1 Peter 2:13

KJV

¶ Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;

KJV (with Strong's)

{G3767} Submit yourselves {G5293} to every {G3956} ordinance {G2937} of man {G442} for {G1223} the Lord's sake {G2962}: whether it be {G1535} to the king {G935}, as {G5613} supreme {G5242};

Complete Jewish Bible

For the sake of the Lord, submit yourselves to every human authority — whether to the emperor as being supreme,

Berean Standard Bible

Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority,

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Peter 2:13 issues a profound call for believers to voluntarily submit to all human governmental authorities, a directive rooted not in mere civic duty or fear of reprisal, but in a higher purpose: to honor the Lord. This instruction establishes a foundational principle for Christian engagement with the secular world, emphasizing that obedience to earthly rulers, from the highest king to local magistrates, becomes an act of worship and a powerful testimony to God's sovereignty and the transformative power of the Gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Peter's broader exhortation to believers on how to live out their new identity in Christ in a hostile world. Immediately preceding this passage, Peter has established the spiritual identity of believers as a "chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen People")). He then urges them to "abstain from fleshly lusts" and to "live honorably among the Gentiles" ([1 Peter 2:11-12](/1_peter/2-11-12 "1 Peter 2:11-12 - Live Honorably Among Gentiles")), so that their good deeds might silence critics and ultimately lead others to glorify God. The command to submit to human authority in [1 Peter 2:13-17](/1_peter/2-13-17 "1 Peter 2:13-17 - Submission to Authority") flows directly from this call to exemplary conduct, providing a concrete example of how their honorable living should manifest in the public square. It sets the stage for subsequent instructions on specific relational dynamics within society, such as those between servants and masters ([1 Peter 2:18-25](/1_peter/2-18-25 "1 Peter 2:18-25 - Submission of Servants")) and husbands and wives ([1 Peter 3:1-7](/1_peter/3-1-7 "1 Peter 3:1-7 - Submission in Marriage")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter's audience comprised scattered Christians throughout Asia Minor, many of whom were Gentiles who had converted from paganism, now living as a minority in a Roman-dominated world. The Roman Empire, while generally maintaining order, was often suspicious of new religious movements, especially those that did not conform to imperial cult worship. Christians were frequently slandered, accused of various crimes, and even persecuted, as evidenced by the later Neronian persecutions. In this environment, Peter's instruction to submit to "every ordinance of man" was radical. It countered any potential inclination towards rebellion or withdrawal from society due to their marginalized status. Instead, it urged them to demonstrate their allegiance to Christ by being model citizens, thereby disarming critics and providing a powerful testimony. This was particularly pertinent given the Roman emphasis on civic duty and the potential for Christians to be seen as subversive if they rejected the established order.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Peter and the broader New Testament. A primary theme is **Christian Witness and Apologetics**, as believers' submission serves to "silence the ignorance of foolish people" ([1 Peter 2:15](/1_peter/2-15 "1 Peter 2:15 - Silencing Ignorance")). It demonstrates that Christian freedom is not a license for lawlessness but a freedom to serve God and others, thereby removing grounds for accusation against the faith. Another crucial theme is **Divine Sovereignty over Human Authority**, emphasizing that even humanly established governments are ultimately within God's providential plan, and obedience to them, when not in direct contradiction to God's commands, is an act of obedience to God himself. This also ties into the theme of **Suffering for Righteousness' Sake**, as Peter often encourages believers to endure unjust suffering with a Christ-like attitude, knowing that their suffering can be redemptive and bring glory to God (e.g., [1 Peter 2:19-21](/1_peter/2-19-21 "1 Peter 2:19-21 - Suffering for Righteousness")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Submit yourselves (Greek, _hypotássō'_):** This word, derived from `ὑπό` (under) and `τάσσω` (to arrange), literally means "to place under" or "to arrange oneself under." In this context, it signifies a voluntary act of aligning oneself with an established order or authority. It is not a forced subjugation but a willing deference, implying respect for the position of authority, even if one disagrees with the person holding it. This term is used elsewhere in the New Testament to describe submission within the church, family, and other societal structures, always implying a humble, volitional posture.
* **ordinance (Greek, _ktísis'_):** From `κτίζω` (to create), this term refers to "original formation," "creation," or "creature." In this specific context, it is used to denote a "human institution" or "human creation." This highlights that the structures of governance are humanly devised, yet believers are called to obey them for a divine purpose. It encompasses all forms of humanly established authority, from laws and regulations to the very systems of government.
* **Lord's sake (Greek, _kýrios'_):** Derived from a word implying "supremacy," `κύριος` denotes "supreme in authority," "controller," or "Master." Here, it refers to God Himself, the ultimate Lord. The phrase "for the Lord's sake" transforms civic obedience from a mere social obligation into a profound act of worship and testimony. It means that the motivation for submission is not fear of punishment or political expediency, but a desire to honor God and demonstrate His sovereignty over all earthly powers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man":** This is the core command, calling believers to a posture of voluntary deference and obedience to all humanly established governmental structures and laws. The term "every" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of this submission, applying to all levels and forms of civil authority. This submission is an active choice, reflecting a humble recognition of the established order.
* **"for the Lord's sake":** This crucial phrase provides the divine motivation and ultimate purpose for the command. Christian submission to human authority is not an end in itself, nor is it merely pragmatic. Instead, it is an act of worship and obedience to God. It transforms civic duty into a spiritual discipline, demonstrating that believers acknowledge God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly powers and seek to glorify Him through their conduct.
* **"whether it be to the king, as supreme":** This clause provides the first example of the type of authority to which believers should submit, specifying the highest earthly authority—the emperor or "king." The phrase "as supreme" underscores the king's ultimate position within the human governmental hierarchy, setting the precedent for submission to all lesser authorities who derive their power from him. This illustrates the broad scope of the command, starting from the top of the political structure.

