Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY

Romans 13
New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)

Overview of Romans

- C. ADVICE ON TRUE CHRISTIAN LIVING (12:1–15:13)
  - 1. Wholehearted worship of God and proper behavior toward fellow believers and others (12:1-21)
    - Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, with your power of reason (12:1, 2)
    - Christians have different gifts but are part of one body (12:3-8)
    - Show love and honor to fellow believers; display zeal, endurance, and submission in serving Jehovah (12:9-16)
    - “Keep conquering the evil with the good” (12:17-21)
  - 2. True Christians and the State (13:1-7)
    - Subjection to “the superior authorities” serving as God’s ministers (13:1-4)
    - Render to authorities what is due them (13:5-7)
  - 3. Fulfilling the law of love, and staying awake (13:8-14)
    - Do not owe anything but love to anyone; love is the law’s fulfillment (13:8-10)
    - Walk decently as in the daytime, and imitate Jesus (13:11-14)
  - 4. Work for unity; God’s Kingdom means righteousness, peace, and joy (14:1–15:13)
    - Do not judge one another (14:1-12)
    - Do not cause others to stumble (14:13-18)
    - Pursue peace and things that build one another up (14:19-23)
    - Follow the example of Christ, who did not please himself (15:1-6)
    - “Welcome one another”; the nations will glorify God (15:7-13)

Romans 13:1

person: Or “living person.” Here the Greek word psy·kheʹ, rendered “soul” in some Bible translations, refers to a person.—See Glossary, “Soul.”

the superior authorities: That is, the secular governing authorities. The term here rendered “authorities” is the plural form of the Greek word e·xou·siʹa. Readers of the Greek Septuagint may have been familiar with the way this word was applied to rulerships or dominion. (See Da 7:6, 14, 27; 11:5, where e·xou·siʹa is used to render Hebrew and Aramaic words meaning “authority to rule; rulership; ruling power.”) At Lu 12:11, it is used in the expression “government officials, and authorities.” The Greek term rendered “superior” is related to a word used at 1Ti 2:2 in the expression “kings and all those who are in high positions [or “in positions of authority,” ftn.].” In some contexts, it refers to being in a controlling position, having power or authority over others, but it does not imply being “supreme.” This is shown by the usage at Php 2:3, where Christians are urged to consider others “superior” to themselves, not supreme.

stand placed in their relative positions by God: Lit., “they have been set in order by God.” That is, by God’s permission. The Greek word tasʹso used here is defined in various lexicons as “to bring about an order of things by arranging; to put in place; to draw up in order; to set in a certain order; to appoint.” The term is rendered “arranged” in some contexts. (Mt 28:16; Ac 15:2; 28:23) At Lu 7:8, Luke uses the same Greek word when rendering an army officer’s words: “I too am a man placed [form of tasʹso] under authority [form of e·xou·siʹa, the same word rendered “authority; authorities” at Ro 13:1-3], having soldiers under me.” This army officer had someone placed over him, and he had “soldiers under” him; so his “authority” was relative in relation to others. This indicates that the Greek word tasʹso does not always simply mean “to put in place.” It can also refer to a certain order in which someone is placed in relation to others. Many translations of Ro 13:1 use such expressions as “ordained of God” or “instituted (established; appointed) by God,” which might give the impression that God is ultimately responsible for installing secular rulers. However, based on the meaning of the Greek word, the immediate context, and what the Bible teaches elsewhere (Pr 21:1; Ec 5:8; Da 4:32; Joh 19:11), the New World Translation uses the expression “stand placed in their relative positions by God.” God allows the secular governments to have “relative” positions of authority, greater or lesser in relation to one another, but always inferior to his own supreme authority as Sovereign of the universe.

+Tit 3:1; 1Pe 2:13, 14
+Joh 19:10, 11
+Ac 17:26

Research Guide

The Watchtower (Study),
10/2023, pp. 8-10

The Watchtower (Study),
10/2022, p. 14

Enjoy Life Forever!, lesson 45

Insight, Volume 1, pp. 579, 1194

Insight, Volume 2, pp. 1009, 1045

God’s Kingdom Rules!, pp. 56-57

The Watchtower,
1/15/2010, p. 24
6/15/2008, p. 31
11/1/2002, pp. 17-18
8/1/2000, p. 4
11/1/1997, p. 16
5/1/1996, pp. 10, 12-14
5/15/1995, pp. 21-22
7/1/1994, p. 19
12/15/1990, p. 30
11/1/1990, pp. 10-15, 18-19
8/1/1990, p. 24

Awake!,
12/8/2003, pp. 10-11
8/8/1990, p. 6
9/8/1987, p. 22

Knowledge, pp. 131-132

Proclaimers, pp. 190-191, 198

Reasoning, p. 438

True Peace, pp. 131-136
Publications Index
w23.10 8-10; w22.10 14; lff lesson 45; it-1 579, 1194; it-2 1009, 1045; kr 56-57; w10 1/15 24; w08 6/15 31; g03 12/8 10-11; w02 11/1 17-18; w00 8/1 4; w97 11/1 16; w96 5/1 10, 12-14; w95 5/15 21-22; kl 131-132; w94 7/1 19; jv 190-191, 198; w90 8/1 24; w90 11/1 10-15, 18-19; w90 12/15 30; g90 8/8 6; rs 438; g87 9/8 22; tp 131-136;

uw 164; tr 157-158; w80 5/15 4-6; w80 8/15 24; hp 165-166; g79 3/8 27; sl 297; yb75 238; ml 27; w74 108; w73 63; w73 142; tp73 135-138; w72 267, 501-502, 644; ad 826, 1560; te 136-138; g69 5/22 26; g68 10/22 6; w67 333; w66 608; li 189, 193, 198; w64 357; g64 6/22 16; w63 471, 575; bf 483, 548; g63 8/8 16; g63 10/8 28; w62 614, 623, 681-690, 717; tc 7, 28; g60 8/8 12; g59 5/22 27; w58 629; gr 11; w52 375; w51 275; rm 292; w50 181, 439, 442, 446; el 197; g49 8/22 3; pn 58; w45 90; w44 57; tf 311-312; w41 11, 44, 92; s 254; w38 211, 277; g38 5/4 17; w37 41, 271; w36 55; ch 219; g36 8/26 753; lo 6; w34 359; g34 3/28 411; g33 4/12 444; v-3 13; v-1 117

Romans 13:2

the arrangement of God: “The superior authorities” are part of a temporary arrangement permitted by God. (Ro 13:1) The Greek expression used here denotes what God has ordered or directed. These secular authorities are God’s temporary means of maintaining order in human society. But there would be no human authority if God did not permit it. (Joh 19:11) In that sense, the superior authorities have a relative position within God’s purpose. When Paul wrote this letter, the superior authorities affecting Christians were primarily the government of Rome under Emperor Nero, who ruled from 54 to 68 C.E. Paul clearly recognized the need for and the superiority of God’s way of governing. (Ac 28:31; 1Co 15:24) He was simply saying that as long as Jehovah allows human rulership to exist, Christians should respect and accept it as “the arrangement of God.”

*
Or “resists.”

Research Guide

The Watchtower (Study),
10/2023, pp. 8-10

Insight, Volume 1, p. 1194

Insight, Volume 2, p. 1045

The Watchtower,
8/1/2000, p. 4
5/1/1996, p. 10
11/1/1990, pp. 18-19

Knowledge, pp. 133-134

True Peace, pp. 131-132
Publications Index
w23.10 8-10; it-1 1194; it-2 1045; w00 8/1 4; w96 5/1 10; kl 133-134; w90 11/1 18-19; tp 132;

tr 158; tp73 135; w72 268, 657; ad 826, 1560-1561; li 199; w63 471; w62 691; w52 376; w50 449; el 197; w41 44; s 254; ch 219; g33 4/12 445; v-3 13

Romans 13:3

it: That is, “the authority.”

