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Romans 13:7

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Romans 13:7 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute [is due]; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute [is due]; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.
Romans 13:7 — American Standard Version

Context — Romans 13

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
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.
8Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law.
9For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not covet, and if there be any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
10Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: love therefore is the fulfilment of the law.
← Romans 13:6Romans 13:8 →
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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
“Render therefore to all their dues, etc..] To all princes, magistrates, and officers, that are placed over us, from the supreme governor to the lowest officer under him, should we render as a due debt, and not as a mere gift, whatever belongs to them, or is proper for them for the due discharge of their office, to encourage in it, and support the dignity of it, whether external or internal: tribute to whom tribute is due, custom to whom custom. These two words include all sorts of levies, taxes, subsidies, etc.. and the former may particularly design what is laid on men's persons and estates, as poll money, land tax, etc.. and the latter, what arises from the exportation and importation of…”
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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
“Render therefore to all their dues--From magistrates the apostle now comes to other officials, and from them to men related to us by whatever tie. tribute--land tax. custom--mercantile tax. fear--reverence for superiors. honour--the respect due to persons of distinction.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Render therefore ... - This injunction is often repeated in the Bible; see the notes at Matthew 22:21; see also Matthew 17:25-27; 1 Peter 2:13-17; Proverbs 24:21. It is one of the most lovely and obvious of the duties of religion. Christianity is not designed to break in upon the proper order of society, but rather to establish and confirm that order. It does not rudely assail existing institutions: but it comes to put them on a proper footing, to diffuse a mild and pure influence over all, and to secure “such” an influence in all the relations of life as shall tend best to promote the happiness of man and the welfare of the community. Is due - To whom it properly belongs by the law of 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
“To all - Magistrates. Tribute - Taxes on your persons or estates. Custom - For goods exported or imported. Fear - Obedience. Honour - Reverence. All these are due to the supreme power. Romans 13:8”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“therefore: Luk 20:25 fear to: Lev 19:3; Sa1 12:18; Pro 24:21; Eph 5:33, Eph 6:5; Pe1 2:18 honour to: Exo 20:12; Lev 19:32; Eph 6:2, Eph 6:3; Ti1 5:13, Ti1 5:17, Ti1 6:1; Pe1 2:17, Pe1 3:7 Romans 13:8”
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Related study paths

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

Sources and verification