Bible Strands
Romans 13:6
This is also why you pay taxes. For the authorities are God’s servants, who devote themselves to their work.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Roman church to explain the theological basis for civic obedience. He issues this instruction immediately after commanding submission to governing authorities as a matter of conscience.
The words — λειτουργοὶ (leitourgoi) literally denotes public ministers or officials who devote themselves to their assigned duties. The verb τελεῖτε (teleite) commands the specific act of paying or rendering taxes.
The thread — The subject of civic taxation surfaces in Matthew 22:17, where questioners ask Jesus whether it is lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, and in Luke 23:2, where accusers falsely claim Jesus forbids paying taxes to Caesar.
Why it lands — The text states that governing officials are God’s servants who devote themselves to their work, which is the reason believers pay taxes. It requires rendering financial dues to authorities based on their appointed function rather than on fear of punishment or personal agreement.
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 for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
Cross-references
- Matthew 22:17 So tell us what You think: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
- Luke 20:21 “Teacher,” they inquired, “we know that You speak and teach correctly. You show no partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.
- Luke 23:2 And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man subverting our nation, forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar, and proclaiming Himself to be Christ, a King.”
- Matthew 17:24 After they had arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, “Does your Teacher pay the two drachmas?”
- Mark 12:14 “Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and seek favor from no one. Indeed, You are impartial and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay them or not?”
- 1 Chronicles 18:14 Thus David reigned over all Israel and administered justice and righteousness for all his people:
- Exodus 18:13 The next day Moses took his seat to judge the people, and they stood around him from morning until evening.
- Deuteronomy 1:9 At that time I said to you, “I cannot carry the burden for you alone.
- 2 Samuel 8:5 When the Arameans of Damascus came to help King Hadadezer of Zobah, David struck down twenty-two thousand of their men.
- Ezra 4:13 Let it now be known to the king that if that city is rebuilt and its walls are restored, they will not pay tribute, duty, or toll, and the royal treasury will suffer.