Romans 13:7 kjv
Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
Romans 13:7 nkjv
Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.
Romans 13:7 niv
Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Romans 13:7 esv
Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.
Romans 13:7 nlt
Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.
Romans 13 7 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Romans 13:7 | Render to all what is due to them: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due. | Rom. 13:1-7 (Overall duty) |
| Matthew 22:21 | "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." | Mt. 22:15-22 (Tribute question) |
| 1 Peter 2:13-17 | Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution... Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. | 1 Pt. 2:13-17 (Submission to authority) |
| Mark 12:17 | "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." | Mk. 12:13-17 (Tribute question) |
| Luke 20:25 | "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." | Lk. 20:20-26 (Tribute question) |
| Titus 3:1 | Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work. | Ti. 3:1 (Obedience to rulers) |
| Acts 5:29 | "We must obey God rather than men." | Ac. 5:27-32 (Obedience to God first) |
| Philippians 2:3 | Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. | Phl. 2:3-4 (Humility and considering others) |
| Romans 12:1 | I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. | Rom. 12:1-2 (Living sacrifice) |
| Romans 12:10 | Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. | Rom. 12:9-10 (Brotherly love and honor) |
| 1 Timothy 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, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. | 1 Ti. 2:1-2 (Praying for rulers) |
| Exodus 22:28 | "You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people." | Ex. 22:28 (Not cursing rulers) |
| Deuteronomy 10:17 | "For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and takes no bribe." | Dt. 10:17 (God's impartiality) |
| Proverbs 8:15 | By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just. | Pr. 8:15 (Origin of authority) |
| 1 Samuel 26:9 | "Who can stretch out his hand against the Lord's anointed and be guiltless?" | 1 Sm. 26:9 (Respect for anointed) |
| John 19:11 | Jesus answered him, "You would have no authority over me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me to you has the greater sin." | Jn. 19:11 (Authority from God) |
| 1 Corinthians 10:31 | So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. | 1 Cor. 10:31 (Doing all for God's glory) |
| Colossians 3:17 | And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. | Col. 3:17 (Doing all in Jesus' name) |
| Romans 13:1 | Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. | Rom. 13:1 (Source of authority) |
| Romans 13:2 | Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. | Rom. 13:2 (Consequences of resistance) |
Romans 13 verses
Romans 13 7 Meaning
Render to all what is due to them: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.
Romans 13 7 Context
Romans chapter 13, starting from verse 1, addresses the Christian's relationship with governing authorities. Paul, writing to the church in Rome, instructs believers on how to live as God-fearing citizens in a secular society. This particular verse (7) serves as a culmination of the instruction on civil responsibilities, emphasizing the various forms of duty owed to those in authority. The historical context involves Christians living within the Roman Empire, a powerful and often oppressive state. Paul's counsel is practical, guiding them on how to fulfill their civic duties while remaining faithful to Christ. The teaching is not absolute obedience but submission within the framework of God's ultimate authority, as seen in Acts 5:29.
Romans 13 7 Word Analysis
Render (ἀποδίδωμι - apodidōmi): This Greek word means to give back, restore, deliver, or pay. It implies a fulfilling of what is owed or due.
to all (πᾶσιν - pasin): To everyone. This is a comprehensive term, including all people, specifically highlighting all responsibilities to all legitimate authorities.
what is due (τὰ ὀφειλόμενα - ta opheilomena): That which is owed. This refers to rightful debts or obligations. It emphasizes a debt or liability that must be settled.
to whom (οἷς - hois): To whom.
taxes (φόρους - phorous): This refers to tribute, taxes, or customs levied by a government. It's a direct acknowledgment of the financial obligation to the state.
revenue (τέλος - telos): This word can mean a toll, duty, custom, or tax. It can also refer to the ultimate end or goal. In this context, it emphasizes payment for services rendered by the state, such as infrastructure or protection.
respect (τὸν φόβον - ton phobon): Literally "the fear." However, in this context, it signifies awe, reverence, or respect. It denotes a deferential attitude towards those in authority due to their position, not necessarily a cowering fear.
to whom respect (ᾧ τὸν φόβον - hōi ton phobon): To whom reverence.
honor (τὴν τιμήν - tēn timēn): Honor, value, respect, or esteem. This signifies a higher degree of respect, a valuing of their office and person.
to whom honor (ᾧ τὴν τιμήν - hōi tēn timēn): To whom honor.
Word-group analysis:
- "Render to all what is due to them": This is a command that sets the principle for all subsequent specifics. It’s a broad principle of justice and meeting obligations.
- "Taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due": These two clauses specifically address financial obligations to the government. "Taxes" (phorous) likely refers to direct taxes or tribute, while "revenue" (telos) might encompass tolls or customs. They are presented as legitimate dues owed to the governing body for its functions.
- "Respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due": These clauses address personal and attitude-based obligations. "Respect" (phobos) speaks to a proper deference, while "honor" (timē) calls for a deeper recognition and esteem for the office and authority vested in leaders.
Romans 13 7 Bonus Section
The tripartite division of these obligations—taxes, revenue, respect, and honor—provides a comprehensive view of civic duty. Taxes and revenue cover the financial aspect, reflecting a government's need for resources to function. Respect and honor address the behavioral and attitudinal aspects, demonstrating a Christian's proper conduct within society. This verse underscores the importance of a healthy separation of duties, not of church and state, but of what is owed to Caesar and what is owed to God, as Jesus taught. Paying taxes and respecting authorities are acts of obedience to God, as they contribute to the peace and order God desires for society. The concepts of "fear" (phobon) and "honor" (timēn) highlight the attitude expected towards governing powers, implying a recognition of their legitimate authority without necessarily adulation. This is about righteous conduct that reflects God's order in the world.
Romans 13 7 Commentary
This verse is a vital part of understanding Christian citizenship. It's not just about avoiding illegal actions but proactively fulfilling societal duties. The command to "render to all what is due" is a direct application of living justly. It acknowledges the God-ordained role of governing authorities (as established in the preceding verses). Christians are to pay taxes, not begrudgingly, but as a due payment to support the functions of the state that provide order and security. Similarly, the directives for respect and honor are crucial. This means treating civil leaders with the deference appropriate to their office, acknowledging the authority God has permitted them to exercise. This honor is for their role, regardless of personal character. However, this is not an endorsement of unconditional submission; loyalty to God always takes precedence, as articulated elsewhere in Scripture (Acts 5:29). The essence is to fulfill our obligations to earthly powers within the bounds of our higher allegiance to God.