Miscellaneous

Bible Quotes About Civil Government

8 Scripture verses about civil government from the King James Version, with full verse text for study and meditation.

Scripture reveals that civil government operates under God's authority to uphold justice and order, as seen in laws prescribing restitution for theft and the allowance of capital punishment for certain crimes (Exodus 22:1-2). The righteousness of leadership is crucial, for a righteous man compromised before the wicked causes corruption (Proverbs 25:26). Jesus' teaching to put away the sword (Matthew 26:52) underscores the limits of violence even in governance, while His own actions demonstrate submission to God's sovereign plan within civil contexts (John 18:1). These passages collectively affirm that civil government must reflect God's justice and restrain evil while recognizing ultimate divine authority.

Total Verses

Old Testament

New Testament

Top 8 Bible Quotes About Civil Government

Genesis 4:1 — “And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. Cain: that is, Gotten, or, Acquired”
Exodus 22:1 — “If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. or a sheep: or, or a goat”
Exodus 22:2 — “If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.”
Proverbs 25:26 — “A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.”
Matthew 26:52 — “Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.”
John 18:1 — “When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.”
Romans 13:1 — “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. ordained: or, ordered”
Romans 13:4 — “For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him ...”

Old Testament Quotes About Civil Government (4)

“And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. Cain: that is, Gotten, or, Acquired”

Genesis 4:1KJV

“If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. or a sheep: or, or a goat”

Exodus 22:1KJV

“If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.”

Exodus 22:2KJV

“A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.”

Proverbs 25:26KJV

New Testament Quotes About Civil Government (4)

“Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.”

Matthew 26:52KJV

“When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.”

John 18:1KJV

“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. ordained: or, ordered”

Romans 13:1KJV

“For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”

Romans 13:4KJV

Frequently Asked Questions About Civil Government in the Bible

What does the Bible say about civil government?

The Bible contains 8 verses about civil government, covering this topic from Genesis to Revelation. Scripture provides guidance, instruction, and comfort regarding civil government through both the Old and New Testaments.

How many Bible verses are about civil government?

There are 8 Bible verses about civil government in the King James Version. These verses span multiple books of the Bible and cover various aspects of this topic.

What is the best Bible verse about civil government?

While many verses address civil government, the most well-known passages come from various books of the Bible. The best verse depends on your specific situation and what aspect of civil government you are studying.

Where in the Bible does it talk about civil government?

Civil Government is discussed throughout the Bible in both the Old and New Testaments. You can find 8 references to this topic across multiple books including the Psalms, Proverbs, the Gospels, and the Epistles.