Romans 13 6

Romans 13:6 kjv

For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

Romans 13:6 nkjv

For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God's ministers attending continually to this very thing.

Romans 13:6 niv

This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing.

Romans 13:6 esv

For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing.

Romans 13:6 nlt

Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do.

Romans 13 verses

Romans 13 6 Meaning

This verse speaks to the conscientious performance of one's duties as a citizen, viewing this civic responsibility as an act of service to God. It implies that rulers and authorities are appointed by God for the well-being of society, and therefore, fulfilling civic obligations like paying taxes is a God-honoring action.

Romans 13 6 Context

This verse is part of Romans chapter 13, which discusses the Christian’s relationship with governing authorities. Paul, in this section, instructs believers on their civic duties. He begins by stating that all governing authorities are established by God and that resisting them is resisting God’s ordinance. This foundational principle leads to the specific instruction in verse 6. The immediate context is about fulfilling the practical responsibilities of citizenship, such as paying taxes. The broader context of Romans is Paul’s explanation of the gospel and its implications for Christian living, including how believers should interact with the world and its institutions. Historically, Christians were a minority group living within the Roman Empire, and this teaching provided guidance on how to live faithfully amidst the ruling structures.

Romans 13 6 Word Analysis

• "For" (Gk. gar): Indicates a reason or explanation for the preceding statement (that governing authorities are God's servants). It links the general principle of submission to the specific actions required.
• "this reason" (Gk. dia touto): Literally "through this," "because of this," or "for this cause." It directly connects the previous statements about divine appointment of authorities to the present instruction.
• "also" (Gk. kai): Connects this particular duty (paying taxes) with the general duty of submission discussed previously, implying it is a necessary component of it.
• "you" (Gk. humas): Plural pronoun, referring to the Roman believers.
• "pay" (Gk. apotelein): Means "to pay off," "to render," or "to pay in full." It signifies a complete and dutiful discharge of an obligation.
• "taxes" (Gk. tele): Refers to "dues," "tributes," or "taxes" generally. It encompasses the financial contributions required by the governing power.
• "to whom" (Gk. hois): Dative plural, referring back to the governing authorities.
• "tax" (Gk. telos): Used here in the sense of "toll" or "customs." This can refer to specific types of taxes levied. It emphasizes the specific nature of the financial obligation.
• "tribute" (Gk. phorous): Refers to direct "taxes" or "tributes" imposed on individuals or regions, often levied by a conquering power.
• "fear" (Gk. phobos): Implies reverence, awe, or respect. Here, it indicates rendering dues with a sense of due deference to the authority.
• "due" (Gk. tēnoutas): In the phrase "tribute the tribute due," this means "what is owed," "that which is customary" or "rightly belonging."

Words Group Analysis:

• "pay taxes, tribute, and fear": This triad describes the tangible and attitudinal aspects of civic duty. It's not just about the money; it's about the spirit with which it's rendered – one of respect for the established order.

Romans 13 6 Bonus Section

The concept of taxation as a God-ordained duty can be traced back to the Old Testament, where Kings and rulers were seen as instruments of God’s will. For instance, under the Mosaic Law, tithes and offerings were directed towards the support of the Levites and the functioning of worship, reflecting a form of “tax” for a sacred purpose. Jesus himself affirmed the principle of paying taxes with the famous phrase, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s" (Matthew 22:21). This demonstrates that the principle is consistent between the Old and New Testaments. The Roman Empire relied heavily on various forms of taxation, which could be a burden on the populace. Paul’s instruction to the Romans underscores that even amidst potential grievances with taxation or rulers, Christians should comply as an act of faith and submission to God’s providential ordering of society.

Romans 13 6 Commentary

Paul instructs believers to pay their taxes and tributes not grudgingly but with a proper regard for the governmental authorities. These officials, even if not godly themselves, are God's appointed servants, carrying out a divine mandate to maintain order and justice. Therefore, fulfilling these financial obligations is an act of obedience to God's will. This practice demonstrates that Christianity does not encourage anarchy or evasion of civic duties. Instead, it integrates faith into every aspect of life, including one's role as a citizen. Paying taxes is seen as an acknowledgement of the governing body’s God-given authority and their role in society. However, this obedience has a limit; when government commands contradict God’s commands, Christians must obey God first (Acts 5:29).

• Christians are to be good citizens and fulfill their financial obligations to the state.
• This payment should be done with a spirit of respect for God’s appointment of rulers.
• The rendering of taxes acknowledges the authority God has vested in the governing system.