+1Pe 2:13, 14
+1Pe 3:13

Research Guide

Insight, Volume 1, pp. 773, 818

Insight, Volume 2, pp. 667, 1045

The Watchtower,
8/15/1991, p. 19
11/1/1990, pp. 19-20
10/1/1986, p. 31
Publications Index
it-1 773, 818; it-2 667, 1045; w91 8/15 19; w90 11/1 19-20; w86 10/1 31;

w79 1/15 31; g77 2/8 27; ad 1560-1561; li 203; g64 2/22 3; w62 693, 709; w52 376; w50 450; el 199; w49 363; w47 308; w41 45; ch 219; g33 4/12 445; v-3 13

Romans 13:4

it is God’s minister: This refers to “the authority” mentioned at Ro 13:1-3. This human authority is God’s “minister,” or servant (Greek, di·aʹko·nos), in a particular sense. The Bible sometimes uses this Greek word to refer to “servants; those serving” others. (Mt 22:13; Joh 2:5, 9) The related verb di·a·ko·neʹo (to serve; to attend to; to minister) is also used to describe people performing various personal services for others. (See study note on Lu 8:3.) It is in this sense that the secular authorities can be called a “minister,” or servant. They are God’s minister because he allows them to continue for a time. They render certain services for the good of the people, providing a measure of order and protection against lawlessness. Additionally, the Bible shows that secular authorities have sometimes served as God’s minister in other ways. For example: King Cyrus of Persia called on the Jews to go out of Babylon and rebuild God’s house in Jerusalem. (Ezr 1:1-4; Isa 44:28) Persian King Artaxerxes sent Ezra with a contribution for the rebuilding of that house and later commissioned Nehemiah to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. (Ezr 7:11-26; 8:25-30; Ne 2:1-8) The Roman authority delivered Paul from the mob in Jerusalem, protected him after he was shipwrecked, and allowed him to stay in a rented house while a prisoner until his case could be heard by Caesar.—Ac 21:31, 32; 28:7-10, 30, 31.

the sword: Here referring to the right or power of secular authorities to inflict punishment on those practicing what is bad. When authorities use this power properly, it can be a strong deterrent to crime, contributing to order in society. However, they are responsible to God for how they use this authority. For example, King Herod Antipas had John the Baptist beheaded, abusing this symbolic sword. (Mt 14:1-12) Likewise, King Herod Agrippa I misused his authority by putting “James the brother of John to death by the sword.” (Ac 12:1, 2) If secular rulers try to make Christians act in violation of the Scriptures, they would not be acting as God’s minister.

to express wrath: When a person violates a human law that does not contradict God’s laws, the punishment meted out by the “rulers” is an indirect expression of God’s wrath against the one practicing what is bad. (Ro 13:3) In this context, the Greek expression for “to express wrath” could also be rendered “to bring punishment.”

*
Lit., “servant.”

Research Guide

Insight, Volume 1, pp. 108, 773, 818

Insight, Volume 2, pp. 409-410, 1045, 1150

Awake!,
12/8/2003, p. 11
3/8/1996, pp. 22-23

The Watchtower,
8/1/2000, p. 4
6/15/1997, pp. 30-31
5/1/1996, p. 10
7/1/1994, pp. 19-20, 22-23
11/1/1990, pp. 20-21
10/1/1986, p. 31

Knowledge, pp. 132-133

True Peace, pp. 132-133
Publications Index
it-1 108, 773, 818; it-2 409-410, 1045, 1150; g03 12/8 11; w00 8/1 4; w97 6/15 30-31; w96 5/1 10; g96 3/8 22-23; kl 132-133; w94 7/1 19-20, 22-23; w90 11/1 20; w86 10/1 31; tp 132;

w83 7/15 24, 31; w81 3/15 25; g77 7/22 6-7; w75 719; g75 11/22 27-28; w72 268, 480; w71 358-359; ad 79, 571, 1163, 1560-1561; li 204; w62 710-713; w52 376; w50 450; el 199; w47 308; w44 326; w41 45; w37 359; ch 220; g33 4/12 445; v-3 13

Romans 13:5

There is . . . compelling reason: Or “It is . . . necessary.” The Greek word a·nagʹke used here literally means “necessity.” This verse shows that the compelling reason for Christians to obey Caesar’s laws and to pay taxes should be the Christian conscience rather than fear of Caesar’s “sword” of punishment. (See study notes on Ro 13:4.) Therefore, a Christian submits to human governments when a command does not contradict God’s laws.

+Col 3:22; 1Pe 2:19; 3:16

Research Guide

Enjoy Life Forever!, lesson 36

Insight, Volume 2, p. 1045

The Watchtower,
9/1/2011, pp. 21-22
11/1/1990, p. 24

True Peace, pp. 135-136
Publications Index
lff lessons 36, 45; it-2 1045; w11 9/1 21-22; w90 11/1 24; tp 135-136;

tr 158-159; w75 75; w75 214-215; g74 2/22 28; tp73 138; w72 589, 640; ad 1561; g69 5/22 27; li 207; w62 623, 714; tc 28; w61 488; w52 99, 372, 377; w50 451; el 200; w41 46; ch 221

Romans 13:6

public servants: The Greek word lei·tour·gosʹ (public servant, or worker) used here and the related words lei·tour·geʹo (to render public service) and lei·tour·giʹa (public service) were used by the ancient Greeks and Romans to refer to work or service for the State or for civil authorities that was done for the benefit of the people. (The above-mentioned Greek words are derived from la·osʹ, “people,” and erʹgon, “work.”) Here the secular authorities are called God’s “public servants” (plural form of lei·tour·gosʹ) in the sense that they provide beneficial services for the people. However, in the Christian Greek Scriptures, these Greek terms are frequently used in connection with the temple service and the Christian ministry. For this usage, see study notes on Lu 1:23; Ac 13:2; Ro 15:16.

constantly serving this very purpose: Or “devoting themselves to this very thing.” The secular authorities fulfill their duties as described in the preceding verses, and as “God’s public servants,” they provide beneficial services for the people.

Taxation

Research Guide

Enjoy Life Forever!, lesson 36

Insight, Volume 2, p. 1045

The Watchtower,
9/1/2011, p. 22
8/1/2000, p. 5
5/1/1996, p. 10
11/1/1990, pp. 24-25

True Peace, pp. 132-133
Publications Index
lff lessons 36, 45; it-2 1045; w11 9/1 22; w00 8/1 5; w96 5/1 10; w90 11/1 24-25; tp 132-133;

g74 2/22 28; w72 266-267, 640; ad 1561; li 214; w63 50; ln 25; w62 715; w52 377; w50 452; el 200; w41 46; g33 4/12 446

Romans 13:7

Render: Lit., “Give back.” The same Greek verb (a·po·diʹdo·mi) is used at Mt 22:21; Mr 12:17; and Lu 20:25 in the expression “Pay back . . . Caesar’s things to Caesar.”—See study note on Mt 22:21.

+Mt 22:21; Mr 12:17; Lu 20:25
+Pr 24:21
+1Pe 2:13, 17

Research Guide

The Watchtower (Study),
10/2023, p. 8

Enjoy Life Forever!, lesson 36

Insight, Volume 1, p. 1194

Insight, Volume 2, pp. 783, 1045

The Watchtower (Study),
3/2017, p. 10

Awake!,
9/2008, pp. 20-21
12/8/2003, pp. 10-11
8/8/1990, p. 6
11/8/1986, p. 27

The Watchtower,
6/15/2000, p. 14
11/15/1994, p. 26
11/1/1990, pp. 11, 24-25

Proclaimers, p. 190

True Peace, pp. 132-133
Publications Index
w23.10 8; lff lessons 36, 45; it-1 1194; it-2 783, 1045; w17.03 10; g 9/08 20-21; g03 12/8 10-11; w00 6/15 14; w94 11/15 26; jv 190; w90 11/1 11, 24-25; g90 8/8 6; tp 132-133; g86 11/8 27;

w79 1/15 31; bw 68-69; g79 3/8 27; g77 2/8 27; g77 7/22 28; g74 2/22 28; w73 316; w72 266-267, 640; ad 826, 1393, 1561; w68 351; w67 547; li 214; w64 669; w63 50; ln 25; g63 4/22 31; g63 8/8 16; w62 716, 718; w60 500; w52 377; w50 452; w41 46

Romans 13:8

+Col 3:14; 1Ti 1:5; 1Jo 4:11
+Ga 5:14; Jas 2:8

Research Guide

Awake!,
4/8/1999, pp. 18-19
Publications Index
g99 4/8 18;

w82 8/1 29; fl 162; w77 221-223; w77 532; w73 287-288; g72 11/22 8; w71 127; w71 526-527; w71 766; w64 495; g63 2/22 13; g63 8/8 16; w62 719; w61 76, 283; w55 507; w47 324; w41 173

Romans 13:9

commit adultery: See study note on Ro 2:22.

+Ex 20:14; De 5:18; Mt 5:27, 28; 1Co 6:9, 10
+Ge 9:6; Ex 20:13; De 5:17
+Ex 20:15; De 5:19
+Ex 20:17; De 5:21
+Le 19:18; Mt 22:39; Lu 10:36, 37

Publications Index
w73 451-452; w72 563; g72 11/22 8; w69 126; w65 208; w62 720; w61 76, 283, 679; g60 11/22 28; w47 324; w41 47

Romans 13:10

+Lu 6:31; 1Co 13:4, 5; 2Ti 2:24
+Mt 22:37-40

Publications Index
w78 9/15 13; g77 6/8 4; w72 563; g72 11/22 8; w65 206; w63 81, 207, 420; ln 54; w62 720; w61 76, 283, 679; w59 680; w47 324; w41 47; w31 3

Romans 13:11

+Lu 21:36; 1Th 5:6

Research Guide

Insight, Volume 2, p. 980

The Watchtower,
11/15/2013, p. 7
3/15/2012, p. 11
5/1/1992, p. 23
10/1/1989, pp. 30-31
Publications Index
it-2 980; w13 11/15 7; w12 3/15 11; w92 5/1 23; w89 10/1 30-31;

w79 3/15 31; g71 11/22 3; w62 497, 721; w57 145; w53 220

Romans 13:12

+Eph 5:10, 11
+2Co 6:4, 7; Eph 6:11; 1Th 5:8

Research Guide

Insight, Volume 2, pp. 254, 499

The Watchtower,
10/1/1989, pp. 30-31
Publications Index
it-2 254, 499; w89 10/1 30-31;

w78 10/1 18; ad 1067, 1225; li 286; w64 530; w62 721; w61 84; w53 381; w47 377

Romans 13:13

wild parties: Or “revelries.” The Greek word koʹmos occurs three times in the Christian Greek Scriptures and always in an unfavorable sense. (Ga 5:21; 1Pe 4:3) It has been defined as “drinking parties involving unrestrained indulgence in alcoholic beverages and accompanying immoral behavior.” In ancient Greek writings, the word was used in connection with riotous festal street processions that honored pagan gods, such as Dionysus (or Bacchus), the god of wine, with singing until late at night. Such processions and licentious conduct were common in Greek cities of the apostles’ time, including cities of Asia Minor. (1Pe 1:1) Peter addressed his letter to Christians there who had “carried on in acts of . . . unbridled passions, overdrinking, wild parties, drinking bouts, and lawless idolatries” before becoming Christians. (1Pe 4:3, 4) Paul included “wild parties” among “the works of the flesh,” adding that those who indulged in such behavior would “not inherit God’s Kingdom.” (Ga 5:19-21) In verses where the expression “wild parties” occurs, Paul and Peter also list such behavior as drunkenness, immoral intercourse, sexual immorality, uncleanness, brazen conduct, and unbridled passions.

brazen conduct: Or “acts of shameless conduct.” Here the plural form of the Greek word a·selʹgei·a is used. This Greek word denotes conduct that is a serious violation of God’s laws and that reflects a brazen or boldly contemptuous attitude.—See Glossary.

+1Pe 2:12
+Eph 4:19; 1Pe 4:3
+2Co 12:20

Research Guide

Enjoy Life Forever!, lesson 43

Awake!,
1/8/2002, p. 21
6/8/1996, pp. 14-15
Publications Index
lff lesson 43; g02 1/8 21; g96 6/8 14-15;

w78 10/1 18; w74 13; w73 575; g65 8/22 4; w62 722; g62 8/22 28; g62 9/8 26; w61 84

Romans 13:14

put on the Lord: Or “imitate the qualities (manners) of the Lord.” The Greek word for “put on” literally means “to clothe (dress) oneself.” (Lu 15:22; Ac 12:21) It is here used figuratively in the sense of taking on the characteristics of someone. The same Greek word is used at Col 3:10, 12 in the expression “clothe yourselves with.” Paul’s admonition at Ro 13:14 means that Christians should follow Jesus closely, figuratively clothing themselves with his example and his disposition, striving to be Christlike.

+1Co 11:1; Ga 3:27; Eph 4:24
+Ga 5:16

Research Guide

The Watchtower,
1/1/2007, pp. 17-18
1/1/2005, pp. 11-12
8/1/1991, p. 13
8/1/1990, p. 25
3/1/1990, p. 19
Publications Index
w07 1/1 17-18; w05 1/1 11-12; w91 8/1 13; w90 3/1 19; w90 8/1 25;

g84 9/22 22; w78 10/1 18-19; w78 12/15 11; w74 13; w73 567-568; w63 366; w62 722

Parallel Translations

Click a verse number to display parallel Bible verses.

Quotation

General

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)

Romans 13:1-14

To the Romans

13 Let every person be in subjection to the superior authorities,+ for there is no authority except by God;+ the existing authorities stand placed in their relative positions by God.+ 2 Therefore, whoever opposes* the authority has taken a stand against the arrangement of God; those who have taken a stand against it will bring judgment against themselves. 3 For those rulers are an object of fear, not to the good deed, but to the bad.+ Do you want to be free of fear of the authority? Keep doing good,+ and you will have praise from it; 4 for it is God’s minister* to you for your good. But if you are doing what is bad, be in fear, for it is not without purpose that it bears the sword. It is God’s minister, an avenger to express wrath against the one practicing what is bad.

5 There is therefore compelling reason for you to be in subjection, not only on account of that wrath but also on account of your conscience.+ 6 That is why you are also paying taxes; for they are God’s public servants constantly serving this very purpose. 7 Render to all their dues: to the one who calls for the tax, the tax;+ to the one who calls for the tribute, the tribute; to the one who calls for fear, such fear;+ to the one who calls for honor, such honor.+

8 Do not owe anything to anyone except to love one another;+ for whoever loves his fellow man has fulfilled the law.+ 9 For the law code, “You must not commit adultery,+ you must not murder,+ you must not steal,+ you must not covet,”+ and whatever other commandment there is, is summed up in this saying: “You must love your neighbor as yourself.”+ 10 Love does not work evil to one’s neighbor;+ therefore, love is the law’s fulfillment.+

11 And do this because you know the season, that it is already the hour for you to awake from sleep,+ for now our salvation is nearer than at the time when we became believers. 12 The night is well along; the day has drawn near. Let us therefore throw off the works belonging to darkness+ and let us put on the weapons of the light.+ 13 Let us walk decently+ as in the daytime, not in wild parties and drunkenness, not in immoral intercourse and brazen conduct,+ not in strife and jealousy.+ 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ,+ and do not be planning ahead for the desires of the flesh.+