Keraia
Romans 13

Romans 13:4

Submission to Authorities · Romans 13:1–7
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Translations

Modern
For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer.
Traditional
For he is the 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 the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
Literal
For he is God’s servant to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is God’s servant, an avenger for wrath to the one practicing evil.
Latin
Dei enim minister est tibi in bonum. Si autem malum feceris, time: non enim sine causa gladium portat. Dei enim minister est: vindex in iram ei qui malum agit.

Interlinear

Greek
English
For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer.

Notes

Romans 13:4

  • Servant: The New Testament often uses this Greek word (diakonos) to describe Christians serving God in different roles. In non-religious Greek, diakonos can also refer to a city official. A government and its leaders serve God by administering justice, whether they realize it or not.

  • he does not carry the sword in vain: Here, the sword might be a metaphor for any punishment. Some interpreters believe it means human governments, under God's authority, have the right to use capital punishment. (Capital punishment is the practice of killing someone as a legal penalty for certain crimes.)

Romans 12:1–15:13

This section of Romans explains the moral and ethical demands of the gospel. God’s gift of salvation in Christ calls for a response from believers.

God not only forgives sin. He also wants to transform how people live.

Much of what Paul teaches here about the moral duties of believers also appears in his other letters. However, Paul also addresses issues that were especially important for the church in Rome. One key issue was the disagreement between people who were weak in faith and people who were strong in faith(14:1–15:13).

Theme notes and profiles

Nero Paul (Saul) Roman Emperors The Lord of Nations

Parallels

1 Peter 2:13–20

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Biblical Concept of Law Book of Ecclesiastes Deacon, Deaconess Letter to the Romans Obedience Punishment Timothy, First Letter to Titus, Letter to

Topics

Aggression Army Avoiding Sin Being a Soldier Christian Conduct: Submitting to Authorities Civil Government Control Coping Courts of Justice: Have Authority from God Defending Yourself Evil Men Fighting Back Getting Rid of Evil God's Vengeance Going to War Governing Government: Duty of Citizens To Gun Control Killing Killing in Self Defense Killing in War King David Magistrates are Ministers of God Magistrates: Purpose of Their Appointment Mistakes Murderers Politicians Punishments: Power of Inflicting, Given to Magistrates Retribution Rulers: Character and Qualifications of Self Defense Standing Up for Yourself Swords Terrorists The Laws of the Land The Sword of Judicial Authority Violence Warriors Wickedness