#### Literary Devices
Peter employs several literary devices to convey his message effectively. The primary device is **Exhortation**, as the verse begins with a direct command, "Submit yourselves," setting a prescriptive tone for Christian conduct. This imperative call is followed by a clear **Motivation** ("for the Lord's sake"), which elevates the civic duty to a spiritual act, transforming the mundane into the sacred. Furthermore, Peter utilizes **Specification** by immediately providing an example of the highest authority ("the king, as supreme"), thereby clarifying the scope of the command and establishing a hierarchical understanding of human governance. This serves to make the abstract command concrete and applicable, guiding believers on how to embody their faith in the public sphere.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The command to submit to human authority for the Lord's sake is a cornerstone of New Testament ethics, reflecting a profound theological understanding of God's sovereignty over all creation, including human governments. While these "ordinances of man" are human constructs, their existence and authority are ultimately permitted and ordained by God for the maintenance of order and justice in a fallen world. Therefore, a believer's submission is not merely to human power but, through that human power, to the divine will. This posture of submission reflects the humility and obedience of Christ Himself and serves as a powerful witness to a watching world, demonstrating that Christian freedom does not lead to anarchy but to a higher form of responsible citizenship that glorifies God.

* [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [Titus 3:1](/titus/3-1 "Titus 3:1 - Be Subject to Rulers and Authorities")
* [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - Obey God Rather Than Men")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Peter 2:13 challenges believers to embody a counter-cultural posture of submission in a world often characterized by rebellion and individualism. For us today, this means conscientiously obeying the laws of the land, respecting governmental institutions, and honoring those in authority, even when we disagree with their policies or perceive their leadership as flawed. Our obedience is not born out of blind allegiance or fear, but out of a deep reverence for God, who has established these authorities for the common good. This commitment to responsible citizenship serves as a powerful testimony to the transforming power of the Gospel, demonstrating that our faith makes us better citizens, not worse. It invites us to consider how our public conduct reflects on the name of Christ and to seek opportunities to be a positive influence in society, praying for our leaders and contributing to the welfare of our communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways can I demonstrate respectful submission to governing authorities in my daily life?**
* **How does understanding "for the Lord's sake" transform my motivation for civic obedience?**
* **What are the limits of Christian submission to human authority, and how do I discern when to obey God rather than men?**
* **How can my submission to authority serve as a powerful witness to those who do not know Christ?**

### FAQ

**Does "submit yourselves to every ordinance of man" mean Christians should obey laws that contradict God's commands?**

Answer: No, the principle of submission is not absolute when human laws directly contradict God's clear commands. While Christians are called to submit to human authority "for the Lord's sake," this implies that God's authority is supreme. The classic biblical example is found in [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - Obey God Rather Than Men"), where Peter himself declares, "We must obey God rather than human beings." This means that if a government commands something that directly violates a clear biblical command (e.g., to deny Christ, to participate in idolatry, or to commit an immoral act), a believer's primary allegiance is to God. In such cases, Christians may practice civil disobedience, but they should be prepared to accept the consequences, doing so with humility and a desire to honor God, not to foment rebellion.

**How does this verse apply to living under unjust or corrupt governments?**

Answer: Peter wrote this letter during a time when Christians were often marginalized and faced potential persecution from the Roman Empire, which was far from perfectly just. The command to submit applies even in such circumstances. The emphasis is on the *ordinance* or *institution* of government, which God uses to maintain order, rather than on the moral character of individual rulers. Believers are called to pray for those in authority, including unjust ones, that they may govern justly and that Christians may live peaceful lives ([1 Timothy 2:1-2](/1_timothy/2-1-2 "1 Timothy 2:1-2 - Pray for All People")). Our submission, even to imperfect authorities, serves as a powerful witness, demonstrating that our hope is not in earthly political systems but in the sovereign God who ultimately controls all things. It also shows that Christian freedom is not an excuse for lawlessness or rebellion, but a freedom to serve God and others, even in challenging environments.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The call for believers to submit to human authority "for the Lord's sake" finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect example in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Our Lord, though supreme over all creation, willingly subjected Himself to human authority, even to the point of an unjust trial and crucifixion. He paid the temple tax ([Matthew 17:24-27](/matthew/17-24-27 "Matthew 17:24-27 - Paying the Temple Tax")), acknowledged Pilate's God-given authority ([John 19:10-11](/john/19-10-11 "John 19:10-11 - Pilate's Authority")), and ultimately submitted to the will of His Father, even unto death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience")). His submission was not a sign of weakness but of divine strength and perfect obedience, fulfilling God's redemptive plan. Therefore, when believers submit to human ordinances, they are not merely performing a civic duty but are participating in the cruciform pattern of Christ's life, reflecting His humility and obedience. Our submission becomes a powerful demonstration of His Lordship over all things, proclaiming that the Kingdom of God is not advanced through earthly rebellion or political power plays, but through humble, Christ-like living that honors God and draws others to His saving grace.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Titus 3:1

¶ Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

Romans 13:1

¶ Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Romans 13:7

¶ Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute [is due]; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

1 Timothy 2:1

¶ I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks, be made for all men;

1 Timothy 2:2

For kings, and [for] all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

Luke 20:25

And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.

Proverbs 24:21

¶ My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: [and] meddle not with them that are given to change: