Devine Scripture

Romans 13:6

What does Romans 13:6 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 13:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 13:6 means

Paul now applies the principle concretely: this is why you pay taxes. Public officials are “ministers of God’s service,” devoted to their task of maintaining order and justice. Taxes fund that ongoing work. Framing tax-paying this way shifts it from a mere civic burden to a recognition of God’s common grace. Christians, therefore, can pay with a clear conscience, seeing governance as part of the world God sustains. This does not sanctify waste or corruption, but it affirms the legitimacy of supporting the structures that preserve peace, adjudicate disputes, and protect the vulnerable in society.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For for this cause ye pay tribute also; for they are ministers of God’s service, attending continually upon this very thing.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For for this cause ye pay tribute also; for they are ministers of God’s service, attending continually upon this very thing.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For the same reason, make payment of taxes; because the authority is God's servant, to take care of such things at all times.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for because of this also pay ye tribute; for servants of God they are, on this very thing attending continually;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For therefore also you pay tribute. For they are the ministers of God, serving unto this purpose.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For on this account ye pay tribute also; for they areGod's officers, attending continually on this very thing.

Context

With motives clarified in verse 5, verse 6 explains a specific expression of submission: paying taxes, since authorities are engaged in God-ordained service. This bridges the theological rationale to a tangible duty. The next verse will broaden this beyond money to encompass all rightful dues—financial and relational. The flow moves from inner posture (conscience) to outward practice (tribute), showing that Christian faithfulness touches practical matters like revenue and public service, not only private piety or church life.

v.5Wherefore ye must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience’ sake.

v.6This passage

v.7Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

Cross references

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

  • Job 29:7

    When I went forth to the gate unto the city, When I prepared my seat in the street,

  • Mark 12:14

    And when they were come, they say unto him, Teacher, we know that thou art true, and carest not for any one; for thou regardest not the person of men, but of a truth teachest the way of God: Is it lawful to give tribute unto Cæsar, or not?

  • Ezra 4:13

    Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, custom, or toll, and in the end it will be hurtful unto the kings.

  • Deuteronomy 1:9

    And I spake unto you at that time, saying, I am not able to bear you myself alone:

  • Matthew 17:24

    And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received the half-shekel came to Peter, and said, Doth not your teacher pay the half-shekel?

  • Ezra 6:8

    Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king’s goods, even of the tribute beyond the River, expenses be given with all diligence unto these men, that they be not hindered.

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