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Romans 13:1–8

A connected passage, with study helps kept beside the verses they explain.

TEXT EDITION
Pure Cambridge Edition selected

Romans 13:1

1LET every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Romans 13:2

2Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

Romans 13:3

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:

Romans 13:4

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.

Romans 13:5

5Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

Romans 13:6

6For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

Romans 13:7

7Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

Romans 13:8

8Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

ENSURE CONTEXTUALIZATION

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DEFINED WORDS

Romans 13:1

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

every

Each one of all; all taken separately, without exception in the stated group.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

MEANING IN THIS VERSE

subject

Under the authority, power, control, rule, or obedience of the person or power named.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

higher

Raised or far above; great in height, rank, degree, or importance; as an adverb, greatly or aloft.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

power

Ability, strength, authority, dominion, or the right and capacity to act.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription)

MEANING IN THIS VERSE

but

But; marking a contrast or qualification in the sentence.

Meaning drawn from: Skeat 1893 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

God

A deity or object of worship; when referring to the LORD, the one true God.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

DEFINED WORDS

Romans 13:2

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

Whosoever

Whoever; any person who, without restriction in the stated class.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

power

Ability, strength, authority, dominion, or the right and capacity to act.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

God

A deity or object of worship; when referring to the LORD, the one true God.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

receive

To take, accept, admit, welcome, or obtain what is given or presented.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription)

DEFINED WORDS

Romans 13:3

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

rulers

Persons who govern, direct, or exercise authority.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

good

That which is right, beneficial, pleasing, useful, or morally upright.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

works

Acts, deeds, labours, or things produced; also acts or operates.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

MEANING IN THIS VERSE

but

But; marking a contrast or qualification in the sentence.

Meaning drawn from: Skeat 1893 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

Wilt

To will, choose, intend, or be disposed to; as an auxiliary, indicates future action.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

power

Ability, strength, authority, dominion, or the right and capacity to act.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

praise

Approval, honour, or commendation expressed in words or song; also to commend, extol, or glorify.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

DEFINED WORDS

Romans 13:4

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

minister

One who attends, serves, or supplies what is needed; as a verb, to serve, attend, give, provide, or perform an appointed service.

Meaning drawn from: Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

God

A deity or object of worship; when referring to the LORD, the one true God.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

good

That which is right, beneficial, pleasing, useful, or morally upright.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

MEANING IN THIS VERSE

but

But; marking a contrast or qualification in the sentence.

Meaning drawn from: Skeat 1893 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

wrath

Intense anger or indignation; also judgment or punishment proceeding from such anger.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription)

DEFINED WORDS

Romans 13:5

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

Wherefore

Why; for what reason.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · KJV usage (PCE)

MEANING IN THIS VERSE

subject

Under the authority, power, control, rule, or obedience of the person or power named.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

wrath

Intense anger or indignation; also judgment or punishment proceeding from such anger.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription)

MEANING IN THIS VERSE

but

But; marking a contrast or qualification in the sentence.

Meaning drawn from: Skeat 1893 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

sake

Cause, account, purpose, interest, or benefit; used in phrases meaning because of or for the benefit of someone or something.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

DEFINED WORDS

Romans 13:6

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

cause

A reason, ground, matter in dispute, or judicial case; as a verb, to make something happen.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

pay

To discharge a debt or obligation; to render what is due, fulfill a promise, reward, or recompense.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · KJV usage (PCE)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

God

A deity or object of worship; when referring to the LORD, the one true God.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

ministers

Persons who serve, attend, or perform an entrusted office.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

DEFINED WORDS

Romans 13:7

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

Render

To return; to pay back. To give.

Meaning drawn from: Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828 · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · KJV usage (PCE)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

all

Wholly, entirely, or altogether; every one or the whole amount, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

fear

Alarm or dread; reverent awe; as a verb, to be afraid, revere, or cause fear.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

DEFINED WORDS

Romans 13:8

MEANING IN THIS VERSE

Owe

To remain indebted or obligated; here, to leave no outstanding obligation except love.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

man

A human being; an adult male; a person, husband, servant, or representative, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

any

One, some, or every member or amount of an indefinite number or quantity, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

love

Affection, goodwill, devoted regard, or charity; as a verb, to regard with such affection or goodwill.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

one

The number one; a single person or thing; the same or united as a whole.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

loveth

Loves; regards with affection, goodwill, or devoted care.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

law

A rule, command, or body of commands established by authority; especially God's commandments or the law given through Moses, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE

Cross References

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From verse 1

  1. Titus 3:1
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  2. 1 Peter 2:13–17
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  3. Daniel 2:21
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  4. John 19:11
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  5. Proverbs 8:15–16
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From verse 2

  1. 1 Peter 2:13
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  2. Titus 3:1
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  3. James 3:1
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  4. Romans 13:5
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  5. Luke 20:47
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From verse 3

  1. Ecclesiastes 10:4–6
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  2. 1 Peter 2:13–14
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  3. Proverbs 14:35
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  4. Proverbs 20:2
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  5. Deuteronomy 25:1
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From verse 4

  1. Romans 12:19
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  2. 2 Chronicles 19:6
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  3. Proverbs 24:23–24
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  4. Proverbs 16:14
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  5. Proverbs 20:2
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From verse 5

  1. 1 Peter 2:19
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  2. Acts 24:16
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  3. Ecclesiastes 8:2
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  4. 1 Peter 2:13–15
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  5. 1 Samuel 24:5–6
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From verse 6

  1. Matthew 22:17–21
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  2. Luke 20:21–26
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  3. Luke 23:2
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  4. Mark 12:14–17
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  5. Matthew 17:24–27
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From verse 7

  1. Luke 20:25
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  2. 1 Peter 2:17–18
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  3. Matthew 17:25
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  4. Proverbs 24:21
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  5. 1 Timothy 5:17
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From verse 8

  1. Romans 13:10
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  2. Matthew 22:39–40
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  3. Galatians 5:14
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  4. Matthew 7:12
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  5. Proverbs 3:27–28
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