Romans 13:4 · KJV
“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 13:4
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:
Wherefore {ye} must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
Romans 13 — Context
Whosoever 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.
6For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
Cross References
Romans 12:19
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but {rather} give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance {is} mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
2 Chronicles 19:6
And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who {is} with you in the judgment. {in...: Heb. in the matter of judgment}
Proverbs 24:23-24
These {things} also {belong} to the wise. {It is} not good to have respect of persons in judgment.
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.
Proverbs 16:14
The wrath of a king {is as} messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.
Romans 13:6
For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
1 Thessalonians 4:6
That no {man} go beyond and defraud his brother in {any} matter: because that the Lord {is} the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. {defraud: or, oppress, or, overreach} {in...: or, in the matter}
Psalms 82:2-4
How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.