Romans 13:2

KJV

Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

KJV (with Strong's)

Whosoever therefore {G5620} resisteth {G498} the power {G1849}, resisteth {G436} the ordinance {G1296} of God {G2316}: and {G1161} they that resist {G436} shall receive {G2983} to themselves {G1438} damnation {G2917}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, whoever resists the authorities is resisting what God has instituted; and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.

Berean Standard Bible

Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 13:2 profoundly asserts the divine origin of governmental authority, declaring that resistance to established civil power is, in essence, resistance to God's own appointed order. The verse sternly warns that those who defy this divinely instituted arrangement will incur judgment upon themselves, underscoring the serious consequences, both temporal and spiritual, of rebellion against legitimate authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Paul's broader ethical exhortations in [Romans 12-15](/romans/12-15 "Romans 12-15 - Practical Exhortations"), which follow his profound theological exposition on justification by faith in the preceding chapters. Specifically, [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities") forms a distinct unit addressing the Christian's relationship to governing authorities. Paul transitions from urging believers to live as a [living sacrifice](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - A Call to Living Sacrifice") and to [love one another](/romans/12-9-10 "Romans 12:9-10 - Love and Brotherly Affection") in [Romans 12](/romans/12 "Romans 12 - Living as a Christian") to outlining their civic responsibilities. Verse 2 builds directly on the foundational statement of [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - All Authority is from God"), which establishes that "there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God." Verse 2 then elaborates on the logical consequence of this divine ordination: to resist such power is to resist God's own decree.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote the Epistle to the Romans around A.D. 57-58, during the early years of Emperor Nero's reign. While Nero's later years were marked by severe persecution of Christians, at the time of this writing, the Roman Empire generally provided a stable, albeit pagan, environment. Christians were a minority group, often viewed with suspicion, and the early church faced the challenge of how to live faithfully within a society that did not share their beliefs. Paul's instruction here serves to guide believers away from unnecessary conflict with the state, which could hinder the spread of the Gospel. It also counters any potential anarchic tendencies or revolutionary zeal that might arise from a misapplication of Christian freedom, ensuring that believers are seen as peaceable citizens who contribute to societal order rather than undermining it. This teaching was crucial for the nascent church to establish its reputation and secure its mission in a hostile world.
* **Key Themes:** [Romans 13:2](/romans/13-2 "Romans 13:2 - Resisting Authority") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Romans and the broader New Testament. A primary theme is the **Divine Establishment of Authority**, asserting that all legitimate governmental power ultimately derives from God. This concept is foundational, echoing Old Testament principles where God is depicted as the [one who removes kings and sets up kings](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms"). Another key theme is **Christian Submission and Obedience**, encouraging believers to be law-abiding citizens. This submission is not born of fear but of conscience, recognizing God's hand in civil structures. The verse also highlights the **Consequences of Disobedience**, both from human authorities (implied penalties for law-breaking) and ultimately from God, whose order has been defied. This contributes to the broader New Testament emphasis on living a life that [honors God in all spheres](/1_peter/2-13-17 "1 Peter 2:13-17 - Submission to Authority and Good Conduct"), including civic engagement, ensuring that the Gospel is not discredited by a rebellious spirit.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **resisteth (Greek, _anthístēmi'_):** Derived from `ἀντί` (anti, "against") and `ἵστημι` (histēmi, "to stand"), this word literally means "to stand against" or "to oppose." In this context, it denotes a deliberate act of defiance, rebellion, or active opposition to the established authority. It implies not merely passive disagreement but an active posture of setting oneself in opposition to the governing powers.
* **ordinance (Greek, _diatagḗ'_):** This term refers to an "arrangement," "appointment," or "institution." It conveys the idea that God has purposefully ordered or arranged for civil governments to exist as part of His divine plan for human society. It's not a mere suggestion but a divinely established decree or order, highlighting the legitimacy and sacred nature of governing authority.
* **damnation (Greek, _kríma'_):** From the verb `κρίνω` (krinō, "to judge"), _kríma_ signifies a "decision," "judgment," "condemnation," or "sentence." In the context of Romans 13:2, it primarily refers to the negative consequences or punishment that results from defying civil authority (e.g., fines, imprisonment, legal penalties). However, given the preceding phrase "resisteth the ordinance of God," it also carries the implicit weight of divine disapproval and potential judgment from God for defying His established order. It does not necessarily denote eternal damnation but rather a temporal judgment or penalty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whosoever therefore resisteth the power,"**: This opening clause establishes the subject of the warning. "Whosoever" makes it universally applicable to all, including believers. "Therefore" links back to the preceding verse, where Paul states that all authority is from God. "Resisteth" (G498, _antitássomai_, "to range oneself against") describes the act of setting oneself in opposition. "The power" (G1849, _exousía_) refers to the legitimate, delegated authority of civil government, not merely brute force.
* **"resisteth the ordinance of God:"**: This is the critical theological assertion. The second "resisteth" (G436, _anthístēmi_) reinforces the act of opposition. By resisting the civil "power," one is not merely resisting human institutions but directly opposing "the ordinance of God" (G1296, _diatagḗ_). This elevates civil obedience to a spiritual duty, as government is portrayed as a divine institution.
* **"and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation."**: This clause declares the inevitable consequence of such resistance. "They that resist" reiterates the defiant posture. "Shall receive to themselves" emphasizes that the judgment is self-inflicted; it is a direct result of their own actions. "Damnation" (G2917, _kríma_) signifies judgment or condemnation, referring to the penalties imposed by the state for law-breaking, but also implying divine displeasure for defying God's established order.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several **literary devices** to convey his message with clarity and force. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, where the structure "resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God" creates a direct equivalence, emphasizing that opposition to human authority is simultaneously opposition to divine authority. This rhetorical device powerfully links the earthly and heavenly realms. He also uses **Cause and Effect**, clearly outlining that the act of resistance (cause) leads directly to receiving "damnation" or judgment (effect). This logical progression serves as a strong warning. Furthermore, the use of **Universal Language** ("Whosoever," "they that resist") ensures that the instruction is understood as broadly applicable, leaving no room for exceptions among believers. The **Didactic Tone** throughout the passage underscores its purpose as direct instruction for Christian conduct.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 13:2 anchors the Christian's civic responsibility firmly in the sovereignty of God. It teaches that civil government is not merely a human construct but a divine institution, established by God for the purpose of maintaining order, punishing evil, and promoting good in society. This perspective transforms what might otherwise be seen as mere political compliance into an act of worship and obedience to God. The "damnation" mentioned is primarily the temporal judgment imposed by the state, but it carries the weight of divine disapproval because God's order has been defied. This understanding encourages believers to be exemplary citizens, not out of fear of punishment alone, but out of a deeper reverence for God's providential ordering of the world.

* [Proverbs 8:15-16](/proverbs/8-15-16 "Proverbs 8:15-16 - Wisdom and Rulers")
* [1 Peter 2:13-17](/1_peter/2-13-17 "1 Peter 2:13-17 - Submission to Authority")
* [Titus 3:1](/titus/3-1 "Titus 3:1 - Be Subject to Rulers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 13:2 challenges believers to cultivate a profound respect for legitimate authority, recognizing its divine origin. This doesn't mean blind obedience to every command, especially when human laws directly contradict God's higher law, as seen in the apostles' declaration, "[We ought to obey God rather than men](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - Obeying God Over Man")". However, the general principle is one of humble submission and cooperation with governing authorities for the common good. For us today, this translates into being good citizens: paying taxes, obeying laws, participating constructively in society, and praying for our leaders, even those we disagree with, as [1 Timothy 2:1-2](/1_timothy/2-1-2 "1 Timothy 2:1-2 - Prayers for All People, Especially Rulers") exhorts. Our peaceful and law-abiding conduct can be a powerful testimony to the transforming power of the Gospel, demonstrating that our faith leads to responsible living and contributes to societal flourishing, rather than fostering rebellion or anarchy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding governmental authority as "the ordinance of God" change my perspective on civic duties like paying taxes or obeying traffic laws?**
* **In what specific ways can I demonstrate respect for authority in my daily life, even when I disagree with particular policies or leaders?**
* **When might it be necessary for a Christian to resist human authority, and how should such resistance be conducted in a way that honors God?**

### FAQ
**Does "damnation" in this verse refer to eternal damnation?**

Answer: No, the Greek word _kríma_ (G2917) primarily refers to a "judgment," "condemnation," or "sentence." In the context of [Romans 13:2](/romans/13-2 "Romans 13:2 - Consequences of Resisting Authority"), it signifies the negative consequences or penalties that result from defying civil authority, such as fines, imprisonment, or other legal punishments imposed by the state. While there is an implicit spiritual dimension in resisting "the ordinance of God," the immediate and primary meaning is temporal judgment from human authorities. It does not necessarily imply eternal condemnation in hell, but rather the earthly repercussions of disobedience to God's established order.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Romans 13:2](/romans/13-2 "Romans 13:2 - Divine Authority and Resistance") directly addresses our submission to earthly powers, its deeper Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the ultimate authority and submission exemplified by Jesus Christ Himself. Christ, though King of Kings and Lord of Lords, willingly submitted to the earthly authorities, even unto death on a cross, fulfilling the Father's will. He recognized that [Pilate's authority was given from above](/john/19-11 "John 19:11 - Pilate's Authority from God"), demonstrating that even corrupt human rule operates within God's sovereign plan. His life perfectly embodied submission to divine "ordinance" and established the pattern for His followers. Furthermore, the "damnation" or judgment mentioned in the verse finds its ultimate resolution in Christ, who bore the full weight of God's judgment for sin, so that those who believe in Him might escape eternal condemnation and receive salvation. Thus, our submission to authority, while a practical civic duty, is also a reflection of Christ's own humble obedience and a testimony to the One who [has all authority in heaven and on earth](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Christ").

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

1 Peter 2:13

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

Titus 3:1

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

James 3:1

¶ My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

Romans 13:5

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

Mark 12:40

Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.

Jeremiah 23:8

But, The LORD liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land.

Jeremiah 23:17

They say still unto them that despise me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.