New Testament

Romans 13:4

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Romans 13:4, the Apostle Paul explains the role of governing authorities as servants of God.

Author: Paul the apostle
Written: Around AD 57
Genre: Letter (epistle)
Original Audience: Christians in Rome

CBTClear Bible Translation

For he is God's servant for your good. But if you do evil, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who does evil.

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Romans 13:4, the Apostle Paul explains the role of governing authorities as servants of God. They are meant to promote good and punish wrongdoing. The verse emphasizes that rulers have the responsibility to maintain order and justice, acting as agents of God's wrath against those who commit evil acts. The mention of the sword symbolizes their authority to enforce laws and administer justice. Therefore, those who do good should not fear the authorities, but those who engage in evil should be cautious, as they will face consequences for their actions. This passage highlights the importance of respecting and obeying the law, as it is established by God for the benefit of society.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Romans 13:4 to your life

Understanding this verse encourages us to respect and obey the laws of our society, recognizing that they are instituted for our good. It also reminds us to act justly and avoid wrongdoing, as there are consequences for our actions. Living righteously aligns us with God's purpose.

Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Romans 13:4 mean?

Romans 13:4 explains that governing authorities are established by God to promote good and punish evil. It highlights their role as enforcers of justice, indicating that they wield authority to maintain order in society.

What is the significance of the sword in Romans 13:4?

The sword in Romans 13:4 symbolizes the authority and power of governing authorities to enforce laws and administer justice. It signifies that they have the responsibility to act against wrongdoing and uphold societal order.

How should we respond to authorities according to Romans 13:4?

According to Romans 13:4, we should respect and obey authorities as they are instituted by God for our good. Those who do good have no reason to fear them, while those who do evil should be aware of the consequences.

What are the consequences of doing evil according to Romans 13:4?

Romans 13:4 warns that those who do evil should be afraid because authorities are empowered to punish wrongdoing. This verse emphasizes that there are real consequences for actions that go against the law.

Book Summary

The Book of Romans

Romans 1: Paul's Greeting and the Wrath of God Against Ungodliness

Paul introduces himself as a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle and separated to preach the gospel of God. He says this gospel concerns God's Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who is made of the seed of David according to the flesh and declared to be the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead. Paul explains that through Christ he receives grace and apostleship to bring about obedience of faith among all nations. He addresses the believers in Rome as those loved by God and called to be saints, and he gives thanks for their faith, which is spoken of throughout the whole world. He tells them he prays continually to visit them and longs to see them so he may share a spiritual gift and be comforted together with them by mutual faith.

Paul says he is ready to preach the gospel in Rome and declares he is not ashamed of it, because it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. He states that the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel from faith to faith. He then describes the wrath of God revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth. He says people know God through creation, yet they do not glorify him as God. Their thinking becomes empty, and their foolish heart is darkened. They exchange the glory of the incorruptible God for images of corruptible creatures. God gives them over to uncleanness, dishonorable passions, and a reprobate mind. They fill themselves with all manner of unrighteousness and continue in these things while approving others who do the same. Romans 2: God's Righteous Judgment Paul addresses a person who judges others and says that anyone who judges commits the same kinds of sins. He warns that God's judgment is according to truth and that those who continue in evil will not escape. He explains that God will render to every man according to his deeds: eternal life to those who continue in well-doing, and indignation and wrath to those who obey unrighteousness. He says there is no respect of persons with God. Gentiles who sin without the law perish without the law, and Jews who sin under the law are judged by the law.

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