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Romans 13:4

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Romans 13:4 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “for he is a 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 a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him that doeth evil.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

for he is a 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 a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him that doeth evil.
Romans 13:4 — American Standard Version

Context — Romans 13

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the [powers] that be are ordained of God.
2Therefore he that resisteth the power, withstandeth the ordinance of God: and they that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment.
3For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. And wouldest thou have no fear of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise from the same:
4for he is a 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 a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him that doeth evil.
5Wherefore [ye] must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience` sake.
6For this cause ye pay tribute also; for they are ministers of God`s service, attending continually upon this very thing.
7Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute [is due]; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.
← Romans 13:3Romans 13:5 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For he is the minister of God to thee for good, etc..] He is a minister of God's appointing and commissioning, that acts under him, and for him, is a kind of a vicegerent of his, and in some, sense represents him; and which is another reason why men ought to be subject to him; and especially since he is appointed for their “good”, natural, moral, civil, and spiritual, as Pareus observes: for natural good, for the protection of men's natural lives, which otherwise would be in continual danger from wicked men; for moral good, for the restraining of vice, and encouragement of virtue; profaneness abounds exceedingly, as the case is, but what would it do if there were no laws to forbid it, or…”
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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
“he beareth not the sword in vain--that is, the symbol of the magistrate's authority to punish.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The minister of God - The “servant” of God he is appointed by God to do his will, and to execute his purposes. “To thee.” For your benefit. For good - That is, to protect you in your rights; to vindicate your name, person, or property; and to guard your liberty, and secure to you the results of your industry. The magistrate is not appointed directly to “reward” people, but they “practically” furnish a reward by protecting and defending them, and securing to them the interests of justice. If thou do that ... - That is, if any citizen should do evil. Be afraid - Fear the just vengeance of the laws. For he beareth not the sword in vain - The “sword” is an instrument of punishment, as well as an…”
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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
“The sword - The instrument of capital punishment, which God authorizes him to inflict. Romans 13:5”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“13:4 servants (Greek diakonos): The New Testament usually reserves this word to describe Christians who serve God in various capacities. However, it was also used in secular Greek to refer to a civic official. Whether they know it or not, governing authorities are serving God when they administer justice. • they have the power to punish you (literally they do not bear the sword in vain): The sword might simply be a metaphor for punishment of any kind, but some interpreters believe it suggests that human governments, under God’s authority, have the right to carry out capital punishment.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“he is: Rom 13:6; Kg1 10:9; Ch2 19:6; Psa 82:2-4; Pro 24:23, Pro 24:24, Pro 31:8, Pro 31:9; Ecc 8:2-5; Isa 1:17; Jer 5:28; Eze 22:27; Mic 3:1-4, Mic 3:9 be: Pro 16:14, Pro 20:2, Pro 20:8, Pro 20:26 revenger: Rom 12:19; Num 35:19-27; Jos 20:5, Jos 20:9; Eze 25:14 Romans 13:5”
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Related study paths

Read Romans 13 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification