Romans 13:4

For 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.

For {G1063} he is {G2076} the minister {G1249} of God {G2316} to thee {G4671} for {G1519} good {G18}. But {G1161} if {G1437} thou do {G4160} that which is evil {G2556}, be afraid {G5399}; for {G1063} he beareth {G5409} not {G3756} the sword {G3162} in vain {G1500}: for {G1063} he is {G2076} the minister {G1249} of God {G2316}, a revenger {G1558} to execute wrath {G3709} upon {G1519} him that doeth {G4238} evil {G2556}.

for he is God’s servant, there for your benefit. But if you do what is wrong, be afraid! Because it is not for nothing that he holds the power of the sword; for he is God’s servant, there as an avenger to punish wrongdoers.

For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer.

for 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.

Commentary

Romans 13:4 (KJV) is a pivotal verse within Paul's teaching on the Christian's relationship with governing authorities. It elaborates on the divine purpose of civil government, outlining its dual role of promoting good and punishing evil.

Context

This verse is part of a broader passage in Romans 13:1-7, where the Apostle Paul instructs believers in Rome on their duty to submit to the ruling powers. Written to Christians living under the Roman Empire, possibly during the reign of Emperor Nero, this passage addresses a fundamental question: how should followers of Christ interact with and view secular government? Paul establishes that all authority is ultimately ordained by God, setting the stage for understanding the government's role as a divine instrument.

Key Themes

  • Divine Appointment of Authority: The primary message is that the governing authority ("he") is a "minister of God." This means that civil rulers, regardless of their personal faith or awareness, serve a purpose established by God Himself. Their function is not merely human invention but a divinely sanctioned role for maintaining order in a fallen world.
  • Government's Purpose: For Good: The phrase "to thee for good" highlights the benevolent intention behind God's institution of government. Its fundamental role is to protect the innocent, promote justice, and ensure societal peace and stability, allowing citizens to live orderly lives.
  • Government's Role in Justice: The verse powerfully states, "he beareth not the sword in vain." The "sword" symbolizes the state's legitimate power to enforce laws, punish wrongdoing, and even administer capital punishment. This authority to use force is not arbitrary but divinely delegated to restrain evil. The ruler is further described as "a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil," indicating that government serves as an agent of God's justice against sin and crime. This reflects God's nature as a God of justice, even though ultimate vengeance belongs to Him alone, as seen in Romans 12:19.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The warning "if thou do that which is evil, be afraid" underscores the reality of consequences for breaking laws. The government's punitive power is real and necessary for upholding order.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Minister" (diakonos): The Greek word diakonos typically means "servant" or "attendant." Its use here emphasizes that even secular rulers are serving a divine purpose, acting as God's servants in maintaining order and justice on earth. This elevates the role of civil authority beyond mere human power.
  • "Sword" (machaira): This term refers to a short sword or dagger, a common symbol of judicial and military authority in the Roman world. Its inclusion here signifies the state's legitimate power to enforce laws, inflict punishment, and even execute criminals, highlighting its role in administering justice.
  • "Revenger" (ekdikos): This Greek word means "one who executes justice" or "an avenger." It points to the government's function as an instrument through which divine judgment is carried out against those who commit evil, ensuring that wrongdoing does not go unpunished.

Practical Application

Romans 13:4 provides a crucial theological foundation for understanding the role of government in the Christian worldview. It calls believers to respect and obey civil authorities, recognizing their God-ordained purpose. While governments may be imperfect, their existence is part of God's plan to maintain order and curb chaos in society. This verse reminds us that Christians have a civic responsibility to live as law-abiding citizens, knowing that doing so aligns with God's will. It also reinforces the idea that the state's power to punish evil is not inherently wrong but is a necessary function for societal well-being. This teaching complements other New Testament calls for submission to authority, such as in 1 Peter 2:13-14.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Romans 12:19 (8 votes)

    Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

  • Proverbs 20:2 (4 votes)

    ¶ The fear of a king [is] as the roaring of a lion: [whoso] provoketh him to anger sinneth [against] his own soul.

  • 2 Chronicles 19:6 (4 votes)

    And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who [is] with you in the judgment.

  • Proverbs 16:14 (4 votes)

    ¶ The wrath of a king [is as] messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:6 (3 votes)

    That no [man] go beyond and defraud his brother in [any] matter: because that the Lord [is] the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.

  • Micah 3:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ And I said, Hear, I pray you, O heads of Jacob, and ye princes of the house of Israel; [Is it] not for you to know judgment?

  • Micah 3:4 (3 votes)

    Then shall they cry unto the LORD, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings.