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.

Every ▼

▼Or soul

^bperson is to be ^csubject to the governing authorities. For ^dthere is no authority except ▼

▼Lit by

from God, and those which exist are established by God.

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except by God’s appointment, ▼

▼tn Grk “by God.”

and the authorities that exist have been instituted by God.

Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

Therefore ▼

▼Lit the one who

whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.

So the person who resists such authority ▼

▼tn Grk “the authority,” referring to the authority just described.

resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will incur judgment

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:

For ⁱrulers are not a cause of fear for ▼

▼Lit good work

good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same;

(for rulers cause no fear for good conduct but for bad). Do you desire not to fear authority? Do good and you will receive its commendation

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.

for it is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a servant of God, an ^kavenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.

because it is God’s servant for your well-being. But be afraid if you do wrong because government ▼

▼tn Grk “it.”

does not bear the sword for nothing. It is God’s servant to administer punishment on the person who does wrong.

Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also ^mfor the sake of conscience.

Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath of the authorities ▼

▼tn Grk “its wrath”; the referent (the governing authorities) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

but also because of your conscience. ▼

▼tn Grk “because of (the) conscience,” but the English possessive “your” helps to show whose conscience the context implies.

For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing.

For this reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities ▼

▼tn Grk “they”; the referent (the governing authorities) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

are God’s servants devoted to governing. ▼

▼tn Grk “devoted to this very thing.”

Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

^rPay to all what is due them: ^stax to whom tax is due; ^tcustom to whom custom; ▼

▼I.e., for authority; lit fear

respect to whom ▼

▼I.e., for authority; lit fear

respect; honor to whom honor.

Pay everyone what is owed: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.