Therefore it is necessary to submit to authority, not only to avoid punishment, but also as a matter of conscience.
Parallel translations
- WEB Therefore you need to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience’ sake.
- KJV Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
- NKJV Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.
- NASB Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for the sake of conscience.
- NLT So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Submit to authority not only to avoid punishment but for conscience' sake.
Overview
Paul gives a deeper motive for submission than mere fear of penalty: a conscience instructed by the knowledge that authority is God-ordained. The believer obeys out of reverence for God, not merely dread of consequences. This internalizes civic obedience as part of Christian discipleship.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 8
- Acts 24:16In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man.
- Eccl 8:2Keep the king’s command, I say, because of your oath before God.
- 1 Pet 2:19For if anyone endures the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God, this is to be commended.
- 1 Pet 2:13–15Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority,
- 1 Sam 24:5–6Afterward, David’s conscience was stricken because he had cut off the corner of Saul’s robe.
- Titus 3:1–2Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work,
- Heb 13:18Pray for us; we are convinced that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.
- 1 Pet 3:16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
Paul unfolds the gospel in full: Christ our righteousness received by faith, the second Adam in whom many are made righteous, in whose death and resurrection we are buried and raised.
How Romans 13:5 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.