Romans 13

Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

1 Ref Let every soul to the higher authorities be subject, for there is no authority except from God, and the authorities existing are appointed by God,

2 Ref so that he who is setting himself against the authority, against God's ordinance hath resisted; and those resisting, to themselves shall receive judgment.

3 Ref For those ruling are not a terror to the good works, but to the evil; and dost thou wish not to be afraid of the authority? that which is good be doing, and thou shalt have praise from it,

4 Ref for of God it is a ministrant to thee for good; and if that which is evil thou mayest do, be fearing, for not in vain doth it bear the sword; for of God it is a ministrant, an avenger for wrath to him who is doing that which is evil.

5 Ref Wherefore it is necessary to be subject, not only because of the wrath, but also because of the conscience,

6 Ref for because of this also pay ye tribute; for servants of God they are, on this very thing attending continually;

7 Ref render, therefore, to all `their' dues; to whom tribute, the tribute; to whom custom, the custom; to whom fear, the fear; to whom honour, the honour.

8 Ref To no one owe anything, except to love one another; for he who is loving the other -- law he hath fulfilled,

Bible in Basic English (BBE)

1 Ref 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.

2 Ref 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.

3 Ref 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;

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

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

6 Ref For the same reason, make payment of taxes; because the authority is God's servant, to take care of such things at all times.

7 Ref Give to all what is their right: taxes to him whose they are, payment to him whose right it is, fear to whom fear, honour to whom honour is to be given.

8 Ref Be in debt for nothing, but to have love for one another: for he who has love for his neighbour has kept all the law.

Chapter 13 of 16

Begin Your Journey of Faith

We all start at different points in our walk with Christ. No matter where you are, we're here to support you as you grow in faith.

Accept Jesus Christ as Your Savior

If you haven’t made the decision to follow Jesus yet, we want to walk with you as you discover the new life He offers.

Read "A Truly Free Gift"

What Guides Our Walk With Christ

Discover the biblical truths and core beliefs that shape how we live, serve, and walk faithfully with Christ each day.

Explore Our Beliefs

Join a Community of Believers

Don’t walk through life alone. Find others to connect with, whether in person or online, and grow together in Christ.

Discover Where We Meet