Romans 13:3 · KJV
“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:”
— Romans 13:3
Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
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.
Romans 13 — Context
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. {ordained: or, ordered}
2Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
3For 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:
4For 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.
5Wherefore {ye} must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 10:4-6
If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.
Proverbs 14:35
The king's favour {is} toward a wise servant: but his wrath is {against} him that causeth shame.
Proverbs 20:2
The fear of a king {is} as the roaring of a lion: {whoso} provoketh him to anger sinneth {against} his own soul.
1 Peter 2:13-14
Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
Deuteronomy 25:1
If there be a controversy between men, and they come unto judgment, that {the judges} may judge them; then they shall justify the righteous, and condemn the wicked.
Jeremiah 22:15-18
Shalt thou reign, because thou closest {thyself} in cedar? did not thy father eat and drink, and do judgment and justice, {and} then {it was} well with him?
1 Peter 3:13-14
And who {is} he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
Romans 13:4
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.