Romans 13:6

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 13:6 articulates the theological rationale for Christian submission to governing authorities, particularly concerning the payment of taxes. Paul asserts that civil rulers function as "God's ministers," diligently engaged in their divinely appointed task of maintaining order and justice. Therefore, the financial support rendered through tribute is not merely a civic obligation but an acknowledgment of their role within God's broader providential design for human society.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 13:6 stands as a direct continuation and practical application of Paul's foundational teaching on submission to governing authorities, introduced in [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities"). The preceding verses establish that all authority is instituted by God, and resistance to these authorities is, in essence, resistance to God's ordinance. Verse 6 specifically addresses the practical outworking of this submission—the payment of taxes—providing the theological justification that these authorities are "God's ministers" who are "attending continually upon this very thing," referring to their ongoing work of governance and public service. This verse, along with [Romans 13:7](/romans/13-7 "Romans 13:7 - Render to All Their Dues"), concludes Paul's exposition on civic duty before transitioning to the theme of love fulfilling the law in [Romans 13:8-10](/romans/13-8-10 "Romans 13:8-10 - Love Fulfills the Law").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote his letter to the church in Rome around A.D. 57-58, during the reign of Emperor Nero. While Nero's later years were marked by tyranny and persecution, at this point, his rule was relatively stable, and the Roman Empire provided a degree of peace and order (the *Pax Romana*). Taxation was a pervasive and often burdensome reality for all citizens and subjects of the Roman Empire, collected through various means including direct taxes (like the *tributum soli* on land and *tributum capitis* on persons, which *phoros* likely refers to) and indirect taxes (customs duties, tolls). For early Christians, who often faced suspicion and accusations of disloyalty due to their allegiance to Christ over Caesar, Paul's instruction was crucial. It provided a clear theological framework for their civic responsibilities, distinguishing their spiritual allegiance from their practical duties as subjects of the state, thereby demonstrating that Christianity was not a revolutionary or anarchic movement.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several key themes within Romans and broader Pauline theology. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, asserting that even secular governing authorities are part of God's design for order in a fallen world, acting as His instruments (ministers) for maintaining justice and peace. Secondly, it highlights **Christian Civic Responsibility**, emphasizing that submission to authority, including the payment of taxes, is not merely a legal obligation but a moral and spiritual duty for believers. This aligns with the call for believers to live peaceably and be good citizens, as seen in passages like [1 Timothy 2:1-2](/1_timothy/2-1-2 "1 Timothy 2:1-2 - Prayers for Authorities"). Thirdly, the verse touches upon the **Purpose of Government**, implying that the state's role is to administer justice, punish evil, and commend good, tasks that require continuous effort and financial support, as elaborated in [Romans 13:3-4](/romans/13-3-4 "Romans 13:3-4 - Government as God's Servant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **tribute (Greek, _phóros'_):** This term (G5411) refers specifically to a direct, regular tax, often levied on persons or property. It distinguishes itself from other forms of taxation like customs duties or tolls. Paul's use of *phoros* here emphasizes the fundamental financial support required by the state from its subjects, underscoring the direct obligation of citizens to contribute to the maintenance of public order and services.
* **ministers (Greek, _leitourgós'_):** The Greek word (G3011) signifies a "public servant" or "functionary." While it can refer to temple service or gospel ministry, in this context, it denotes agents or instruments of God in a civic sense. It highlights that governing authorities, regardless of their personal faith, are fulfilling a divinely appointed role in maintaining societal order and justice. This term elevates their function beyond mere human administration to a realm of divine purpose.
* **attending continually (Greek, _proskarteréō'_):** This compound verb (G4342) conveys the idea of being earnest towards, persevering, or being constantly diligent. It suggests an assiduous and persistent devotion to a task. In the context of governing authorities, it implies their ongoing, dedicated, and laborious work in administering justice, maintaining peace, and providing the necessary framework for societal functioning. This continuous effort is presented as the justification for the financial support they receive.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For for this cause pay ye tribute also:"** This opening clause directly connects to the preceding verses, providing the reason ("for this cause") why Christians should submit to authorities, specifically through the act of paying taxes ("pay ye tribute also"). It presents taxation as a natural and necessary consequence of acknowledging the divine institution of government.
* **"for they are God's ministers,"** This phrase provides the core theological justification. Governing authorities are not merely human constructs or arbitrary powers, but rather "God's ministers" (or servants). This does not imply their personal righteousness or spiritual standing, but rather their functional role as instruments through whom God exercises His providential rule to maintain order and restrain evil in the world.
* **"attending continually upon this very thing."** This final clause explains the nature of the "ministry" performed by these authorities. They are diligently and persistently engaged in the ongoing work of governance, which includes administering justice, enforcing laws, providing public services, and ensuring societal stability. This continuous, dedicated service is presented as the practical basis that necessitates and justifies the financial support (tribute) they receive from the populace.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Logical Argumentation** throughout this passage, building a case for Christian submission to authority. He begins with a general principle (all authority is from God) and then provides specific reasons and practical applications, such as the payment of tribute. The use of the causal conjunction "for" (Greek: *gar*) twice in this single verse underscores this logical progression, explaining *why* tribute is paid by appealing to the nature of the authorities as God's ministers and their continuous work. There is also an element of **Metonymy** in "God's ministers," where the term for "servant" or "functionary" stands for the divinely appointed role and purpose of the governing authorities themselves. This device elevates the understanding of civil service beyond mere human politics to a realm of divine ordination.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 13:6 profoundly shapes Christian political theology, establishing that civil government, despite its imperfections, is a divine institution designed to maintain order and justice in a fallen world. This perspective transforms the mundane act of paying taxes into an act of obedience to God, recognizing His hand in the structures that govern society. It underscores that believers are called not to anarchy or rebellion, but to responsible citizenship, participating in the common good by supporting the mechanisms that restrain evil and promote peace. This theological grounding provides a framework for Christians to engage with their governments, not out of fear, but out of a conviction that they are, in some sense, cooperating with God's providential care for humanity.

* [Matthew 22:21](/matthew/22-21 "Matthew 22:21 - Render to Caesar")
* [1 Peter 2:13-14](/1_peter/2-13-14 "1 Peter 2:13-14 - Submit to Human Authority")
* [Titus 3:1](/titus/3-1 "Titus 3:1 - Be Subject to Rulers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 13:6 calls believers to a profound reorientation of their perspective on civic duties. Instead of viewing taxes as a mere burden or an unavoidable imposition, we are challenged to see them as a means by which we participate in God's ongoing work of maintaining order and justice in the world. This verse encourages us to pray for our leaders, even those we disagree with, recognizing that they serve a divine purpose, however imperfectly. It fosters a spirit of responsible citizenship, urging us to contribute to the welfare of society and to be a witness to the transforming power of the Gospel through our obedience and integrity. In a world often marked by distrust of authority, this passage reminds us that God is sovereign over all earthly powers, and our submission to legitimate authority is ultimately an act of submission to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does viewing governing authorities as "God's ministers" change your perspective on civic responsibilities, such as paying taxes or obeying laws?**
* **In what ways can a Christian demonstrate responsible citizenship while still maintaining their primary allegiance to Christ?**
* **How might this verse inform our prayers for political leaders, especially those whose policies or character we find challenging?**

### FAQ
**Does "God's ministers" imply that all governing authorities are righteous or believers?**

Answer: No, the term "God's ministers" (Greek: *leitourgós*) in [Romans 13:6](/romans/13-6 "Romans 13:6 - God's Ministers") does not imply that all governing authorities are righteous individuals or believers. Instead, it refers to their functional role as public servants or instruments through whom God exercises His providential rule. Paul's point is that God uses these authorities, regardless of their personal faith or moral character, to maintain order, administer justice, and restrain evil in society. Their authority is divinely instituted, even if their actions are not always aligned with God's perfect will. This understanding is consistent with other biblical passages where God uses non-believing rulers (e.g., Cyrus in [Isaiah 45:1](/isaiah/45-1 "Isaiah 45:1 - God Anoints Cyrus")) to accomplish His purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Romans 13:6 speaks directly to the Christian's duty to earthly authorities, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning are found in Christ. Jesus Himself exemplified perfect submission to divine authority, even when it led to His crucifixion by human powers. He taught His disciples to "render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's" ([Matthew 22:21](/matthew/22-21 "Matthew 22:21 - Render to Caesar")), demonstrating a clear distinction between civic duty and ultimate allegiance, yet upholding the legitimacy of both. Christ is the ultimate "minister" (or servant) of God, not in a civic sense, but in fulfilling God's redemptive plan, laying down His life as the "suffering servant" prophesied in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"). Furthermore, all earthly authority finds its true and perfect expression in the resurrected Christ, who has been given "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). Thus, our submission to earthly powers, as imperfect as they may be, is ultimately an echo of our submission to the cosmic authority of Christ, who alone perfectly governs and ministers God's will, ensuring that even the actions of human governments ultimately serve His sovereign purposes until He returns to establish His perfect kingdom ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of 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

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.