Romans 13:6

For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

For {G1063} for {G1223} this {G5124} cause {G1223} pay ye {G5055} tribute {G5411} also {G2532}: for {G1063} they are {G1526} God's {G2316} ministers {G3011}, attending continually {G4342} upon {G1519} this {G5124} very thing {G846}.

This is also why you pay taxes; for the authorities are God’s public officials, constantly attending to these duties.

This is also why you pay taxes. For the authorities are God’s servants, who devote themselves to their work.

For for this cause ye pay tribute also; for they are ministers of God’s service, attending continually upon this very thing.

Commentary on Romans 13:6

Romans 13:6 is a pivotal verse in Paul's teaching on the Christian's relationship with civil government, specifically addressing the practical aspect of taxation. It underscores the theological basis for civic responsibility, stating that governing authorities are not merely human constructs but are divinely ordained.

Context

This verse flows directly from Paul's broader exhortation in Romans 13:1-7, where he establishes the principle of submission to governing authorities. Paul argues that all authority is established by God, and resistance to rulers is therefore resistance to God's ordinance. Verse 6 explains why Christians should pay taxes: because these authorities serve a divine purpose.

Key Themes

  • Divine Ordination of Government: The verse explicitly states that governing officials are "God's ministers." This doesn't necessarily mean they are Godly individuals, but rather that they function as instruments through whom God maintains order and justice in society. Their role, even in a secular context, is seen as serving a higher purpose.
  • Civic Duty and Responsibility: Paying "tribute" (taxes) is presented as a direct consequence of acknowledging government's divine appointment. It's not just a legal obligation but a moral and spiritual one for believers. This aligns with Jesus' teaching to "render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's" (Matthew 22:21).
  • Purpose of Government: The phrase "attending continually upon this very thing" highlights the ongoing, dedicated work of government in administering justice, maintaining peace, and providing public services. This continuous effort requires financial support from the populace.

Linguistic Insights

  • "tribute": The Greek word here is phoros (φόρους), which specifically refers to a regular, direct tax paid to the state, often on persons or property. This distinguishes it from customs duties or tolls.
  • "ministers": The Greek term used is diakonoi (διάκονοι), which literally means "servants" or "attendants." While it's the root for "deacon" in a church context, here it simply denotes agents or instruments. It emphasizes that even non-believing rulers are functioning as God's servants in a practical, administrative sense for the good of society.
  • "attending continually upon this very thing": The Greek phrase, literally "devoting themselves to this," conveys the idea of diligent and dedicated service. It suggests that the authorities are constantly engaged in their work of governance, which justifies the financial support they receive.

Practical Application

Romans 13:6 challenges believers to view their civic duties, particularly paying taxes, not as mere burdens but as acts of obedience to God. It encourages a perspective that sees governmental structures, despite their imperfections, as part of God's design for order in a fallen world. This perspective fosters responsible citizenship and encourages Christians to pray for their leaders and all in authority, understanding that their work is, in some sense, a service to God's broader purposes.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 22:17

    Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?

  • Matthew 22:21

    They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.

  • Mark 12:14

    And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?

  • Mark 12:17

    And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.

  • Luke 20:21

    And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person [of any], but teachest the way of God truly:

  • Luke 20:26

    And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.

  • Luke 23:2

    And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this [fellow] perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.
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