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.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul addresses the Roman Christian community, instructing them on their civic posture under the Roman state.

The words — ψυχὴ (psuchē, "soul") marks the whole inner person, not merely outward behavior, as the subject of submission; ὑποτασσέσθω (hupotassesthō, "should be subject") is a middle-voice imperative, a deliberate act of placing oneself under.

The thread — The same duty appears in Titus 3:1 (obedience to rulers) and 1 Peter 2:13 (submission "for the Lord's sake" to human institutions); Daniel 2:21 grounds the principle in God's sovereign right to install and remove kings.

Why it lands — It removes the option of treating political authority as a mere human accident and forces the reader to decide whether to align with or resist what it calls God's appointment.

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

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Cross-references

Titus 3:1 Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work,
1 Peter 2:13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority,
Daniel 2:21 He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.
John 19:11 Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of greater sin.”
Proverbs 8:15 By me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws;
Jeremiah 27:5 By My great power and outstretched arm, I made the earth and the men and beasts on the face of it, and I give it to whom I please.
Jude 1:8 Yet in the same way these dreamers defile their bodies, reject authority, and slander glorious beings.
Daniel 5:18 As for you, O king, the Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty and greatness, glory and honor.
Psalms 62:11 God has spoken once; I have heard this twice: that power belongs to God,
Ephesians 5:21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.