Romans 13:5

BSB · Public Domain (CC0)

“Therefore it is necessary to submit to authority, not only to avoid punishment, but also as a matter of conscience.”

What this verse means

A short, plain-language explanation of Romans 13:5 goes here — the kind of answer a reader (or an AI assistant) can quote in one breath. Original meaning coming soon.

Compare translations
BSBPD

“Therefore it is necessary to submit to authority, not only to avoid punishment, but also as a matter of conscience.”

Berean Standard Bible · Public Domain (CC0)
KJVPD

“Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.”

King James Version · Public Domain
ASVPD

“Wherefore ye must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience’ sake.”

American Standard Version · Public Domain
YLTPD

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

Young's Literal Translation · Public Domain
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Cross references

Other passages that echo Romans 13:5 — 8 related verses from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  1. 1 Samuel 24:5Afterward, David’s conscience was stricken because he had cut off the corner of Saul’s robe.
  2. Ecclesiastes 8:2Keep the king’s command, I say, because of your oath before God.
  3. Acts 24:16In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man.
  4. Titus 3:1Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work,
  5. Hebrews 13:18Pray for us; we are convinced that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.
  6. 1 Peter 2:13Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority,
  7. 1 Peter 2:19For if anyone endures the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God, this is to be commended.
  8. 1 Peter 3:16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ.

Cross-reference data: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (public domain) via OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0).

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