1 Peter 2:13

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Peter 2:13 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord`s sake: whether to the king, as supreme;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord`s sake: whether to the king, as supreme;
1 Peter 2:13 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Peter 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
13Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord`s sake: whether to the king, as supreme;

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man, etc.] Or, “to every human creation”, or “creature”; not to “all the sons of men”, as the Syriac version renders it; or to all the individuals of mankind; for there are some that are in such stations and circumstances, that they are not to be submitted to, but to be ruled over, and governed: so kings are not to submit to their subjects, nor are parents to be subject to their children, nor husbands to their wives, nor masters to their servants, which would be preposterous; but submission is limited and restrained to persons in such a place and situation: “the human creature”, or “creation”, here designs the Gentiles, who are elsewhere called the…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“every ordinance of man--"every human institution" [ALFORD], literally, "every human creation." For though of divine appointment, yet in the mode of nomination and in the exercise of their authority, earthly governors are but human institutions, being of men, and in relation to men. The apostle speaks as one raised above all human things. But lest they should think themselves so ennobled by faith as to be raised above subordination to human authorities, he tells them to submit themselves for the sake of Christ, who desires you to be subject, and who once was subject to earthly rulers Himself, though having all things subject to Him, and whose honor is at stake in you as His earthly…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man - Greek, “to every creation of man,” (ἀνθρωπίνῃ κτίσει anthrōpinē ktisei The meaning is, to every institution or appointment of man; to wit, of those who are in authority, or who are appointed to administer government. The laws, institutes, and appointments of such a government may be spoken of as the creation of man; that is, as what man makes. Of course, what is here said must be understood with the limitation everywhere implied, that what is ordained by those in authority is not contrary to the law of God. See the notes at Acts 4:19. On the general duty here enjoined of subjection to civil authority, see the notes at Romans 13:1-7. For the…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man - To every secular power. Instrumentally these are ordained by men; but originally all their power is from God. 1 Peter 2:14”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“2:13–3:7 This section revolves around the key phrase submit to all human authority, which Peter applies to several relationships: Christians should accept the authority of those in government (2:13-17), Christian slaves should accept the authority of their masters (2:18-25), and Christian wives should accept the authority of their husbands (3:1-6). Peter seems to be following an early Christian usage of the traditional household code, in which a series of instructions was given for different members of the household (cp. Eph 5:21–6:9; Col 3:18–4:1; 1 Tim 5:1–6:2; Titus 2:1-10). 2:13 In Peter’s day, the king was the Roman emperor. Christians were suffering in the hands of the state and would…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Pro 17:11, Pro 24:21; Jer 29:7; Mat 22:21; Mar 12:17; Luk 20:25; Rom 13:1-7; Eph 5:21; Ti1 2:1, Ti1 2:2; Tit 3:1; Pe2 2:10; Jde 1:8-10 1 Peter 2:14”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification