Preface: There are two topics in this chapter: (1) the concept of believers submitting to governmental authorities as agents of a law and order God; and (2) the daily walk of the believer, which is not to be all about gratification of the flesh. The daily walk relates back to previous chapters, as Paul takes into consideration that there are

Bible Summary: Submit to authorities. Pay taxes to those due taxes. Owe nothing except love, which fulfils the law. Clothe yourselves with Christ.

This should be the most extensive examination of Romans 13 available, where you will be able to examine in depth every word of the original text.

Brief Overview:

Outline of Chapter 13:

Preface

Introduction

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Chapter Summary

Addendum

Charts, Graphics and Short Doctrines:

         Preface               Preface

         Preface               Brief Overview

         Preface               Quotations

         Introduction         Titles and/or Brief Descriptions of Romans 13 (by Various Commentators)

         Introduction         Brief, but insightful observations of Romans 13 (various commentators)

         Introduction         Fundamental Questions About Romans 13

         Introduction 

         Introduction         The Prequel to Romans 13

         Introduction         The Principals of Romans 13

         Introduction         The Places of Romans 13

         Introduction         By the Numbers

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Romans 13

         Introduction         Outlines and Summaries of Romans 13 (Various Commentators)

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Romans 13 from the Summarized Bible

         Introduction 

         Introduction 

         Introduction         The Big Picture (Romans –)

         Introduction 

         Introduction 

         Introduction         Changes—additions and subtractions

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         v.       8              Are Christians Forbidden All Forms of Debt? (Ron Snider)

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         Summary            A Set of Summary Doctrines and Commentary

         Summary            Why Romans 13 is in the Word of God

         Summary            What We Learn from Romans 13

         Summary            Jesus Christ in Romans 13

         Summary            A Brief Review of Romans 13

         Summary 

         Summary 

         Addendum          Footnote for Romans 13:1 (Christian Community Bible)

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         Addendum          A Complete Translation of Romans 13

         Addendum          Doctrinal Teachers Who Have Taught Romans 13

         Addendum          Word Cloud from the Kukis Paraphrase of Romans 13

         Addendum          Word Cloud from Exegesis of Romans 13

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An Introduction to Romans 13

I ntroduction: Romans 13

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Here is how others have translated this verse:

Ancient texts:                       I will use the Westcott-Hort Greek text as the basis for my English translation. I use that test primarily because e-sword has a nice module by Rob Wolfram which has the interlinear English text, Strong’s #’s, and the Greek morphology. The e-sword tab is IWH+P. I do not use their English text for my translation. Also, throughout, I take in consideration alternate readings.

As a young Christian, I was quite interested in the alternative readings. After many decades of study, I have found that, as with the Hebrew text, disputed readings rarely have any affect on the interpretation of a text (apart from perhaps a half-dozen fairly well-known alternate readings, like the end of the book of Mark).

I will compare the Greek text to English translations of the Latin and Syriac (= Aramaic) texts, using the Douay-Rheims translation and George Lamsa’s translation from the Syriac. I often update these texts with non-substantive changes (e.g., you for thou, etc.).

In general, the Latin text is an outstanding translation from the Hebrew text into Latin and very trustworthy (I say this as a non-Catholic). Unfortunately, I do not read Latin—apart from some very obvious words—so I am dependent upon the English translation of the Latin (principally, the Douay-Rheims translation).

The Septuagint and the Dead Sea Scrolls are irrelevant, as they preceded the writing of the New Testament by over 200 years.

Underlined words indicate differences in the text.

Ancient texts:

Westcott-Hort Text (Greek)    Every soul to authorities having power, be subordinate, for there is no authority when not under God. Now those being under God are being appointed so that the one being opposed in the authority of the God in the ordinance has opposed [Him?]. Now the ones having opposed by ourselves a judgment they will receive.

Complete Apostles’ Bible      Let every soul submit to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except by God, and the authorities that exist are instituted by God.

Consequently the one resisting the authority has opposed the ordinance of God, and those opposing shall receive judgment to themselves.

Douay-Rheims 1899 (Amer.) Let every soul be subject to higher powers. For there is no power but from God: and those that are ordained of God.

Therefore, he that resisteth the power resisteth the ordinance of God. And they that resist purchase to themselves damnation.

Holy Aramaic Scriptures        .

Original Aramaic NT              Let every soul be subject to the authority of the great, for there is no authority that is not from the same God, and those authorities who are from God are under orders.

Whoever therefore stands against the authority stands against the decrees of God, and these who stand against them shall receive judgment.

Lamsa Peshitta (Syriac)         .

Significant differences: 

English Translations:          I have included translations which I disagree with and footnotes that I do not necessarily agree with. If I believe that the author is too far from the truth, I may even address that at the footnote. However, nearly all of the correct commentary will be found following the Greek text box and the translation of each phrase.

Limited Vocabulary Translations:

Bible in Basic English             Let everyone put himself under the authority of the higher powers, because there is no power which is not of God, and all powers are ordered by God. 

For which reason everyone who puts himself against the authority puts himself against the order of God: and those who are against it will get punishment for themselves.

Bible in Worldwide English     Every person must obey the rulers over him. Every ruler has his power from God. And the rulers are put there by God.

So anyone who fights against the ruler, fights against what God put there. And those who fight will be punished.

Easy English                          .

Easy-to-Read Version–2008  All of you must obey the government rulers. Everyone who rules was given the power to rule by God. And all those who rule now were given that power by God.

So anyone who is against the government is really against something God has commanded. Those who are against the government bring punishment on themselves.

God’s Word™                         Every person should obey the government in power. No government would exist if it hadn't been established by God. The governments which exist have been put in place by God. Therefore, whoever resists the government opposes what God has established. Those who resist will bring punishment on themselves.

Good News Bible (TEV)         Everyone must obey state authorities, because no authority exists without God's permission, and the existing authorities have been put there by God. Whoever opposes the existing authority opposes what God has ordered; and anyone who does so will bring judgment on himself.

J. B. Phillips                           .

The Message                         .

NIRV                                      .

New Life Version                    .

Radiant New Testament        .

New Simplified Bible              .

Thought-for-thought translations; dynamic translations; paraphrases:

Casual English Bible              .

Contemporary English V.       Obey the rulers who have authority over you. Only God can give authority to anyone, and he puts these rulers in their places of power. People who oppose the authorities are opposing what God has done, and they will be punished.

Goodspeed New Testament  .

The Living Bible                     .

New Berkeley Version           .

New Living Translation           .

The Passion Translation        Every person must submit to and support the authorities over him. For there can be no authority in the universe except by God’s appointment, which means that every authority that exists has been instituted by God.  So to resist authority is to resist the divine order of God, which results in severe consequences.

Plain English Version             .

UnfoldingWord Simplified T.  Every believer must obey the government officials. Remember that God is the only one who gives officials their authority. Furthermore, those officials that exist are ones who have been appointed by God.  

So whoever resists the officials is resisting what God has established. Furthermore, those who resist officials will cause the officials to punish them.

Williams’ New Testament      Everybody must obey the civil authorities that are over him, for no authority exists except by God's permission; the existing authorities have been established by Him, so that anyone who resists the authorities sets himself against what God has established, and those who set themselves against Him will get the penalty due them.

Partially literal and partially paraphrased translations:

American English Bible          .

Beck’s American Translation .

Breakthrough Version            Every soul must arrange itself under authorities that have a higher position. You see, there is no authority except under God. The existing authorities exist having been placed under God. In such a way, the person placing himself in opposition to the authority has stood in opposition to God's placement. The people who have stood in opposition to it will receive a judgment to themselves.

Common English Bible           .

Len Gane Paraphrase           Let every soul obey the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God. The authorities, which are present, have been put there by God. Therefore whoever resists this authority defies what God has appointed, and those who do defy will receive judgment against themselves.

A. Campbell's Living Oracles Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no power but from God; and those that exist are placed under God. Wherefore, he who sets himself in opposition to the power, resists the ordinance of God: and they who resist shall procure punishment to themselves.

New Advent (Knox) Bible       .

NT for Everyone                     .

20^th Century New Testament Let every one obey the supreme Authorities. For no Authority exists except by the will of God, and the existing Authorities have been appointed by God. Therefore he who sets himself against the authorities is resisting God's appointment, and those who resist will bring a judgment upon themselves.

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

An Understandable Version   .

Berean Study Bible                Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God.  Consequently, the one who resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

Christian Standard Bible        .

Conservapedia Translation    .

Revised Ferrar-Fenton           .

Free Bible Version                 Everyone should obey government authorities, because no one has the power to rule unless God gives permission. These authorities have been put there by God. Whoever resists the authorities opposes what God has put in place, and those who do so shall find themselves judged accordingly.

The Heritage Bible                          Let every soul be arranged under those holding authority over them, because there is absolutely no authority except under God, and the existing authorities are arranged under God.

Therefore the one arranging himself against the authority is standing against the arrangement of God, and those standing against him will take to themselves judgment,

Because rulers are absolutely not a fear to inherent good works, but to the evil. V. 3a is included for context.

International Standard V        Obey Your Government

Every person must be subject to the governing authorities, for no authority exists except by God’s permission. [Lit. except by God] The existing authorities have been established by God, so that whoever resists the authorities opposes what God has established, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.

Lexham Bible                         Obedience to the Governing Authorities

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except by God, and those that exist are put in place by God. So then, the one who resists authority resists the ordinance which is from God, and those who resist will receive condemnation on themselves.

Montgomery NT                     Every one should be in the higher authorities; for there is no authority apart from God. The authorities that now exist have been appointed by God. Therefore the man who rebels against authority is opposing the divine ordinances; and those who withstand will bring judgment on themselves.

NIV, ©2011                             .

Riverside New Testament      LET every person be obedient to the superior authorities. For there is no authority except from God and the actual authorities have been appointed by God. So he who resists the authority opposes the arrangement of God. Those who resist will bring on themselves condemnation.

Leicester A. Sawyer’s NT      .

The Spoken English NT         Everybody should be obedient to the authorities that are over them. After all, there is no authority that isn’t under God. And the “powers that be” are set in place by God. So the person who rebels against authority is resisting God’s order. And those who resist bring judgment on themselves.

UnfoldingWord Literal Text    .

Urim-Thummim Version         .

Weymouth New Testament    Let every individual be obedient to those who rule over him; for no one is a ruler except by God's permission, and our present rulers have had their rank and power assigned to them by Him. Therefore the man who rebels against his ruler is resisting God's will; and those who thus resist will bring punishment upon themselves.

Wikipedia Bible Project          Everyone should choose to obey the power of government, because there is no power to rule unless God gives it, and these authorities have been set up by God. So whoever resists the power of government opposes what God has put in place, and such opponents shall find themselves judged accordingly.

Worsley’s New Testament    Let every soul be subject to the powers that are over them: for there is no such power but from God: the powers that are over men, are appointed by God. So that he who resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive condemnation.

Catholic Bibles (those having the imprimatur):

Christian Community (1988)     Submission to authority

• Let everyone be subject to the authorities. For there is no authority that does not come from God, and the offices have been established by God. Whoever, therefore, resists authority goes against a decree of God, and those who resist deserve to be condemned. Jn 19:11; Mt 22:16; 1Tim 2:1; 1P 2:13; Tit 3:1; Pro 8:15

Extensive footnote for this verse is placed in the Addendum.

New American Bible (2011)   .

New Catholic Bible                 .

New Jerusalem Bible             .

NRSV (Anglicized Cath. Ed.) .

Revised English Bible–1989   .

Jewish/Hebrew Names Bibles:

Complete Jewish Bible           .

Eth Cipher Translation           .

Hebraic Roots Bible               Let every soul be subject to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from Elohim, but the existing authorities have been ordained by YAHWEH.

So that the one resisting the civil authority has opposed the ordinance of YAHWEH, and the ones opposing will receive judgment to themselves.

Holy New Covenant Trans.    Every person must put himself under existing authority. God is over all authority; the government positions are those which God appointed. So if someone rebels against authority, he is going against what God appointed. Rebels will receive condemnation.

The Scriptures 2009              Let every being be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from Elohim, and the authorities that exist are appointed by Elohim.  So he who opposes the authority withstands the institution of Elohim, and those who withstand shall bring judgment on themselves.

Tree of Life Version                Let every person submit himself to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are put in place by God. So whoever opposes the authority has resisted God’s direction, and those who have resisted will bring judgment on themselves.

Weird English, Olde English, Anachronistic English Translations:

Accurate New Testament       ...Every Soul [to] authorities having (superiority) subject! {herself} not for is Authority if not {is She} by god The [Ones] but Being by god Having Been Appointed are that The [Man] Resisting the authority the [of] the god arrangement has resisted The [Men] but Having Resisted {her} [to] themselves judgment will receive...

Alpha & Omega Bible            (Obey the government unless it would cause you to disobey JESUS. 1Peter 2:13 to 1Peter 2:18. Jeremiah 27 Proverbs 24:21, Acts 5:29. This goes completely contrary to the Zealots who refuse to obey the government. We are required under the Law of Jesus to pay our taxes and to obey all rules & regulations of the road, etc. regardless of whether we think the laws are unfair. The only exception is when it conflicts with obedience/loyalty to Jesus first.)
· EVERY PERSON IS TO BE IN SUBJECTION TO THE GOVERNING AUTHORITIES. FOR THERE IS NO AUTHORITY EXCEPT FROM THEOS (The Alpha & Omega), AND THOSE WHICH EXIST ARE ESTABLISHED BY THEOS (The Alpha & Omega). †(Even the wicked rulers are in power only by the allowance of Jesus.)

THEREFORE WHOEVER RESISTS AUTHORITY HAS OPPOSED THE LAW OF THEOS (The Alpha & Omega); AND THEY WHO HAVE OPPOSED WILL RECEIVE CONDEMNATION UPON THEMSELVES. †(Therefore not all law is done away.)

Awful Scroll Bible                   Be the beings of everyone, themselves arranging-under they holding-over existences-by, for there is no existence-by if-not of God, moreover the existences-by that are being, are having been appointed by God.

So as, he himself arranging-against the existences-by, has stood- himself -against the Thorough-arrangement of God, and those having stood-against, will receive to themselves judgment.

Concordant Literal Version    Let every soul be subject to the superior authorities, for there is no authority except under God. Now those which are, have been set under God, so that he who is resisting an authority has withstood God's mandate. Now those who have withstood, will be getting judgment for themselves, for magistrates are not a fear to the good act, but to the evil. V. 3a is included for context.

exeGeses companion Bible   ALL AUTHORITY IS ELOHIM-ORDAINED

Every soul,

subjugate to the superior authorities.

For there is no authority except of Elohim:

the authorities that be are ordained of Elohim.

So whoever withstands the authority

opposes the ordinance of Elohim:

and whoever withstands

stake judgment to themselves.

God’s Truth (Tyndale)           .

Orthodox Jewish Bible           Let kol nefesh (every soul, person) be subject to the official governing authorities. For there is no memshalah (government) except given by Hashem, and the powers that be have been established by G-d.

So then, he who opposes the authority has resisted the ordinance, official decree of G-d; and those who resist shall receive mishpat (judgment) on themselves.

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. .

Expanded/Embellished Bibles:

The Amplified Bible                .

An Understandable Version   Every person must be submissive to the ruling authorities, for all authorities come from God. And the existence of authorities has been established by God. Therefore, the person who resists [these] authorities is opposing what God has ordained. And those who oppose [these authorities] will bring judgment on themselves.

Benjamin Brodie’s trans.       Let every soul [Christian in Rome] obey the governing authorities which are in power, for there is no authority that is not from God, since those which exist are placed in office under God.

Therefore, he [the reversionist Christian] who resists a governing authority opposes the ordinance [divine edict] of God. In fact, those who resist [oppose legitimate authority] shall receive discipline [judicial punishment] upon themselves.

The Expanded Bible              .

Jonathan Mitchell NT             Every soul (or: = Everyone) is to be continuously placed and arranged, or aligned, in a supportive position by superior (or: excelling) authorities (or: must be subjected to rulers holding dominion and jurisdiction above [him]; [p46, D*, F, G read: To every superior authority you folks must subject yourselves]). For an authority does not exist except under God (or: For there is no authority, except by God), and the existing ones are those which have been arranged and set in order, under God (placed in their relative positions by God).

So that, the one constantly placing himself in opposition to the authority (or: the man resisting and posting an array as to battle against or to stand instead of the authority) has taken a stand against God's precise and complete arrangement (or: institution), and the ones having taken an opposing stand, and remaining in determined resistance, will progressively take to themselves (or: will continue receiving in themselves) a result of a decision (the effect that which [God] decides to do or to bring to pass; a judgment-effect; a result of separating for evaluation).

P. Kretzmann Commentary    .

Syndein/Thieme                     .

Translation for Translators     .

The Voice                               .

Bible Translations with Many Footnotes:

Lexham Bible                         .

NET Bible®                             .

New American Bible (2011)   .

The Passion Translation        .

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. Let ||everyʹ soul|| |unto protecting authorities| be in subjection^g;

For there is no authorityˎ save by God,

And ||they that are in being|| have |by God| been arranged,—

So that ||he who rangeth himself against the authority||

    |Against the arrangement of Godʹ| opposeth himself,

    And ||they who oppose|| shall |unto themselves| |a sentence of judgment| receive.

^g 1 P. ii. 13.

The Spoken English NT         .

Wilbur Pickering’s New T.     Submit
Let every soul submit to the governing authorities, because there is no authority except under God, and the existing authorities have been placed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority is opposed to God’s ordinance, and those who oppose will bring judgment on themselves.¹

(1) God does not like anarchy.

WEB — Messianic Edition       .

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

A Faithful Version                  .

Analytical-Literal Translation  Let every soul be submitting to higher [or, governing] authorities, for [there] is no authority except from God, but the existing authorities have been appointed by God. Accordingly, the one setting himself in opposition to the [governing] authority has resisted God's ordinance, and the ones having resisted will receive judgment to themselves.

Berean Literal Bible                Let every soul be subject to the authorities being above him. For there is no authority except by God; but those existing are having been instituted by God. 

Therefore the one rebelling against the authority has resisted the ordinance of God, and those having resisted will bring judgment upon themselves.

Bill Puryear translation           .

C. Thomson updated NT        Let every soul be subject to the ruling powers; for there is no power but from God. The powers in being are arranged by God; so that he who sets himself against the power resistes the arrangement of God; and they who resist will receive for themselves condemnation.

Charles Thomson NT             .

Context Group Version          Let every life be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the [powers] that be are appointed of God. Therefore he who resists the power, withstands the ordinance of God: and those that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment.

English Standard Version      . incur

Far Above All Translation       .

Green’s Literal Translation    .

James Allen translation          .

Legacy Standard Bible           .

Literal New Testament           .

Literal Standard Version        .

Modern English Version         .

Modern Literal Version 2020  Let every soul be subject to the authorities which are superior to him; for* there is no authority if not by God, and the authorities which are, have been appointed by God.

So-then, the one resisting the authority is standing against the commandment of God, and those who are standing against it will be receiving judgment for themselves.

New American Standard B.    .

New European Version          .

New King James Version       .

New Matthew Bible                .

NT (Variant Readings)           .

Niobi Study Bible                   Obey (Submit to) Authorities (Government)

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but from God; the powers that be are ordained by God. Whosoever therefore resists the power, resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist shall receive for themselves damnation.

R. B. Thieme, Jr. translation  All human beings subordinate yourselves to governing authorities. For there is no authority except delegated by God; that is, those which do exist have been delegated by God.

Therefore those who resist the authority have opposed the ordinance of the God; if fact, they who oppose shall receive discipline [judgment, punishment] to/on themselves.

R. B. Thieme, Jr. trans2         All human beings be subordinating yourselves to duly constituted governing authorities under divine institution #4, for there is NEVER any authority except those delegated by or from the source of God that is those authorities which do exist are established or have been delegated by God.

Therefore, in view of v1, he, the reversionistic believer, who forms a battle line of resistance to delegated authority in the Laws of Divine Establishment, especially in Divine Institution #4, nationalism; have opposed the ordinance of God the Laws of Divine Establishment and divine institutions, in fact also these reversionistic, apostate, anti establishment, liberal, socialistic Believers who oppose the Laws of Divine Establishment, will receive condemnation, punishment or judgment as Divine Discipline in time on themselves from God.

Revised Geneva Translation  .

Ron Snider translation           Every person must be subject to the governing authorities because there is no authority except from God; now those authorities which exist are established by God. Therefore the one resisting governmental authority has opposed the decree of God; now those who have opposed will bring condemnation on themselves.

Updated Bible Version 2.17   .

A Voice in the Wilderness      Let every soul be subject to the higher authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are ordained by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will receive judgment on themselves.

Webster’s Translation           .

World English Bible                .

Worrell New Testament         .

The gist of this passage: 

1-2

Translation: Let every soul be subordinate to the authorities holding power,...

There has been a change of programs. God previously worked through the Hebrew people and the nation Israel. However, in this new dispensation, God will work through the church. Now, this is not something which Paul states outright in the book of Romans. However, he does, in several places, outline some of the differences between the dispensations.

There are many gentiles believers at this time. Paul is probably surprised to some degree about this. We would expect that this would cause Paul to think about the many gentiles who have believed in Jesus and what should be their response to the nation in which they live.

Despite Rome being very anti-Christian (Nero will expel the Christians from Rome for a period of time, suspecting them of being in opposition to the Roman government), Paul tells the believers in Rome to be subordinate to those in authority who hold power.

Translation: ...for [there] is no authority except under God.

The ultimate authority is God, which any believer at any spiritual age, should understand this.

Romans 13:1a-b Let every soul be subordinate to the authorities holding power, for [there] is no authority except under God. (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Paul is tying those who have authority to the ultimate authority of God.

Translation: Now the existing [authorities] keep on being appointed by God,...

Obviously, there are existing authorities and Paul informs the Romans that these temporal authorities have been appointed or set in place by God.

Translation: ...so that the one resisting the authority has taken a stand against the ordinance of God.

The logical result of God putting people into positions of authority means that, if you resist earthly authorities, then you are standing against the ordinance of God.

Romans 13:1c–2a Now the existing [authorities] keep on being appointed by God, so that the one resisting the authority has taken a stand against the ordinance of God. (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Those who resist earthly authorities are resisting the ordinances of God.

Translation: Now, the ones having stood against [said authorities] will receive condemnation in themselves. (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Those who take a stand against earthly authorities—in this case, Roman authority—they will receive condemnation from God.

Romans 13:2b Now, the ones having stood against [said authorities] will receive condemnation in themselves. (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Romans 13:1–2 Let every soul be subordinate to the authorities holding power, for [there] is no authority except under God. Now the existing [authorities] keep on being appointed by God, so that the one resisting the authority has taken a stand against the ordinance of God. Now, the ones having stood against [said authorities] will receive condemnation in themselves. (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Romans 13:1–2 Let every person be suborindate to the authorities currently in place, for there is no earthly authority except as determined by God. God appoints all existing authorities, so that, if you resist any of those authorities, you are resisting God. The person who takes a stand against earthly authority will receive God’s condemnation. (Kukis paraphrase)

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Although cutting verse 4 into sections is logical, not everyone did this. Another approach would have been to handle vv. 3–5 as a single passage.

Here is how others have translated this passage:

Ancient texts:

Westcott-Hort Text (Greek)    For the rulers are not a fear to [one doing] a good work but [doing] evil. Now you are willing not to fear the authority. The good you will keep on doing and you will have praise from her, for of God a servant keeps on being to you for the good.

Complete Apostles Bible        For rulers are not a fear to good works, but to evil. And do you wish not to fear the authority? Do what is good, and you shall have praise from the same.

For he is God's servant to you for good.

Douay-Rheims 1899 (Amer.) For princes are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good: and thou shalt have praise from the same.

For he is God's minister to thee, for good.

Holy Aramaic Scriptures        .

Original Aramaic NT              For judges are not a fear to the good doer*, but to the wicked*. Do you wish, therefore, to be unafraid of the authority? Do good, and you shall have praise from him.

For he is the Minister of God to you for good.

Lamsa Peshitta (Syriac)         .

Significant differences: 

Limited Vocabulary Translations:

Bible in Basic English             For rulers are not a cause of fear to the good work but to the evil. If you would have no fear of the authority, do good and you will have praise; 

For he is the servant of God to you for good.

Bible in Worldwide English     The rulers do not bring fear to a good man, but they bring fear to a bad man. If you do not want to be afraid of a ruler, do what is good and he will praise you.

Such a person is Gods servant and will do what is good for you.

Easy English                          .

Easy-to-Read Version–2008  For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good.

God’s Word™                         People who do what is right don't have to be afraid of the government. But people who do what is wrong should be afraid of it. Would you like to live without being afraid of the government? Do what is right, and it will praise you. The government is God's servant working for your good.

Good News Bible (TEV)         For rulers are not to be feared by those who do good, but by those who do evil. Would you like to be unafraid of those in authority? Then do what is good, and they will praise you, because they are God's servants working for your own good.

J. B. Phillips                           .

The Message                         .

NIRV                                      .

New Life Version                    .

Radiant New Testament        .

New Simplified Bible              .

Thought-for-thought translations; dynamic translations; paraphrases:

Casual English Version          .

Contemporary English V.       Rulers are a threat to evil people, not to good people. There is no need to be afraid of the authorities. Just do right, and they will praise you for it. After all, they are God's servants, and it is their duty to help you.

Goodspeed New Testament  .

The Living Bible                     .

New Berkeley Version           .

New Living Translation           .

The Passion Translation        For civil authorities don’t intimidate those who are doing good, but those who are doing evil. So do what is right and you’ll never need to fear those in authority. They will commend you for your good citizenship.  Those in authority are God’s servants for the good of society.

Plain English Version             .

UnfoldingWord Simplified T.  I say this, because rulers do not cause people who do good deeds to be afraid. Instead, they cause people who do evil to be afraid. So if any of you do good, they will praise you instead of punishing you! All officials exist in order to serve God, in order that they may help each of you.

Williams’ New Testament      For civil authorities are not a terror to the man who does right, but they are to the man who does wrong. Do you want to have no dread of the civil authorities? Then practice doing right and you will be commended for it. For the civil authorities are God's servants to do you good.

Partially literal and partially paraphrased translations:

American English Bible          .

Beck’s American Translation .

Breakthrough Version            You see, the head people are not a fear to the good action, but to the bad. Do you want to not be fearing the authority? Do the good thing, and you will have praise from him; for he is a servant of God to you for the good thing.

Common English Bible           .

Len Gane Paraphrase           For rulers are not a cause of fear for good actions but for evil [actions]. Do you want to be unafraid of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. V. 4a will be placed with the next passage for context.

A. Campbell's Living Oracles For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Would you, then, not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and you shall have praise of the same. For the ruler is a servant of God for good to you.

New Advent (Knox) Bible       .

NT for Everyone                     .

20^th Century New Testament A good action has nothing to fear from Rulers; a bad action has. Do you want to have no reason to fear the Authorities? Then do what is good, and you will win their praise. For they are God's servants appointed for your good.

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

An Understandable Version   .

Berean Study Bible                .

Christian Standard Bible        .

Conservapedia Translation    .

Revised Ferrar-Fenton Bible  .

Free Bible Version                 For rulers don’t frighten those who do right, but those who do wrong. If you don’t want to live in fear of the authorities, then do what is right, and you’ll have their approval. Those in power are God’s servants, put there for your own good.

The Heritage Bible                          And do you determine not to fear the authority? Do the inherent good, and you will have praise out of him,

Because he is a minister of God to you into inherent good. V. 3a was placed with the previous passage for context.

International Standard V        For the authorities are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you like to live without being afraid of the authorities? Then do what is right, and you will receive their approval. For they are God’s servants, working for your good.

Lexham Bible                         For rulers are not a cause of terror for a good deed, but for bad conduct . So do you want not to be afraid of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from it, for it is God’s servant to you for what is good.

Montgomery NT                     .

NIV, ©2011                             .

Riverside New Testament      . promote

Leicester A. Sawyer’s NT      For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Will you not fear the power? Do good, and you shall have praise from it; for [the power] is God's minister to you for good.

The Spoken English NT         Rulers aren’t anything to be afraid of for doing good, but only for doing what’s bad. You don’t want to be afraid of the government? Do good, and you’ll get praise from it. It’s God’s servant for your own good. But if you do something bad, you should be afraid. After all, the government doesn’t have the sword for nothing.

UnfoldingWord Literal Text    . evil deeds

Urim-Thummim Version         .

Weymouth New Testament    For judges and magistrates are to be feared not by right-doers but by wrong-doers. You desire--do you not? --to have no reason to fear your ruler. Well, do the thing that is right, and then he will commend you. For he is God's servant for your benefit.

Wikipedia Bible Project          For those in charge do not terrify those who do right, but those who do wrong. If you do not want to be afraid of the authorities, then do what is right, and they will commend you. Authorities are God’s servants, there for your own good.

Worsley’s New Testament    For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wouldest thou then not be afraid of the civil power? do what is good, and thou shalt have praise from it: for he is the minister of God to thee for good.

Catholic Bibles (those having the imprimatur):

Christian Community (1988)  In fact, who fears authority? Not those who do good, but those who do evil. Do you want to be without fear of a person in authority? Do good and you will receive praise. They are the stewards of God for your good. But if you do not behave, fear them for they do not carry arms in vain; they are at the service of God when they judge and punish wrongdoers. This contains all of v. 4 for context.

New American Bible (2011)   .

New Catholic Bible                 .

New Jerusalem Bible             .

NRSV (Anglicized Cath. Ed.) .

Revised English Bible–1989   .

Jewish/Hebrew Names Bibles:

Complete Jewish Bible           .

Eth Cipher Translation           For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Will you then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and you shall have praise of the same: For he is the minister of Elohiym to you for good.

Hebraic Roots Bible               .

Holy New Covenant Trans.    Rulers don’t scare people who do good things; only evildoers should be afraid. Do you want to be unafraid of a man in authority? Do good things! Then he will honor you. He is God’s servant for your own good.

The Scriptures 2009              For those ruling are an object of fear, not to good works, but to evil. Do you wish to be not afraid of the authority? Do the good, and you shall have praise from it, for it is a servant of Elohim to you for good.

Tree of Life Version                For leaders cause no fear for good behavior, but for bad. Now if you do not want to fear the authority, do what is good and you will get his approval— for he is God’s servant to you for your good.

Weird English, Olde English, Anachronistic English Translations:

Accurate New Testament       ...The for Rulers not are Fear [for] the good work but [for] the [thing] bad [You] want but not to fear the authority the [thing] good make! and [You] will have praise from her [of] god for Servant [She] is [for] you to the [thing] good...

Alpha & Omega Bible            .

Awful Scroll Bible                   For they ruling, are not for a fear to good works, all the same to they pernicious. Desire you then not to fear the existences-by? Be doing good, and you will hold praises-over from them.

For he is running the errands of God to you for good.

Concordant Literal Version    Now those who have withstood, will be getting judgment for themselves, for magistrates are not a fear to the good act, but to the evil. Now you do not want to be fearing the authority. Do good, and you will be having applause from it."

For it is God's servant for your good. V. 2b is included for context.

exeGeses companion Bible   For archs are not an awe to good works

but to the evil.

So will you, to not be awestricken of the authority?

Do good

and you have halal of the same:

for he is your minister of Elohim for good.

God’s Truth (Tyndale)           .

Orthodox Jewish Bible           For rulers are not a cause of pachad (terror) to hitnahagut (conduct) that is of HaTov but HaRah. Do you want to be without pachad of memshalah (government)? Do HaTov, and you will have the commendation of the representative of the memshalah.

For he is the mesharet (minister, servant) of Hashem to you for HaTov.

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. For ||they who bear rule|| are not a terror unto the goodʹ workˎ but unto the evil.

Wouldst thou not be afraid of the authority?

    ||That which is good|| be thou doingˎ and thou shall have praise of the same;

For ||God’s minister|| is he unto theeˎ for that which is good.

Expanded/Embellished Bibles:

The Amplified Bible                .

An Understandable Version   For [our] rulers are not a threat to [the person doing] a good deed, but to [the person doing] an evil one. So, do you want to avoid having to be afraid of the authorities? Then do what is good and you will be commended by them [generally]. For they are servants of God for your good.

Brodie’s Expanded Trans.     To be sure, the governing authorities [legitimate officials] should never [according to the true intent of their office] be a threat to good production [free enterprise capitalism], but to evil production [socialism & the welfare state]. Therefore, you should not feel threatened by governing authorities: keep on producing good [adhering to laws of the land] and you should receive recognition from it [if the government is functioning according to divine principles],

For he [the governing official] is a civil servant from God to you for your benefit [protects your personal freedom].

The Expanded Bible              .

Jonathan Mitchell NT             For the chief ones (those in first position; the headships; the princes; the rulers) are not a fear to (or: for) the good work (the virtuous and profitable action), but rather, for the worthless (the ugly; the base; the evil; the one of poor quality). Now are you not wanting to constantly fear and be wary of (or: So are you normally desiring to be unafraid of) the authority? Keep doing the good (the virtuous; the profitable), and you will have praise (applause; commendation) forth from it [i.e., the authority],

for it is God's servant (attendant who renders service or does a duty; an aid in dispensing; one who arranges for provision) for you (or: to you), [directing you] into the good (the profitable; the virtuous).

P. Kretzmann Commentary    .

Syndein/Thieme                     .

Translation for Translators     .

The Voice                               .

Bible Translations with Many Footnotes:

Lexham Bible                         .

NET Bible®                             .

New American Bible (2011)   .

The Passion Translation        .

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. .

The Spoken English NT         .

Wilbur Pickering’s New T.     Now rulers are not a terror to good deeds but to bad ones. So if you wish not to fear the authority, do the good and you will have praise from the same; because it is God’s minister to you with a view to the good.

WEB — Messianic Edition       .

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

A Faithful Version                  .

Analytical-Literal Translation  For the ones ruling are not a terror of good works, but of evil [works]. So do you want to not be fearing the [governing] authority? Be doing good, and you will have praise [or, approval] from it [i.e. the ruling authority]. For it is a servant of God to you for good.

Berean Literal Bible                .

Bill Puryear translation           .

C. Thomson updated NT        .

Charles Thomson NT             .

Context Group Version          For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. And do you want to not fear the power? Do that which is good, and you shall have praise from the same: for he is a servant of God to you for good.

English Standard Version      .

Far Above All Translation       For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to bad ones. Now do you wish not to fear authority? Do what is good and you will have commendation for it, for it is an instrument of God which applies to you to good purpose.

Green’s Literal Translation    .

James Allen translation          .

Legacy Standard Bible           .

Literal New Testament           .

Literal Standard Version        .

Modern English Version         .

Modern Literal Version 2020  For* rulers are not a fear to those of the good works, but to those of the evil works. And you do not wish to be afraid of the authority, do you? Do* what is the good thing and you will have praise from it; for* he is a servant of God to you *for what is the good thing.

New American Standard        .

New European Version          .

New King James Version       .

New Matthew Bible                .

NT (Variant Readings)           .

Niobi Study Bible                   .

R. B. Thieme, Jr. translation  For government authorities are not a cause of fear for good (or moral) function, but for evil function. Really, do you desire not to fear the authority? Keep on doing the good, and you will have recognition from it.

For he is the minister of God to you for the purpose of good.

R. B. Thieme, Jr. trans2         For government rulers or authorities or officials of national state, are not a cause of fear for Good of intrinsic value or moral functions under Laws of Divine Establishment Good of freedom, privacy and property, but for the evil of crime, revolution, conspiracy for violent overthrow of the government, assassination, socialism, communism, any system which deprives the individual of freedom, privacy and property in the name of common good, really now, (sarcasm) do you desire to continually, not or have no, fear of authority then keep on doing what is Absolute Good in Perception, Cognition, Inculcation & Metabolization of Bible Doctrine and good in the time in which you live and fulfill the equation of hope under Royal Family Honor Code, and you will have legitimate recognition, praise, approval from it, the authority of human government,

for it, Human Government authority functioning under Laws of Divine Establishment, is a minister of God or one with delegated authority to serve from God to You for the purpose of the Good under the Laws of Divine Establishment for your advance to Spiritual Maturity, but if you do what is EVIL ie criminal activity, being a traitor or communist or draft dodger, cheating on income tax, advocating liberalism, supporting welfare panaceas, maybe you will and maybe you will not, you should keep on fearing or being afraid for Government does not wear the sword of authority and bear the sword of capitol punishment for nothing or in vain, for you see certainly it, government, keeps on being the civil servant minister of God with delegated authority as government, a punisher for the purpose of divine wrath to him who accomplishes or practices evil. Vv. 3–4 in the NRSV with Thieme corrections.

Revised Geneva Translation  .

Ron Snider translation           For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a servant of God to you for good.

Updated Bible Version 2.17   .

A Voice in the Wilderness      .

Webster’s Translation           .

World English Bible                .

Worrell New Testament         So that he who resists the authority withstands the ordinance of God; and those having resisted shall receive to themselves condemnation; for rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. And do you wish not to fear the authority? Do that which is good, and you shall have praise from the same; for he is God's minister to you for good. V. 2 is included for context.

The gist of this passage: 

3-4a

Translation: For the rulers are not a fear to [those doing] a good work but [to those doing] evil.

In this chapter, Paul is describing the principles of divine establishment. Since we have believers who come out of many different nations (see Acts 2), and since God is not working primarily through nation Israel anymore, then key is, how does the believer function within his or her nation?

In the previous dispensation, the Jews had specific laws and guidance for their place in nation Israel, but Paul is giving specific guidance to those living in Rome (or living in any nation).

Rulers are not a fear to those who do agathos (ἀγαθός) [pronounced ag-ath-OSS], which often means divine good. However, the concept here is, a person who does divine establishment good. There are specific things for a believer to do and ways for him to behave within his nation, and this is divine establishment good. Strong’s #18.

Translation: Now do you desire to not fear the authority?

Nearly every translation presented this sentence as an interrogative. More literally, this reads: Now you keep on desiring not to fear authority. The context of this sentence explains how that is accomplished.

Romans 13:3a-b For the rulers are not a fear to [those doing] a good work but [to those doing] evil. Now do you desire to not fear the authority? (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Translation: [If] you keep on doing the good you will have praise from [those in authority],...

If have presented vv. 3c–4a as an if...then... sentence for a better flow.

The key to not fearing the authorities is to keep on doing that which is divine establishment good. Do that and you will be praised by those in authority.

Translation: ...for they keep on being servants of God for the good. (Kukis mostly literal translation)

People are placed in authority to be God’s servants for good. This good is law and order. This good is an orderly society.

Application: We have to be careful here, we in the United States. We have lived under a most wonderful Constitution for over 200 years. It is clear that we are moving further and further away from that Constitution. At the point of my writing this, there are two candidates running for president, one who is a divine establishment candidate and another who would do and say anything to get into power and stay in power. Even if the former wins this election, we have so many people supporting evil in this election that, how far are we from comparatively evil government? However, it is not for the Christian to become involved in a revolution.

Let’s say evil wins this election or the next (it will happen). What should the believer do? It is described in this chapter. We continue to obey the law; we continue to live in divine establishment good. Could our free speech be limited or removed? Most definitely it could. However, bear in mind, free speech has been a great blessing to the people of the United States for over 200 years. There is no guarantee from the Bible that this will continue. When there is a great pivot in a country, then God will bless that country. When our pivot is weakening and going down in numbers, then that places the nation under discipline.

Now, if you have some doctrine in your soul, think about this. If God places this nation under divine discipline, how do you think a revolution is going to help that? It won’t. Because the believer is not to participate in a revolution against established government (as all authorities are from God), we do not push and support a revolt against government.

The believer in the United States needs to be circumspect and rational. Revolution is not going to save our country, it is going to provide us with more divine discipline.

What do we do as believers in a nation under divine discipline? We seek out Bible doctrine; we seek out doctrinal teachers; we seek out both divine good and divine establishment good.

Romans 13:3c–4a [If] you keep on doing the good you will have praise from [those in authority], for they keep on being servants of God for the good. (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Romans 13:3–4a For the rulers are not a fear to [those doing] a good work but [to those doing] evil. Now do you desire to not fear the authority? [If] you keep on doing the good you will have praise from [those in authority], for they keep on being servants of God for the good. (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Romans 13:3–4a For rulers are not a fear to those who do divine establishment good but to those who do evil. Now, do you not want to fear authority when you come in contact with authority figures? Then keep on doing good and you will have praise from those in authority, for they keep on being servants of God for divine establishment good. (Kukis paraphrase)

——————————

Here is how others have translated this passage:

Ancient texts:

Westcott-Hort Text (Greek)    Now if the evil you might do, be afraid, for not without purpose the sword he keeps on bearing, for of God a servant he keeps on being, an avenger toward wrath to the one practicing the evil. Consequently, necessary to be subject not only through the wrath but also through the conscience.

Complete Apostles Bible        But if you do evil, fear; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's servant, an avenger for wrath to the one practicing evil.

Therefore it is necessary to be subject, not only on account of wrath, but also for conscience' sake.

Douay-Rheims 1899 (Amer.) But if thou do that which is evil, fear: for he beareth not the sword in vain. For he is God's minister: an avenger to execute wrath upon him that doth evil.

Wherefore be subject of necessity: not only for wrath, but also for conscience' sake.

Holy Aramaic Scriptures        .

Original Aramaic NT              But if you have done evil, be afraid, for he does not wear the sword for nothing, for he is the Minister of God and a furious avenger to those who do evil.

Therefore it is urgent for us to be subject, not for the sake of wrath only, but also for the sake of conscience.

Lamsa Peshitta (Syriac)         .

Significant differences: 

Limited Vocabulary Translations:

Bible in Basic English             But if you do evil, have fear; for the sword is not in his hand for nothing: he is God's servant, making God's punishment come on the evil-doer. 

So put yourselves under the authority, not for fear of wrath, but because you have the knowledge of what is right.

Bible in Worldwide English     If you do not want to be afraid of a ruler, do what is good and he will praise you.

Such a person is Gods servant and will do what is good for you. But if you do what is wrong, you should fear him. He has great power and he will use it. He is Gods servant and will punish those who do wrong.

Easy English                          .

Easy-to-Read Version–2008  But if you do wrong, you have reason to be afraid. They have the power to punish, and they will use it. They are God's servants to punish those who do wrong. So you must obey the government, not just because you might be punished, but because you know it is the right thing to do.

God’s Word™                         But if you do what is wrong, you should be afraid. The government has the right to carry out the death sentence. It is God's servant, an avenger to execute God's anger on anyone who does what is wrong. Therefore, it is necessary for you to obey, not only because you're afraid of God's anger but also because of your own conscience.

Good News Bible (TEV)         But if you do evil, then be afraid of them, because their power to punish is real. They are God's servants and carry out God's punishment on those who do evil. For this reason you must obey the authorities---not just because of God's punishment, but also as a matter of conscience.

J. B. Phillips                           .

The Message                         .

NIRV                                      .

New Life Version                    .

Radiant New Testament        .

New Simplified Bible              .

Thought-for-thought translations; dynamic translations; paraphrases:

Casual English Version          .

Contemporary English V.       If you do something wrong, you ought to be afraid, because these rulers have the right to punish you. They are God's servants who punish criminals to show how angry God is. But you should obey the rulers because you know it is the right thing to do, and not just because of God's anger.

Goodspeed New Testament  .

The Living Bible                     .

New Berkeley Version           .

New Living Translation           .

The Passion Translation        But if you break the law, you have reason to be alarmed, for they are God’s agents of punishment to bring criminals to justice. Why do you think they carry weapons? You are compelled to obey them, not just to avoid punishment, but because you want to live with a clean conscience.

Plain English Version             .

UnfoldingWord Simplified T.  If any of you does what is evil, of course you should be afraid of them. The officials exist to serve God by punishing those who do evil.  

So, it is necessary for you to obey the officials, not only because they will punish you if you disobey them, but also because you know within yourselves that you should be subject to them!

Williams’ New Testament      But if you practice doing wrong, you should dread them, for they do not wield the sword for nothing. Indeed, they are God's servants to inflict punishment upon people who do wrong. Therefore, you must obey them, not only for the sake of escaping punishment, but also for conscience' sake; for this is the reason why you pay your taxes, for the civil authorities are God's official servants faithfully devoting themselves to this very end. V. 6 is included for context..

Partially literal and partially paraphrased translations:

American English Bible          .

Beck’s American Translation .

