Romans 13 · Verse 5

Romans 13:5

Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
Romans 13:5, King James Version

Romans 13:5 in other translations

BSBTherefore it is necessary to submit to authority, not only to avoid punishment, but also as a matter of conscience.
WEBTherefore you need to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience’ sake.
ASVWherefore ye must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience’ sake.
YLTWherefore it is necessary to be subject, not only because of the wrath, but also because of the conscience,
DARBYWherefore it is necessary to be subject, not only on account of wrath, but also on account of conscience.
BBESo put yourselves under the authority, not for fear of wrath, but because you have the knowledge of what is right.
WebsterWherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

What does Romans 13:5 mean?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
5. 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 subjects to endeavor to alter or improve the form of government under which they live is left untouched here. But since Christians were constantly charged with turning the world upside down, and since there certainly were elements enough in Christianity of moral and social revolution to give plausibility to the charge, and tempt noble spirits, crushed under misgovernment, to take redress into their own hands, it was of special importance that the pacific, submissive, loyal spirit of those Christians who resided at the great seat of political power, should furnish a visible refutation of this charge.

Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown, 1871 · public domain

Barnes' Notes
Verse 5. Wherefore, (διο). The 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 (αναγκη) to be. This is a word stronger than that which 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 only on account of the fear of punishment; or the fact that wrath will be executed on evil doers.

For conscience' sake. As a matter of conscience, or of duty to God, because he has appointed it, and made it necessary and proper. A good citizen yields obedience because it is the will of God; and a Christian makes it a part of his religion to maintain and obey the just laws of the land. See Mt 22:21. Comp. Eccl 8:2, "I counsel them to keep the king's commandments, and that in regard of the oath of God."

(y) "ye must needs be subject" Ex 8:2

Albert Barnes, 1834 · public domain

Adam Clarke's Commentary
Verse 5 Ye must needs be subject - Αναγκη, There is a necessity that ye should be subject, not only for wrath, δια την οργην, 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 assigned by the statutes, but also to guilt in their own consciences, because they sin against God. Here are two powerful motives to prevent the infraction of the laws and to enforce obedience. 1. The dread of punishment; this weighs with the ungodly. 2. The keeping of a good conscience, which weighs powerfully with every person who fears God. These two motives should be frequently urged both among professors and profane.

Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on Romans 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 persons in authority over us themselves may be, yet the just power they have, must be submitted to and obeyed. In the general course of human affairs, rulers are not a terror to honest, quiet, and good subjects, but to evil-doers. Such is the power of sin and corruption…

Read the full comment on Romans 13:1-7 →

Romans 13:5 in the original Greek

Word-by-word with transliteration, English gloss and Strong's number. Tap a number for the full definition and every place the word is used.

διὸdioThereforeG1352
ἀνάγκηanagkēnecessary [it is]G318
ὑποτάσσεσθαι,hupotassesthaito be subject,G5293
οὐounotG3756
μόνονmonononlyG3441
διὰdiaon account ofG1223
τὴνtēntheG3588
ὀργὴνorgēnwrathG3709
ἀλλὰallabutG235
καὶkaialsoG2532
διὰdiaon account ofG1223
τὴνtēntheG3588
συνείδησιν.suneidēsinconscience.G4893

Source: STEPBible TAHOT/TAGNT (Tyndale House, CC BY 4.0).

Cross references for Romans 13:5

  • 1 Peter 2:19

    For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.

  • Ecclesiastes 8:2

    I counsel thee to keep the king’s commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God.

  • Acts 24:16

    And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.

  • 1 Peter 2:13-15

    Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

  • Titus 3:1-2

    Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

  • 1 Samuel 24:5-6

    And it came to pass afterward, that David’s heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul’s skirt. And he said unto his men, The Lord forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the Lord’s anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord.

  • 1 Peter 3:16

    Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

  • Hebrews 13:18

    Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.

Ranked by reader votes · OpenBible.info cross references (CC BY).

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
ye.
1Sa 24:5,6; Ec 8:2; Tit 3:1,2; 1Pe 2:13-15
conscience.
Ac 24:16; Heb 13:18; 1Pe 2:19; 3:16

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (Samuel Bagster, c. 1836) · public domain

Context

  • Romans 13:4

    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.

  • Romans 13:5

    Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

  • Romans 13:6

    For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

Read all of Romans 13

Romans 13:5 in other languages

Spanish
Reina-Valera 1909		Por lo cual es necesario que le estéis sujetos, no solamente por la ira, mas aun por la conciencia.
French
Bible J.N. Darby 1885		C’est pourquoi il est nécessaire d’être soumis, non seulement à cause de la colère, mais aussi à cause de la conscience.
German
Elberfelder 1871		Darum ist es notwendig, untertan zu sein, nicht allein der Strafe wegen, sondern auch des Gewissens wegen.
Latin
Clementine Vulgate		Ideo necessitate subditi estote non solum propter iram, sed etiam propter conscientiam.