages," "payment."
- Significance: Refers to the rightful payments and compensations owed. In the context of Romans, it encompasses taxes and fees required by the governing authorities.
- tō orthous (τὸ ὀφειλόμενον): Means "that which is owed," "that which is due."
- Significance: This is a broader term than "opsōnias," encompassing all obligations owed to those in authority.
- Apōdosat to to feilosomenon: "render therefore to all their dues" - a command to give what is owed.
- This phrase reinforces the preceding commands regarding payment of taxes and recognition of authority.
- hōseilētai (οφειλεται): This is the future passive indicative of the verb "opheilō" (to owe).
- Significance: "That which is owed."
- to o theos (τω οφειλομενον): This is the dative case of the neuter singular noun "to ofeilosomenon" (that which is owed).
- Significance: This grammatical structure emphasizes that the dues are owed universally or in all circumstances to the recipients.
Romans 13 5 Bonus Section
The Greek word translated as "conscience" is syneidēsis (συνείδησις). This term refers to the inner faculty by which we judge our own conduct according to moral principles, a capacity directly linked to our understanding of God's law. Submission to authority is presented as being in accordance with one's "syneidēsis" when it doesn't conflict with direct commands from God. The principle here is that the believer's conscience is awakened and informed by God's word. Therefore, respecting governmental authority, within God's overarching framework, is not a burden but a matter of spiritual integrity. When earthly authorities command actions contrary to God’s law, as the apostles stated in Acts 5:29, Christians have a higher obligation to obey God. However, where no such conflict exists, paying taxes and respecting leaders honors the divine order God has established.
Romans 13 5 Commentary
The Apostle Paul addresses a critical aspect of Christian living: the believer's engagement with secular government. Verse 5 in Romans 13 states, "Wherefore it is also necessary to submit yourselves, not only for wrath’s sake, but also for conscience’ sake." This is not advocating for blind submission. It means understanding that God has established governing authorities as His agents for maintaining order. Therefore, fulfilling our civic duties, like paying taxes, is an act of obedience to God. The motivation for this submission is twofold: escaping civil penalty (wrath) and, more importantly, maintaining a clear conscience before God. A conscience clear from rebellion and disobedience aligns with God’s ordering of society, allowing believers to live out their faith more peacefully and effectively, being light and salt in the world. It implies recognizing God’s hand even in imperfect human institutions and responding with integrity.