Devine Scripture

Romans 13:1

What does Romans 13:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 13:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 13:1 means

Paul begins with a clear call: every person should submit to the governing authorities. He roots this not in fear or convenience, but in God’s providence. Whatever earthly authorities exist, they exist under God’s sovereign ordering. This does not mean every ruler is righteous, but that government itself is part of God’s common grace to restrain chaos and promote order. Submission recognizes God’s hand over history. By honoring lawful authority, believers confess that God rules above all human power. The verse presses humility, patience, and trust: Christians live under God first, and under rulers as an expression of His governance in the world.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Let everyone put himself under the authority of the higher powers, because there is no power which is not of God, and all powers are ordered by God.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Let every soul to the higher authorities be subject, for there is no authority except from God, and the authorities existing are appointed by God,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Let every soul be subject to higher powers. For there is no power but from God: and those that are ordained of God.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Let every soul be subject to the authorities that are above [him]. For there is no authority except fromGod; and those that exist are set up byGod.

Context

After urging transformed living in Romans 12, Paul applies devotion to God to public life. Verse 1 lays the foundation for how Christians relate to civil authorities. It introduces the main theme of verses 1–7: God’s sovereignty over government and the believer’s proper submission. This sets the frame before Paul explains the consequences of resistance (verse 2), the intended purpose of rulers (verses 3–4), and practical obligations like taxes and honor (verses 6–7). It is the principle statement that shapes all that follows in this section.

v.1This passage

v.2Therefore he that resisteth the power, withstandeth the ordinance of God: and they that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Samuel 2:8

    He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, He lifteth up the needy from the dunghill, To make them sit with princes, And inherit the throne of glory: For the pillars of the earth are Jehovah’s, And he hath set the world upon them.

  • Revelation 19:16

    And he hath on his garment and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

  • Revelation 1:5

    and from Jesus Christ, who isthe faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loveth us, and loosed us from our sins by his blood;

  • John 19:11

    Jesus answered him, Thou wouldest have no power against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath greater sin.

  • Psalms 62:11

    God hath spoken once, Twice have I heard this, That power belongeth unto 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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