Romans 13:3

For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul writes to the Roman church to instruct them on civic conduct under governing authorities. He places this directive immediately after warning that resisting established power opposes God’s arrangement.

The words — ἄρχοντες (archontes) translates literally to "rulers" or "those in authority." φόβος (phobos) means "a terror" or "fear," specifying what rulers do not instill in those who practice good conduct.

The thread — The dynamic between rulers and subjects appears in Proverbs 14:35 and Proverbs 20:2, which note that kings reward wise servants and threaten those who provoke them. Ecclesiastes 10:4 addresses ruler temper, while Romans 13:2 and 13:4 frame this verse within Paul’s argument on submission and the sword-bearing authority.

Why it lands — The text commands readers to do what is right to avoid fear of authority and secure official approval. It places the burden of avoiding punitive measures directly on the citizen’s behavior rather than on the ruler’s disposition.

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

For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

Cross-references

Ecclesiastes 10:4 If the ruler’s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post, for calmness lays great offenses to rest.
Proverbs 14:35 A king delights in a wise servant, but his anger falls on the shameful.
Proverbs 20:2 The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his own life.
1 Peter 2:13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority,
Deuteronomy 25:1 If there is a dispute between men, they are to go to court to be judged, so that the innocent may be acquitted and the guilty condemned.
Jeremiah 22:15 Does it make you a king to excel in cedar? Did not your father have food and drink? He administered justice and righteousness, and so it went well with him.
1 Peter 3:13 Who can harm you if you are zealous for what is good?
Romans 13:4 For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer.