Devine Scripture

Romans 13:3

What does Romans 13:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 13:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 13:3 means

Paul describes the ordinary role of government: it is not meant to threaten those who do good, but those who do evil. Practically, if you live uprightly, you should not fear the state; in general you may receive approval, not harm. He points to the basic social good of authority—promoting what is beneficial and restraining what is destructive. This is an ideal pattern, not a promise that rulers never err. Still, believers are encouraged to live openly virtuous lives. Doing good aligns with both God’s will and the civil order’s stated purpose, reducing fear and often drawing due recognition for integrity.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For 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:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For 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:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For rulers are not a cause of fear to the good work but to the evil. If you would have no fear of the authority, do good and you will have praise;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

For those ruling are not a terror to the good works, but to the evil; and dost thou wish not to be afraid of the authority? that which is good be doing, and thou shalt have praise from it,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For princes are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good: and thou shalt have praise from the same.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For rulers are not a terror to a good work, but to an evil [one]. Dost thou desire then not to be afraid of the authority? practise [what is] good, and thou shalt have praise from it;

Context

After the stern warning of verse 2, verse 3 begins to explain why submission makes sense. Paul articulates the divine intention behind civil authority: to oppose evil and support good. This prepares for the stronger statement in verse 4 that rulers are “ministers of God” and possess real power to punish. By clarifying the purpose of government, Paul grounds the call to obedience in moral order, not mere pragmatism or intimidation. The sequence helps the reader understand the positive vision for authority before hearing about the sword and wrath in the next verse.

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

v.3This passage

v.4for he is a 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 a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him that doeth evil.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Peter 2:13

    Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether to the king, as supreme;

  • Proverbs 14:35

    The king’s favor is toward a servant that dealeth wisely; But his wrath will beagainsthim that causeth shame.

  • Deuteronomy 25:1

    If there be a controversy between men, and they come unto judgment, and the judges judge them; then they shall justify the righteous, and condemn the wicked.

  • 1 Peter 3:13

    And who is he that will harm you, if ye be zealous of that which is good?

  • Romans 13:4

    for he is a 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 a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him that doeth evil.

  • Jeremiah 22:15

    Shalt thou reign, because thou strivest to excel in cedar? Did not thy father eat and drink, and do justice and righteousness? then it was well with him.

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