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.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul addresses the Roman believers regarding their civic conduct, immediately following his instruction that rulers inspire fear only through bad conduct. He frames civil authority within the broader context of Christian submission and conscience.

The words — διάκονος (diakonos) translates literally as servant, and ἀγαθόν (agathon) means good. The text explicitly labels the ruler as God’s servant appointed for the believer’s benefit.

The thread — This theme of delegated divine justice echoes Romans 12:19, which reserves vengeance for God, and 2 Chronicles 19:6, which reminds judges they act for the LORD. Proverbs 24:23 further grounds the requirement for impartial judgment in divine standards.

Why it lands — The verse demands recognition of civil authority as an instrument of God’s order rather than a threat to the righteous. It requires readers to submit to governing structures while maintaining moral accountability to avoid retribution.

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 he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

Cross-references

Romans 12:19 Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”
2 Chronicles 19:6 Then he said to the judges, “Consider carefully what you do, for you are not judging for man, but for the LORD, who is with you when you render judgment.
Proverbs 24:23 These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good.
Proverbs 16:14 The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it.
Proverbs 20:2 The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his own life.
Psalms 82:2 “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah
Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”
Romans 13:6 This is also why you pay taxes. For the authorities are God’s servants, who devote themselves to their work.
1 Thessalonians 4:6 and no one should ever violate or exploit his brother in this regard, because the Lord will avenge all such acts, as we have already told you and solemnly warned you.
Proverbs 31:8 Open your mouth for those with no voice, for the cause of all the dispossessed.