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What Does the Bible Say About Obeying Authority?

Here are 6 Bible verses about obeying authority, ordered by how relevant readers found them, with the King James Version and the modern Berean Standard Bible side by side.

  1. #1Romans 13:1

    Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

    BSBEveryone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God.

  2. #2Hebrews 13:17

    Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

    BSBObey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.

  3. #3Titus 3:1

    Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

    BSBRemind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work,

  4. #4Romans 13:1-14

    Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 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. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. …

    BSBEveryone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. 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. Therefore it is necessary to submit to authority, not only to avoid punishment, but also as a matter of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes. For the authorities are God’s servants, who devote themselves to their work. …

  5. #5Acts 5:29

    Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

    BSBBut Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.

  6. #6Romans 13:2

    Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

    BSBConsequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

Verse rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY). Scripture: KJV & BSB (public domain).

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