Bible Strands
Romans 13:5
Therefore it is necessary to submit to authority, not only to avoid punishment, but also as a matter of conscience.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Roman church, directing them on civic conduct immediately after describing rulers as God’s appointed agents of justice.
The words — The Greek ἀνάγκη (anankē) means it is necessary, and ὑποτάσσεσθαι (hupotassesthai) means to be subject, framing the instruction as a binding obligation rather than a suggestion.
The thread — The link between submission, conscience, and divine appointment recurs in Ecclesiastes 8:2, Acts 24:16, and 1 Peter 2:19.
Why it lands — The text commands submission to governing authorities to avoid wrath and to satisfy conscience; interpreters often expand this to modern political systems, but the verse itself grounds obedience in divine appointment and personal accountability.
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
Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
Cross-references
- Ecclesiastes 8:2 Keep the king’s command, I say, because of your oath before God.
- Acts 24:16 In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man.
- 1 Peter 2:19 For if anyone endures the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God, this is to be commended.
- 1 Samuel 24:5 Afterward, David’s conscience was stricken because he had cut off the corner of Saul’s robe.
- 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,
- Hebrews 13:18 Pray for us; we are convinced that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.
- 1 Peter 3:16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ.