Romans 13:1-5

Submission to Civil Government

13:1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except by God’s appointment, ¹  and the authorities that exist have been instituted by God. 13:2 So the person who resists such authority ²  resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will incur judgment 13:3 (for rulers cause no fear for good conduct but for bad). Do you desire not to fear authority? Do good and you will receive its commendation, 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. 13:5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath of the authorities ³  but also because of your conscience. ⁴ 

[13:1]  ¹ tn Grk “by God.”

[13:2]  ² tn Grk “the authority,” referring to the authority just described.

[13:5]  ³ tn Grk “its wrath”; the referent (the governing authorities) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

[13:5]  ⁴ tn Grk “because of (the) conscience,” but the English possessive “your” helps to show whose conscience the context implies.