Romans 13:4
What does Romans 13:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Romans 13:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Romans 13:4 means
Government, in its proper function, is God’s servant for your good. This striking phrase dignifies public authority as a channel of God’s common grace. Yet the same servant bears the sword—real authority to punish wrongdoing. Paul calls the ruler an avenger who carries out wrath on the evildoer. The point is double-edged: the state is meant to promote the well-being of law-abiding people and to execute justice against those who harm society. Recognizing this helps Christians respect the state’s role without confusing it with the church’s mission. Both are under God, but they serve different, complementary purposes in His world.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000for 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901for 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For he is the servant of God to you for good. But if you do evil, have fear; for the sword is not in his hand for nothing: he is God's servant, making God's punishment come on the evil-doer.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for of God it is a ministrant to thee for good; and if that which is evil thou mayest do, be fearing, for not in vain doth it bear the sword; for of God it is a ministrant, an avenger for wrath to him who is doing that which is evil.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For he is God's minister to thee, for good. But if thou do that which is evil, fear: for he beareth not the sword in vain. For he is God's minister: an avenger to execute wrath upon him that doth evil.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890for it isGod's minister to thee for good. But if thou practisest evil, fear; for it bears not the sword in vain; for it isGod's minister, an avenger for wrath to him that does evil.
Context
Building on verse 3’s depiction of government’s purpose, verse 4 intensifies it: rulers are God’s servants, with real authority to punish evil and protect good. This deepens the rationale for submission and readies the reader for Paul’s next application about motivation in verse 5—obedience should spring from more than fear of punishment. The mention of the sword also anticipates the practical outworking of governance that requires resources and order, setting the scene for verses 6–7 on paying taxes and giving honor where it is due.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Micah 3:9
Hear this, I pray you, ye heads of the house of Jacob, and rulers of the house of Israel, that abhor justice, and pervert all equity.
- Proverbs 20:8
A king that sitteth on the throne of judgment Scattereth away all evil with his eyes.
- Ezekiel 22:27
Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, that they may get dishonest gain.
- Proverbs 20:2
The terror of a king is as the roaring of a lion: He that provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own life.
- Ezekiel 25:14
And I will lay my vengeance upon Edom by the hand of my people Israel; and they shall do in Edom according to mine anger and according to my wrath; and they shall know my vengeance, saith the Lord Jehovah.
- Proverbs 16:14
The wrath of a king isasmessengers of death; But a wise man will pacify it.
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