Romans 13:2
What does Romans 13:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Romans 13:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Romans 13:2 means
If governing authority is part of God’s order, then to resist it, as a general rule, is to resist what God has instituted. Paul warns that such resistance brings judgment. He likely has both outcomes in view: legal penalties from the state and the moral reality of opposing God’s arrangement. This is not an endorsement of every act by every ruler, but a sober caution against a rebellious spirit. Christians should be known for good citizenship, not needless defiance. The verse solemnly ties our civic posture to our spiritual integrity, reminding us that God cares how we respond to authority He has allowed to stand.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Therefore he that resisteth the power, withstandeth the ordinance of God: and they that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Therefore he that resisteth the power, withstandeth the ordinance of God: and they that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For which reason everyone who puts himself against the authority puts himself against the order of God: and those who are against it will get punishment for themselves.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862so that he who is setting himself against the authority, against God's ordinance hath resisted; and those resisting, to themselves shall receive judgment.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Therefore, he that resisteth the power resisteth the ordinance of God. And they that resist purchase to themselves damnation.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890So that he that sets himself in opposition to the authority resists the ordinance ofGod; and they who [thus] resist shall bring sentence of guilt on themselves.
Context
Following the foundational principle in verse 1, verse 2 gives a warning that matches the principle: resisting authority is not a small matter. It prepares the way for Paul to clarify the God-given function of rulers in the next verses. Verses 3–4 will explain why rulers exist—to commend good and punish evil—so that the call to submission is not blind but tied to God’s design for justice. The flow moves from principle (v.1), to consequence (v.2), to rationale (vv.3–4).
v.1Let 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.
v.2This passage
v.3For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. And wouldest thou have no fear of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise from the same:
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 20:47
who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater condemnation.
- Matthew 23:13
But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye shut the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye enter not in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering in to enter.
- 1 Peter 2:13
Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether to the king, as supreme;
- Romans 13:5
Wherefore ye must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience’ sake.
- 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,
- Jeremiah 23:8
but, As Jehovah liveth, who brought up and who led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all the countries whither I had driven them. And they shall dwell in their own land.
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