Romans 13:5

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore {G1352} ye must needs {G318} be subject {G5293}, not {G3756} only {G3440} for {G1223} wrath {G3709}, but {G235} also {G2532} for conscience {G4893} sake {G1223}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Another reason to obey, besides fear of punishment, is for the sake of conscience.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore it is necessary to submit to authority, not only to avoid punishment, but also as a matter of conscience.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 13:5 presents a profound theological and practical imperative for believers, asserting that submission to governing authorities is not merely a pragmatic necessity to avoid punishment but a deeply spiritual obligation rooted in an enlightened conscience. This verse elevates civic duty from a matter of external compliance to an act of internal conviction, highlighting that a Christian's obedience to the state is an expression of their reverence for God's established order and a demonstration of their transformed inner moral compass.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Paul's extended discourse on Christian conduct in the civic sphere, commencing from [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities"). Following the profound theological foundations laid in the first eleven chapters of Romans, which detail humanity's sin, God's righteousness, and salvation by faith, Paul transitions in [Romans 12](/romans/12 "Romans 12 - Living a Transformed Life") to practical implications for Christian living. He calls believers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice and to be transformed by the renewing of their minds ([Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1-2 "Romans 12:1-2 - Transformed by Renewed Minds")). Chapter 13 then applies this renewed mind to the specific realm of governmental authority, asserting its divine institution and the believer's corresponding duty of submission. Verse 5 reinforces the motivation for this submission, building upon the initial command and rationale provided in [Romans 13:1-4](/romans/13-1-4 "Romans 13:1-4 - God's Institution of Government").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote this letter to the church in Rome, the capital of the vast Roman Empire. Christians in Rome, a minority group, faced various challenges, including potential suspicion from Roman authorities and internal debates about their relationship to the pagan state. The Roman Empire, while providing a degree of peace and order (Pax Romana), was also characterized by emperor worship, heavy taxation, and periodic persecution of those who did not conform to its religious norms. Nero's reign, though not yet marked by the intense persecution that would come later, was already underway. In this environment, Paul's instruction for submission was counter-cultural, challenging both Jewish Zealot tendencies towards rebellion and Christian inclinations to withdraw from or defy a pagan government. His teaching provided a framework for believers to navigate their dual citizenship—in the kingdom of God and in an earthly empire—by emphasizing a respectful and conscientious engagement with the latter, recognizing God's sovereign hand even in imperfect human institutions.
* **Key Themes:** Romans 13:5 contributes significantly to several key themes within the broader book of Romans and Pauline theology. It underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Order**, asserting that all authority, including governmental, is ultimately ordained by God ([Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - God's Ordained Authority")). This leads to the theme of **Christian Citizenship and Responsibility**, where believers are called to be exemplary citizens, not just for pragmatic reasons but as an act of worship and testimony. The verse also deepens the theme of **Transformed Living and Conscience**, as seen in [Romans 12](/romans/12 "Romans 12 - Practical Christian Living"), by demonstrating that true Christian obedience flows from an internal moral compass, or conscience, enlightened by the Holy Spirit and God's Word. This internal motivation transcends mere external compliance, reflecting a profound commitment to righteousness that honors God in all spheres of life, including the civic.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **subject (Greek, _hypotássō'_):** This word, derived from _hypó_ (under) and _tássō_ (to arrange, to order), literally means "to place under" or "to subordinate." In the middle or passive voice, as used here, it implies a voluntary arrangement under authority or to obey. It suggests a willing submission born of conviction, rather than a forced subjugation. This aligns perfectly with the idea of acting "for conscience sake," indicating an internal disposition rather than mere external compulsion.
* **wrath (Greek, _orgḗ'_):** Properly denoting "desire" or "excitement of the mind," _orgḗ_ here refers to violent passion, ire, or justifiable abhorrence. In the context of governing authorities, it signifies the legitimate punitive power of the state – the consequence or penalty for disobedience. It represents the government's divinely sanctioned role as an "avenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil" ([Romans 13:4](/romans/13-4 "Romans 13:4 - The Authority of the Ruler")).
* **conscience (Greek, _syneídēsis'_):** From a prolonged form of _syneídō_ (to know with, to be aware of), _syneídēsis_ means "co-perception" or "moral consciousness." It refers to the inner moral awareness that guides one's actions, the faculty by which one judges the rightness or wrongness of their own conduct. For a believer, this conscience is increasingly shaped and informed by the Holy Spirit and the truth of God's Word, leading to a desire to act in accordance with divine principles.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore ye must needs be subject":** This opening phrase, introduced by "Wherefore" (_dió_, meaning "consequently" or "for which cause"), serves as a logical conclusion drawn from the preceding verses ([Romans 13:1-4](/romans/13-1-4 "Romans 13:1-4 - God's Ordained Authority")). The phrase "must needs be" (_anánkē_) signifies a necessity or compulsion, underscoring that submission is not optional but an imperative for believers. The verb "be subject" (_hypotássō_) implies a willing, not forced, submission to the established governmental authority, aligning with the understanding that this authority is divinely instituted.
* **"not only for wrath":** This clause clarifies that avoiding the punitive consequences of governmental power, while a valid reason for obedience, is not the sole or primary motivation for a Christian. "Wrath" (_orgḗ_) here refers to the state's legitimate power to punish wrongdoing, such as fines, imprisonment, or other forms of retribution. While fear of these consequences can certainly prompt compliance, Paul indicates that a deeper, more profound reason exists for the believer.
* **"but also for conscience sake":** This is the pivotal clause, presenting the higher and more profound motivation for Christian submission. "For conscience sake" (_diá syneídēsis_) means that believers obey earthly laws and authorities because their inner moral compass, informed and enlightened by God's truth and the Holy Spirit, compels them to do so. It is an act of spiritual conviction, a desire to honor God by respecting the order He has established, even when human systems are imperfect. This motivation transcends mere external compliance, stemming from an internal commitment to righteousness and a desire to maintain a clear conscience before God and man.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 13:5 primarily employs **Antithesis** and **Emphasis**. The **antithesis** is evident in the contrasting motivations for submission: "not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake." This juxtaposition highlights the superior and distinct Christian motivation for obedience, moving beyond mere pragmatism to profound spiritual conviction. Paul uses this contrast to elevate the believer's civic duty from a simple avoidance of punishment to a matter of moral and spiritual integrity. The phrase "must needs be subject" also serves as a form of **Emphasis**, underscoring the non-negotiable and essential nature of this command for Christians. Furthermore, the verse implicitly uses **Metonymy** where "wrath" stands for the punitive power of the state, and "conscience" represents the internal moral and spiritual conviction that guides the believer's actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 13:5 is a cornerstone passage for understanding the Christian's relationship with the state, articulating a theology of submission that is both practical and deeply spiritual. It establishes that governmental authority is not merely a human construct but a divinely ordained institution, serving God's purposes in maintaining order and restraining evil in a fallen world. For the believer, submission to this authority becomes an act of obedience to God Himself, flowing from an inner conviction rather than external coercion. This principle underscores the holistic nature of Christian discipleship, where faith impacts every sphere of life, including civic responsibilities. It calls believers to be exemplary citizens, not out of fear, but out of a desire to honor God and maintain a clear conscience, thereby offering a compelling testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel.

