1 Peter 2:13
What does 1 Peter 2:13 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Peter 2:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Peter 2:13 means
Christians are to submit to every human institution “for the Lord’s sake,” including the king as supreme. Submission is not servile fear but willing orderliness grounded in allegiance to Christ. Because He is Lord, His people respect the structures He permits for human society. Even imperfect authorities are part of a providential framework that restrains chaos. The motive matters: honoring civil order is an act of honoring Christ, who calls His followers to live peaceably and commend the gospel by their conduct, so long as obedience to human law does not require disobedience to God.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether to the king, as supreme;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether to the king, as supreme;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Keep all the laws of men because of the Lord; those of the king, who is over all,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Be subject, then, to every human creation, because of the Lord, whether to a king, as the highest,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Be ye subject therefore to every human creature for God's sake: whether it be to the king as excelling,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Be in subjection [therefore] to every human institution for the Lord's sake; whether to [the] king as supreme,
Context
After general exhortations (vv. 11–12), verse 13 applies honorable conduct to civic life. The call to be subject frames the next verses, which identify specific authorities (v.14), state God’s will for silencing ignorance through good works (v.15), and balance submission with Christian freedom and ultimate servanthood to God (v.16). A compact summary of social duties will follow in verse 17. The sequence builds a coherent ethic for believers under non-Christian rulers.
v.12having your behavior seemly among the Gentiles; that, wherein they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
v.13This passage
v.14or unto governors, as sent by him for vengeance on evil-doers and for praise to them that do well.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ephesians 5:21
subjecting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ.
- Proverbs 17:11
An evil man seeketh only rebellion; Therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
- Mark 12:17
And Jesus said unto them, Render unto Cæsar the things that are Cæsar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s. And they marvelled greatly at him.
- Titus 3:1
Put them in mind to be in subjection to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready unto every good work,
- Romans 13:1
Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the powers that be are ordained of God.
- Jude 1:8
Yet in like manner these also in their dreamings defile the flesh, and set at nought dominion, and rail at dignities.
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