Romans 13:5

Translations

King James Version (KJV)

Why you must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

American King James Version (AKJV)

Why you must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

American Standard Version (ASV)

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

Basic English Translation (BBE)

So put yourselves under the authority, not for fear of wrath, but because you have the knowledge of what is right.

Webster's Revision

Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

World English Bible

Therefore you need to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience' sake.

English Revised Version (ERV)

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

Definitions for Romans 13:5

Wherefore - Why?; for what reason?; for what cause?

Clarke's Romans 13:5 Bible Commentary

Ye must needs be subject - Αναγκη, There is a necessity that ye should be subject, not only for wrath, δια την οργην, on account of the punishment which will be inflicted on evil doers, but also for conscience' sake; not only to avoid punishment, but also to preserve a clear conscience. For, as civil government is established in the order of God for the support, defense, and happiness of society, they who transgress its laws, not only expose themselves to the penalties assigned by the statutes, but also to guilt in their own consciences, because they sin against God. Here are two powerful motives to prevent the infraction of the laws and to enforce obedience.

1. The dread of punishment; this weighs with the ungodly.

2. The keeping of a good conscience, which weighs powerfully with every person who fears God. These two motives should be frequently urged both among professors and profane.

Barnes's Romans 13:5 Bible Commentary

Wherefore - διό dio. The "reasons" why we should be subject, which the apostle had given, were two,

(1) That government was appointed by God.

(2) that violation of the laws would necessarily expose to punishment.

Ye must needs be - It is "necessary" ἀναγκή anagkē to be. This is a word stronger than what implies mere "fitness" or propriety. It means that it is a matter of high obligation and of "necessity" to be subject to the civil ruler.

Not only for wrath - Not only on account of the "fear of punishment;" or the fact that wrath will be executed on evil doers.

For conscience' sake - As a matter of conscience, or of "duty to God," because "he" has appointed it, and made it necessary and proper. A good citizen yields obedience because it is the will of God; and a Christian makes it a part of his religion to maintain and obey the just laws of the land; see Matthew 22:21; compare Ecclesiastes 8:2, "I counsel them to keep the king's commandments, and "that in regard of the oath of God."

Wesley's Romans 13:5 Bible Commentary

13:5 Not only for fear of wrath - That is, punishment from man.But for conscience' sake - Out of obedience to God.