Romans 13:7

¶ Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute [is due]; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

Render {G591} therefore {G3767} to all {G3956} their dues {G3782}: tribute {G5411} to whom {G3588} tribute {G5411} is due; custom {G5056} to whom {G3588} custom {G5056}; fear {G5401} to whom {G3588} fear {G5401}; honour {G5092} to whom {G3588} honour {G5092}.

Pay everyone what he is owed: if you owe the tax-collector, pay your taxes; if you owe the revenue-collector, pay revenue; if you owe someone respect, pay him respect; if you owe someone honor, pay him honor.

Pay everyone what you owe him: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.

Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

Commentary

Romans 13:7 is a powerful summary statement that concludes Paul's teaching on the Christian's duty towards governing authorities and society. It calls believers to fulfill all their obligations, both financial and relational, towards others.

Context

This verse follows directly from Paul's exhortation in Romans 13:1-6 regarding submission to governing authorities. He establishes that secular rulers are ordained by God to maintain order and punish evil. Paying taxes is presented as a practical demonstration of this submission, as rulers serve as "ministers of God" for the common good. Verse 7 broadens this principle beyond just financial duties to encompass all forms of respect and honor due to others.

Key Themes

  • Civic Responsibility: The verse emphasizes the Christian's obligation to be a responsible citizen, fulfilling legal and societal duties. This includes paying taxes and customs without evasion, contributing to the common welfare of society.
  • Respect for Authority: "Fear to whom fear" and "honour to whom honour" highlight the importance of showing proper respect and deference to those in positions of authority, whether governmental, ecclesiastical, or social. This respect is for the office they hold, not necessarily their personal character.
  • Ethical Obligation: It underscores the principle of rendering what is rightfully due to all people. This extends the idea of honesty and integrity into every sphere of life, ensuring fair dealings and equitable treatment in all relationships.
  • Christian Witness: By diligently fulfilling these duties, believers demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel and live out their faith in a way that is commendable to both God and society.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses precise terms that reflect the original Greek:

  • "Render" (Greek: apodidōmi - ἀποδίδωμι): This verb means "to give back," "to pay back," or "to fulfill an obligation." It implies that these are not voluntary contributions but duties owed.
  • "Tribute" (Greek: phoros - φόρος): Refers to direct taxes, such as a poll tax or land tax, levied on persons or property.
  • "Custom" (Greek: telos - τέλος): Refers to indirect taxes, duties, or tolls collected on merchandise, imports, or commerce.
  • "Fear" (Greek: phobos - φόβος): In this context, it signifies a respectful awe or reverence for those in authority, not necessarily terror or dread.
  • "Honour" (Greek: timē - τιμή): Denotes esteem, value, dignity, or high regard.

Practical Application

Romans 13:7 calls believers today to be exemplary citizens. This means:

In essence, Romans 13:7 provides a clear directive for how believers should interact with the world around them, emphasizing responsibility, respect, and righteousness in all their dealings.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Peter 2:17

    Honour all [men]. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

  • 1 Peter 2:18

    Servants, [be] subject to [your] masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.

  • Luke 20:25

    And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.

  • Matthew 17:25

    He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?

  • Proverbs 24:21

    ¶ My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: [and] meddle not with them that are given to change:

  • 1 Timothy 5:17

    ¶ Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

  • 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.