Bible Strands
1 Peter 2:13
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority,
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Peter addresses believers living among Gentiles who slander them, issuing this command immediately after urging honorable conduct and just before defining the governor’s role. He frames civic submission as the next practical step in their faithful witness.
The words — ὑποταγήτε (hupotagēte) means "be subjected," and διὰ (dia) translates to "for the sake of." The text commands submission to human institutions specifically because of the Lord.
The thread — The text commands submission to rulers and authorities (Titus 3:1), states that all governing power originates from God (Romans 13:1), and links civic order to prayerful conduct (1 Timothy 2:1). These passages consistently place civil submission within the broader framework of divine sovereignty and orderly witness.
Why it lands — The text demands that believers acknowledge civil structures as part of their obedience to God. It asks readers to align their daily conduct with this submission regardless of personal circumstance.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
Cross-references
- Titus 3:1 Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work,
- Romans 13:1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God.
- 1 Timothy 2:1 First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone—
- Luke 20:25 So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
- Proverbs 24:21 My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious.
- Jeremiah 29:7 Seek the prosperity of the city to which I have sent you as exiles. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
- Matthew 22:21 “Caesar’s,” they answered. So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
- Mark 12:17 Then Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” And they marveled at Him.
- Ephesians 5:21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
- 2 Peter 2:10 Such punishment is specially reserved for those who indulge the corrupt desires of the flesh and despise authority. Bold and self-willed, they are unafraid to slander glorious beings.