Breakthrough Version            But if you do the bad thing, be afraid. You see, he does not wear the knife for no reason; for he is a servant of God, a retaliator for punishment to the person who repeatedly does the bad thing. For this reason, there is an obligation to be placing yourself under him, not only because of the punishment, but also because of the conscience.

Common English Bible           .

Len Gane Paraphrase           He is God's servant to you for good, but if you do what is evil, be afraid, for he doesn't wear the sword in vain, because he is God's servant, an avenger to [execute] punishment on those who do evil. Therefore you must be obedient, not just because of the fear of punishment but also for the sake of your conscience. V. 4a is included for context.

A. Campbell's Living Oracles But if you do that which is evil, be afraid; because he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is a servant of God, a revenger to inflict wrath on him who works evil. Wherefore, it is necessary for you to be subject, not only on account of punishment, but also on account of conscience.

New Advent (Knox) Bible       .

NT for Everyone                     .

20^th Century New Testament But, if you do what is wrong, you may well be afraid; for the sword they carry is not without meaning! They are God's servants to inflict his punishments on those who do wrong. You are bound, therefore, to obey, not only through fear of God's punishments, but also as a matter of conscience.

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

An Understandable Version   .

Berean Study Bible                .

Christian Standard Bible        .

Conservapedia Translation    .

Revised Ferrar-Fenton Bible  .

Free Bible Version                 If you do wrong, you should be frightened—it’s not without reason that authorities have the power to punish! They are God’s servants, punishing offenders. So it’s important to do as you’re told, not just because of the threat of punishment, but because of what your conscience tells you.

The Heritage Bible                          But if you do evil, be afraid, because he absolutely does not wear the sword without reason, because he is a minister of God, carrying justice into wrath on the one practicing evil.

Therefore it is necessary to be arranged under them, absolutely not only because of wrath, but also because of conscience,...

International Standard V        But if you do what is wrong, you should be afraid, for it is not without reason that they bear the sword. Indeed, they are God’s servants to administer punishment [Lit. wrath] to anyone who does wrong. Therefore, it is necessary for you to be acquiescent to the authorities, [The Gk. lacks to the authorities] not only for the sake of God’s [The Gk. lacks God’s] punishment, [Lit. wrath] but also for the sake of your own conscience.

Lexham Bible                         But if you do what is bad, be afraid, because it does not bear the sword to no purpose. For it is God’s servant, the one who avenges for punishment on the one who does what is bad. Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath but also because of conscience.

Montgomery NT                     .

NIV, ©2011                             .

Riverside New Testament      .

Leicester A. Sawyer’s NT      .

The Spoken English NT         .

UnfoldingWord Literal Text    .

Urim-Thummim Version         But if you do what is bad, be afraid; for he bears not the sword in vain, because he is the servant of Elohim, a punisher to execute wrath on them that do bad. Therefore you must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

Weymouth New Testament    But if you do what is wrong, be afraid. He does not wear the sword to no purpose: he is God's servant--an administrator to inflict punishment upon evil-doers. We must obey therefore, not only in order to escape punishment, but also for conscience' sake.

Wikipedia Bible Project          If you do wrong, you should be afraid, for authorities do not have the power to punish for nothing. They are God’s servants to punish sternly those who do wrong. So it is important to do as you are told, not just because of the threat of punishment, but because of what your conscience tells you.

Worsley’s New Testament    But if thou dost evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is also the minister of God, as an avenger to execute his wrath upon the malefactor. Wherefore it is necessary to submit, not only on account of punishment, but also of conscience.

Catholic Bibles (those having the imprimatur):

Christian Community (1988)  .

New American Bible (2011)   .

New Catholic Bible                 .

New Jerusalem Bible             .

NRSV (Anglicized Cath. Ed.) .

Revised English Bible–1989   .

Jewish/Hebrew Names Bibles:

Complete Jewish Bible           .

Eth Cipher Translation           .

Hebraic Roots Bible               .

Holy New Covenant Trans.    But if you commit a crime, you should be afraid because he can use real force! He is God’s servant to give fair punishment to anyone who commits a crime. So you must obey, not only because you could be punished, but also for the sake of your conscience.

The Scriptures 2009              But if you do evil, be afraid, for it does not bear the sword in vain. For it is a servant of Elohim, a revenger to execute wrath on him who practises evil.  Therefore, it is necessary to be subject, not only because of wrath but also because of the conscience.

Tree of Life Version                But if you do evil, be afraid—for he does not carry the sword for no reason; for he is God’s servant, an avenger who inflicts punishment on the evildoer. Therefore it is necessary to be in submission—not only because of punishment but also because of conscience.

Weird English, Olde English, Anachronistic English Translations:

Accurate New Testament       ...if but the [thing] bad [You] may make fear! {her} not for vainly the sword [She] wears [of] god for Servant [She] is Avenging to anger [to] the [man] the [thing] bad practicing so Need {is you*} to subject {yourselves} not only because of the anger but and because of the conscience...

Alpha & Omega Bible            .

Awful Scroll Bible                   But if- you -shall do perniciousness, be afraid for yourself, for he bears not the smallsword in vain. For he is running the errands of God, a punishing-away wrath to them committing perniciousness.

Through-which, it enfolds-over to arrange- yourself -under, not only because of wrath, however, also because of your together-perceivingnesses.

Concordant Literal Version    Now if you should be doing evil, fear, for not feignedly is it wearing the sword. For it is God's servant, an avenger for indignation to him who is committing evil."

Wherefore it is necessary to be subject, not only because of indignation, but also because of conscience."

exeGeses companion Bible   But whenever you do evil, awe;

for he bears not the sword in vain:

for he is the minister of Elohim

- the avenger to wrath upon whoever transacts evil.

So it is necessary to subjugate,

not only for wrath, but also for sake of conscience.

God’s Truth (Tyndale)           .

Orthodox Jewish Bible           But if you do HaRah, be afraid. For he does not bear the cherev (8:35) to no purpose. For he is the mesharet of Hashem, an avenger for Charon Af (1:18 2:8; 3:5; 4:15; 5:9; 9:22; 12:19; 13:4) against the evildoer.

Wherefore it is necessary to be subject, not only on account of the Charon Af of Hashem, but also on account of matzpun (conscience).

Rotherham’s Emphasized B.     But <if ||that which is evil|| thou be doing> be afraid!

For ||not in vain|| |the sword| he beareth;

For ||God’s minister|| he is,—an avengerˎ unto angerˎ to him who practiseth |what is evil|.

Wherefore it is |necessary| to be in subjection,—

    Not onlyʹ because of the anger,

    But alsoʹ because of the conscience;...