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Text -- Romans 13:4 (NET)

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Context
13:4 for it is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be in fear, for it does not bear the sword in vain. It is God’s servant to administer retribution on the wrongdoer.
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Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics

Dictionary Themes and Topics: Taxes | Rulers | Rome | Romans, Epistle to the | REVENGE; REVENGER | LAW IN THE NEW TESTAMENT | Government | EXECUTE; EXECUTIONER | CHURCH GOVERNMENT | Avenger of Blood | more
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Robertson , Vincent , Wesley , JFB , Clarke , Calvin , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes
, Geneva Bible

Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Barclay , Constable , College , McGarvey

Other
Critics Ask

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Robertson: Rom 13:4 - -- A minister of God ( theou diakonos ). General sense of diakonos . Of course even Nero was God’ s minister "to thee (soi ethical dative) for go...

A minister of God ( theou diakonos ).

General sense of diakonos . Of course even Nero was God’ s minister "to thee (soi ethical dative) for good (eis to agathon , for the good)."That is the ideal, the goal.

Robertson: Rom 13:4 - -- Beareth ( phorei ). Present active indicative of phoreō , old frequentative form of pherō , to bear, to wear.

Beareth ( phorei ).

Present active indicative of phoreō , old frequentative form of pherō , to bear, to wear.

Robertson: Rom 13:4 - -- But if thou do ( ean de poiēis ). Condition of third class, ean and present active subjunctive of poieō , "if thou continue to do."

But if thou do ( ean de poiēis ).

Condition of third class, ean and present active subjunctive of poieō , "if thou continue to do."

Robertson: Rom 13:4 - -- Sword ( machairan ). Symbol of authority as to-day policemen carry clubs or pistols. "The Emperor Trajan presented to a provincial governor on starti...

Sword ( machairan ).

Symbol of authority as to-day policemen carry clubs or pistols. "The Emperor Trajan presented to a provincial governor on starting for his province, a dagger, with the words, ‘ For me. If I deserve it, in me’ "(Vincent).

Robertson: Rom 13:4 - -- An avenger ( ekdikos ). Old adjective from ek and dikē (right), "outside of penalty,"unjust, then in later Greek "exacting penalty from one,"in...

An avenger ( ekdikos ).

Old adjective from ek and dikē (right), "outside of penalty,"unjust, then in later Greek "exacting penalty from one,"in N.T. only here and 1Th 4:6.

Vincent: Rom 13:4 - -- Beareth ( φορεῖ ) Beareth and weareth . A frequentative form of φέρω to bear .

Beareth ( φορεῖ )

Beareth and weareth . A frequentative form of φέρω to bear .

Vincent: Rom 13:4 - -- Sword ( μάχαιραν ) See on Rev 6:4. Borne as the symbol of the magistrate's right to inflict capital punishment. Thus Ulpian: " They who...

Sword ( μάχαιραν )

See on Rev 6:4. Borne as the symbol of the magistrate's right to inflict capital punishment. Thus Ulpian: " They who rule whole provinces have the right of the sword ( jus gladii )." The Emperor Trajan presented to a provincial governor, on starting for his province, a dagger, with the words, " For me . If I deserve it, in me."

Wesley: Rom 13:4 - -- The instrument of capital punishment, which God authorizes him to inflict.

The instrument of capital punishment, which God authorizes him to inflict.

JFB: Rom 13:3-4 - -- "to the good work," as the true reading appears to be but to the evil.

"to the good work," as the true reading appears to be

but to the evil.

JFB: Rom 13:4 - -- That is, the symbol of the magistrate's authority to punish.

That is, the symbol of the magistrate's authority to punish.

Clarke: Rom 13:4 - -- For he is the minister of God to thee for good - Here the apostle puts the character of the ruler in the strongest possible light. He is the ministe...

For he is the minister of God to thee for good - Here the apostle puts the character of the ruler in the strongest possible light. He is the minister of God - the office is by Divine appointment: the man who is worthy of the office will act in conformity to the will of God: and as the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears open to their cry, consequently the ruler will be the minister of God to them for good

Clarke: Rom 13:4 - -- He beareth not the sword in vain - His power is delegated to him for the defense and encouragement of the good, and the punishment of the wicked; an...

He beareth not the sword in vain - His power is delegated to him for the defense and encouragement of the good, and the punishment of the wicked; and he has authority to punish capitally, when the law so requires: this the term sword leads us to infer

Clarke: Rom 13:4 - -- For he is the minister of God, a revenger - Θεοῦ διακονος εστιν εκδικος, For he is God’ s vindictive minister, to ...

For he is the minister of God, a revenger - Θεοῦ διακονος εστιν εκδικος, For he is God’ s vindictive minister, to execute wrath; εις οργην, to inflict punishment upon the transgressors of the law; and this according to the statutes of that law; for God’ s civil ministers are never allowed to pronounce or inflict punishment according to their own minds or feeling, but according to the express declarations of the law.

Calvin: Rom 13:4 - -- 4.For he is God’s minister for good, etc Magistrates may hence learn what their vocation is, for they are not to rule for their own interest, but f...

4.For he is God’s minister for good, etc Magistrates may hence learn what their vocation is, for they are not to rule for their own interest, but for the public good; nor are they endued with unbridled power, but what is restricted to the wellbeing of their subjects; in short, they are responsible to God and to men in the exercise of their power. For as they are deputed by God and do his business, they must give an account to him: and then the ministration which God has committed to them has a regard to the subjects, they are therefore debtors also to them. And private men are reminded, that it is through the divine goodness that they are defended by the sword of princes against injuries done by the wicked.

For they bear not the sword in vain, etc It is another part of the office of magistrates, that they ought forcibly to repress the waywardness of evil men, who do not willingly suffer themselves to be governed by laws, and to inflict such punishment on their offenses as God’s judgment requires; for he expressly declares, that they are armed with the sword, not for an empty show, but that they may smite evil-doers.

And then he says, An avenger, to execute wrath, 404 etc. This is the same as if it had been said, that he is an executioner of God’s wrath; and this he shows himself to be by having the sword, which the Lord has delivered into his hand. This is a remarkable passage for the purpose of proving the right of the sword; for if the Lord, by arming the magistrate, has also committed to him the use of the sword, whenever he visits the guilty with death, by executing God’s vengeance, he obeys his commands. Contend then do they with God who think it unlawful to shed the blood of wicked men.

TSK: Rom 13:4 - -- he is : Rom 13:6; 1Ki 10:9; 2Ch 19:6; Psa 82:2-4; Pro 24:23, Pro 24:24, Pro 31:8, Pro 31:9; Ecc 8:2-5; Isa 1:17; Jer 5:28; Eze 22:27; Mic 3:1-4, Mic 3...

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: Rom 13:4 - -- The minister of God - The "servant"of God he is appointed by God to do his will, and to execute his purposes. "To thee."For your benefit. ...

The minister of God - The "servant"of God he is appointed by God to do his will, and to execute his purposes. "To thee."For your benefit.

For good - That is, to protect you in your rights; to vindicate your name, person, or property; and to guard your liberty, and secure to you the results of your industry. The magistrate is not appointed directly to "reward"people, but they "practically"furnish a reward by protecting and defending them, and securing to them the interests of justice.

If thou do that ... - That is, if any citizen should do evil.

Be afraid - Fear the just vengeance of the laws.

For he beareth not the sword in vain - The "sword"is an instrument of punishment, as well as an emblem of war. Princes were accustomed to wear a sword as an emblem of their authority; and the "sword"was often used for the purpose of "beheading,"or otherwise punishing the guilty. The meaning of the apostle is, that he does not wear this badge of authority as an unmeaningful show, but that it will be used to execute the laws. As this is the design of the power intrusted to him, and as he will "exercise"his authority, people should be influenced "by fear"to keep the law, even if there were no better motive.

A revenger ... - In Rom 12:19, vengeance is said to belong to God. Yet he "executes"his vengeance by means of subordinate agents. It belongs to him to take vengeance by direct judgments, by the plague, famine, sickness, or earthquakes; by the appointment of magistrates; or by letting loose the passions of people to prey upon each other. When a magistrate inflicts punishment on the guilty, it is to be regarded as the act of God taking vengeance "by him;"and on this principle only is it right for a judge to condemn a man to death. It is not because one man has by nature any right over the life of another, or because "society"has any right collectively which it has not as individuals; but because "God"gave life, and because he has chosen to take it away when crime is committed by the appointment of magistrates, and not by coming forth himself visibly to execute the laws. Where "human"laws fail, however, he often takes vengeance into his own hands, and by the plague, or some signal judgments, sweeps the guilty into eternity.

To execute wrath - For an explanation of the word "wrath,"see the notes at Rom 1:18. It denotes here "punishment,"or the just execution of the laws. It may be remarked that this verse is an "incidental"proof of the propriety of "capital punishment."The sword was undoubtedly an instrument for this purpose, and the apostle mentions its use without any remark of "disapprobation."He enjoins subjection to those who "wear the sword,"that is, to those who execute the laws "by that;"and evidently intends to speak of the magistrate "with the sword,"or in inflicting capital punishment, as having received the appointment of God. The tendency of society now is "not"to too sanguinary laws. It is rather to forget that God has doomed the murderer to death; and though humanity should be consulted in the execution of the laws, yet there is no humanity in suffering the murderer to live to infest society, and endanger many lives, in the place of his own, which was forfeited to justice. Far better that one murderer should die, than that he should be suffered to live, to imbrue his hands perhaps in the blood of many who are innocent. But the authority of God has settled this question Gen 9:5-6, and it is neither right nor safe for a community to disregard his solemn decisions; see "Blackstone’ s Commentaries,"vol. iv. p. 8, (9.)

Poole: Rom 13:4 - -- For he is the minister of God to thee for good: q.d. That is the end of his office, and for this reason God hath invested him with his authority. The...

For he is the minister of God to thee for good: q.d. That is the end of his office, and for this reason God hath invested him with his authority. The Scripture applieth the same title to him that preacheth the word, and to him that beareth the sword; both are God’ s ministers, and there is one common end of their ministry, which is the good and welfare of mankind.

But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: this is the reason why he that trangresseth the moral law of God, or the wholesome laws of the country where he lives, should be afraid of the magistrate, because

he beareth not the sword in vain The sword is figuratively put for power and authority: he alludes to the custom of princes, who had certain officers going before them, bearing the ensigns of their authority: q.d. The magistrate hath not his authority for nothing, or for no purpose; but that he may punish the evil, as well as defend the good.

For he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil: here is another reason why evil-doers (as before) should be afraid of the magistrate; or rather, the same reason in other and plainer words; because he is God’ s officer to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil; he is in God’ s room upon earth, and doth the work which primarily belongeth unto him: see Rom 12:19 . By wrath, here, understand punishment: so in Luk 21:23 Rom 2:8 . The word execute is not in the text, but aptly enough supplied by our translators.

Gill: Rom 13:4 - -- For he is the minister of God to thee for good,.... He is a minister of God's appointing and commissioning, that acts under him, and for him, is a kin...

For he is the minister of God to thee for good,.... He is a minister of God's appointing and commissioning, that acts under him, and for him, is a kind of a vicegerent of his, and in some, sense represents him; and which is another reason why men ought to be subject to him; and especially since he is appointed for their "good", natural, moral, civil, and spiritual, as Pareus observes: for natural good, for the protection of men's natural lives, which otherwise would be in continual danger from wicked men; for moral good, for the restraining of vice, and encouragement of virtue; profaneness abounds exceedingly, as the case is, but what would it do if there were no laws to forbid it, or civil magistrates to put them in execution? for civil good, for the preservation of men's properties, estates, rights, and liberties, which would be continually invaded, and made a prey of by others; and for spiritual and religious good, as many princes and magistrates have been; a sensible experience of which we have under the present government of these kingdoms, allowing us a liberty to worship God according to our consciences, none making us afraid, and is a reason why we should yield a cheerful subjection to it:

but if thou do that which is evil, be afraid: of the punishment of such evil threatened by law, and to be inflicted by the civil magistrate;

for he beareth not the sword in vain. The "sword" is an emblem of the power of life and death, the civil magistrate is invested with, and includes all sorts of punishment he has a right to inflict; and this power is not lodged in him in vain; he may and ought to make use of it at proper times, and upon proper persons:

for he is the minister of God; as is said before, he has his mission, commission, power and authority from him; and is

a revenge to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil; he is a defender of the laws, a vindicator of divine justice, an avenger of the wrongs of men; and his business is to inflict proper punishment, which is meant by wrath, upon delinquents.

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

Geneva Bible: Rom 13:4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. ( 6 ) But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is th...

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: Rom 13:1-14 - --1 Subjection, and many other duties, we owe to the magistrates.8 Love is the fulfilling of the law.11 Gluttony and drunkenness, and the works of darkn...

MHCC: Rom 13:1-7 - --The grace of the gospel teaches us submission and quiet, where pride and the carnal mind only see causes for murmuring and discontent. Whatever the pe...

Matthew Henry: Rom 13:1-6 - -- We are here taught how to conduct ourselves towards magistrates, and those that are in authority over us, called here the higher powers, intimatin...

Barclay: Rom 13:1-7 - --At first reading this is an extremely surprising passage, for it seems to counsel absolute obedience on the part of the Christian to the civil power....

Constable: Rom 12:1--15:14 - --VI. THE PRACTICE OF GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS 12:1--15:13 In contrasting chapters 1-11 with chapters 12-16 of Romans, ...

Constable: Rom 13:1-14 - --C. Conduct within the state ch. 13 This chapter broadens the Christian's sphere of responsibility by ext...

Constable: Rom 13:1-7 - --1. Conduct towards the government 13:1-7 Paul passed from a loosely connected series of exhortations in 12:9-21 to a well-organized argument about a s...

College: Rom 13:1-14 - --E. THE RELATION BETWEEN CITIZENS AND GOVERNMENT (13:1-7) In this section we have what appears to be an abrupt change of subject, as Paul turns his at...

McGarvey: Rom 13:4 - --for he is a minister of God to thee for good . [The law-abiding have no fear of the laws, and have just reason to expect the recognition and considera...

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Commentary -- Other

Critics Ask: Rom 13:4 JOHN 8:3-11 (cf. Rom. 13:4 )—Did Jesus repudiate capital punishment in this text? PROBLEM: Passages like Romans 13:4 present a good case for ca...

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Introduction / Outline

Robertson: Romans (Book Introduction) The Epistle to the Romans Spring of a.d. 57 By Way of Introduction Integrity of the Epistle The genuineness of the Epistle is so generally adm...

JFB: Romans (Book Introduction) THE GENUINENESS of the Epistle to the Romans has never been questioned. It has the unbroken testimony of all antiquity, up to CLEMENT OF ROME, the apo...

JFB: Romans (Outline) INTRODUCTION. (Rom. 1:1-17) THE JEW UNDER LIKE CONDEMNATION WITH THE GENTILE. (Rom. 2:1-29) JEWISH OBJECTIONS ANSWERED. (Rom 3:1-8) THAT THE JEW IS S...

TSK: Romans (Book Introduction) The Epistle to the Romans is " a writing," says Dr. Macknight, " which, for sublimity and truth of sentiment, for brevity and strength of expression,...

TSK: Romans 13 (Chapter Introduction) Overview Rom 13:1, Subjection, and many other duties, we owe to the magistrates; Rom 13:8, Love is the fulfilling of the law; Rom 13:11, Gluttony ...

Poole: Romans 13 (Chapter Introduction) CHAPTER 13

MHCC: Romans (Book Introduction) The scope or design of the apostle in writing to the Romans appears to have been, to answer the unbelieving, and to teach the believing Jew; to confir...

MHCC: Romans 13 (Chapter Introduction) (Rom 13:1-7) The duty of subjection to governors. (Rom 13:8-10) Exhortations to mutual love. (Rom 13:11-14) To temperance and sobriety.

Matthew Henry: Romans (Book Introduction) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans If we may compare scripture with scripture, and take the opinion ...

Matthew Henry: Romans 13 (Chapter Introduction) There are three good lessons taught us in this chapter, where the apostle enlarges more upon his precepts than he had done in the foregoing chapter...

Barclay: Romans (Book Introduction) A GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO THE LETTERS OF PAUL The Letters Of Paul There is no more interesting body of documents in the New Testament than the letter...

Barclay: Romans 13 (Chapter Introduction) The Christian And The State (Rom_13:1-7) The Debts Which Must Be Paid And The Debt Which Never Can Be Paid (Rom_13:8-10) The Threat Of Time (Rom_1...

Constable: Romans (Book Introduction) Introduction Historical Background Throughout the history of the church, from postapos...

Constable: Romans (Outline) Outline I. Introduction 1:1-17 A. Salutation 1:1-7 1. The writer 1:1 ...

Constable: Romans Romans Bibliography Alford, Henry. The Greek Testament. 4 vols. New ed. Cambridge: Rivingtons, 1881. ...

Haydock: Romans (Book Introduction) THE EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL, THE APOSTLE, TO THE ROMANS. INTRODUCTION. After the Gospels, which contain the history of Christ, and the Acts of...

Gill: Romans (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO ROMANS Though this epistle is in order placed the first of the epistles, yet it was not first written: there were several epistles ...

Gill: Romans 13 (Chapter Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO ROMANS 13 The principal things contained in this chapter, enjoined the saints, are the duties of subjection to magistrates, love to...

College: Romans (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION I. ROMANS: ITS INFLUENCE AND IMPORTANCE God's Word is a lamp to our feet and a light for our path (Ps 119:105), and no part of it shine...

College: Romans (Outline) VIII. OUTLINE PROLOGUE - 1:1-17 I. EPISTOLARY GREETING - 1:1-7 A. The Author Introduces Himself - 1:1 1. A Slave of Christ Jesus 2. Call...

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