American Standard Version
Romans 13:5
5Wherefore ye must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience’ sake.
Romans 13:5 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
- New International Version (NIV)Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
- English Standard Version (ESV)Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience.
- New King James Version (NKJV)Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.
Context of Romans 13:5
3For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. And wouldest thou have no fear of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise from the same: 4for he is a minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. 6For for this cause ye pay tribute also; for they are ministers of God’s service, attending continually upon this very thing. 7Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.
Read all of Romans 13Romans 13:5 word by word
διὸ ἀνάγκη ὑποτάσσεσθαι, οὐ μόνον διὰ τὴν ὀργὴν ἀλλὰ καὶ διὰ τὴν συνείδησιν.Read the interlinear
Cross-references for Romans 13:5
- 1 Samuel 24:5And it came to pass afterward, that David’s heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul’s skirt.
- Ecclesiastes 8:2I counsel thee, Keep the king’s command, and that in regard of the oath of God.
- 1 Peter 2:13Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether to the king, as supreme;
- Acts 24:16Herein I also exercise myself to have a conscience void of offence toward God and men always.
- Hebrews 13:18Pray for us: for we are persuaded that we have a good conscience, desiring to live honorably in all things.
- 1 Peter 2:19For this is acceptable, if for conscience toward God a man endureth griefs, suffering wrongfully.
- 1 Peter 3:16having a good conscience; that, wherein ye are spoken against, they may be put to shame who revile your good manner of life in Christ.
Commentaries on Romans 13:5
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 5Ye must needs be subject - , There is a necessity that ye should be subject, not only for wrath, , on account of the punishment which will be inflicted on evil doers, but also for conscience' sake; not only to avoid punishment, but also to preserve a clear conscience. For, as civil government is established in the order of God for the support, defense, and happiness of society, they who transgress its laws, not only expose themselves to the penalties…Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 5Wherefore - ́ dioThe “reasons” why we should be subject, which the apostle had given, were two, (1)That government was appointed by God. (2)that violation of the laws would necessarily expose to punishment. Ye must needs be - It is “necessary” ̓́ anagkēto be. This is a word stronger than what implies mere “fitness” or propriety. It means that it is a matter of high obligation and of “necessity” to be subject to the civil ruler. Not only for wrath - Not…Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 5These two reasons for submission summarize 13:1–4. in reverse order. The reason to avoid punishment connects to 13:3–4. The matter of conscience connects to 13:1–2. The word conscience (Greek suneidēsis) refers here to the painful awareness of doing wrong. Christians know that they have a duty to submit to governing authorities. If they fail to do so, they would experience the pain of a guilty conscience.Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 55. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath--for fear of the magistrate's vengeance. but also for conscience' sake--from reverence for God's authority. It is of Magistracy in general, considered as a divine ordinance, that this is spoken: and the statement applies equally to all forms of government, from an unchecked despotism--such as flourished when this was written, under the Emperor Nero--to a pure democracy. The inalienable right of all…Read the comment
Topics related to Romans 13:5
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Romans 13
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Calvin’s Commentaries
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Illustrated New Testament
- Burkitt’s Expository Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Family Bible Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Luther’s Commentary on Selected Bible Passages
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- The People’s New Testament
- Robertson’s Word Pictures
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
American Standard Version — 1901 — Public Domain
Commentaries