* [1 Peter 2:13-17](/1_peter/2-13-17 "1 Peter 2:13-17 - Submit to Human Authority")
* [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
Romans 13:5 challenges believers to examine the true motivation behind their obedience to earthly authorities. It moves us beyond a pragmatic "fear of consequences" to a principled "fear of God" that manifests as a desire to live righteously in all areas of life. This verse calls us to view civic duties—such as paying taxes, obeying traffic laws, respecting elected officials, and participating in the democratic process (where applicable)—not merely as legal obligations, but as spiritual acts. When we submit for conscience' sake, we are not just avoiding trouble; we are actively honoring God's established order and demonstrating the transforming power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This principled approach to citizenship not only honors God but also provides a compelling testimony to the power and truth of the Gospel in the world, showing that our faith leads to responsible and moral living, even when the governing powers are imperfect or challenge our values. It reminds us that our ultimate allegiance is to Christ, and it is precisely this allegiance that compels us to be good citizens of our earthly dwelling.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What is the primary motivation for your obedience to laws and authorities? Is it primarily "for wrath" or "for conscience sake"?**
* **How does understanding governmental authority as divinely instituted change your perspective on civic duties like paying taxes or respecting officials?**
* **In what specific areas of your life can you demonstrate a "conscience sake" obedience to authority this week?**
* **How does a clear conscience before God impact your ability to live peaceably and be a witness in society?**

### FAQ

**Does "conscience sake" mean I must obey authorities even when they command something morally wrong or against God's law?**

Answer: No, "for conscience sake" implies obedience to a conscience enlightened by God's truth. While Romans 13:5 generally commands submission to governing authorities, the Bible also provides a clear precedent for obeying God rather than men when human laws directly contradict divine commands. The apostles famously declared, "We must obey God rather than men" ([Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - Obey God Rather Than Men")) when ordered by the Sanhedrin to stop preaching about Jesus. This principle establishes a crucial boundary: our ultimate allegiance is to God. Therefore, submission "for conscience sake" means acting in accordance with a conscience that is primarily bound to God's Word. If a government mandates an action that directly violates a clear biblical command, the Christian's conscience, informed by Scripture, would compel them to obey God first, accepting the earthly consequences.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Romans 13:5 speaks to the believer's submission to earthly authorities, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning are found in Christ. Jesus Himself perfectly embodied submission, not only to His Father's will ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus' Submission to the Father's Will")) but also to human authorities, even unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience Unto Death")). He paid taxes ([Matthew 17:27](/matthew/17-27 "Matthew 17:27 - Jesus Pays the Temple Tax")), respected the law, and submitted to an unjust trial and execution, demonstrating that true righteousness often involves suffering under human systems for a higher divine purpose. His submission was not born of fear of "wrath" but entirely "for conscience sake"—a perfect conscience aligned with the Father's will, to accomplish salvation for humanity. As believers, we are called to imitate Christ's example of humble obedience ([1 Peter 2:21](/1_peter/2-21 "1 Peter 2:21 - Christ Our Example of Suffering")) and to live as citizens of His heavenly kingdom while sojourning on earth ([Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven")). Our conscientious submission to earthly powers, therefore, becomes a reflection of Christ's own perfect submission and a testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel, which produces a people who honor God by respecting the order He has established, anticipating the day when every knee will bow to the ultimate King of kings and Lord of lords ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")).

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

Acts 24:16

And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and [toward] men.

Ecclesiastes 8:2

I [counsel thee] to keep the king's commandment, and [that] in regard of the oath of God.

1 Peter 2:19

For this [is] thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.

Titus 3:1

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

Titus 3:2

To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, [but] gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

1 Peter 2:13

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

1 Peter 2:15

For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: