King James Version

What Does Romans 13:1 Mean?

Romans 13:1 in the King James Version says “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of G...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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 13:1 · KJV

Context

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

2

Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

3

For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers—The command πᾶσα ψυχὴ ἐξουσίαις ὑπερεχούσαις ὑποτασσέσθω (pasa psychē exousiais hyperechousais hypotassesthō) uses psychē (soul/person) to emphasize universal scope—every individual without exception. Hypotassō (be subject) is a military term meaning to arrange under authority, not mere external compliance but heartfelt submission. Exousiais hyperechousais (higher authorities) refers to governing powers placed over society.

For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God—Ou gar estin exousia ei mē hypo theou (οὐ γὰρ ἔστιν ἐξουσία εἰ μὴ ὑπὸ θεοῦ, 'for there is no authority except from God'). The emphatic negative structure demolishes anarchism—all legitimate authority derives from God's sovereignty. Hai ousai hypo theou tetagmenai eisin (αἱ οὖσαι ὑπὸ θεοῦ τεταγμέναι εἰσίν, 'those existing have been ordained by God'). The perfect participle tetagmenai (ordained/appointed) indicates God's past action with continuing effect—governments exist by divine appointment, whether rulers acknowledge God or not.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul wrote this during Nero's reign (AD 54-68), before intense persecution began (AD 64). The early church faced accusations of sedition for worshiping Christ as Lord, not Caesar. Paul establishes that Christian faith doesn't promote political rebellion. This teaching was revolutionary: Roman rule was often brutal, Jewish zealots advocated violent resistance, yet Paul commands submission. Later church fathers (Tertullian, Augustine) developed 'two kingdoms' theology—Christians honor earthly rulers while maintaining ultimate loyalty to God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you reconcile submission to governing authorities (<em>exousiais hypotassesthō</em>) with civil disobedience when government commands contradict God's law (Acts 5:29)?
  2. What does it mean practically that all authority is 'ordained by God' (<em>hypo theou tetagmenai</em>), including corrupt or unjust governments?
  3. How should Christians engage politically—as passive subjects, active citizens, or prophetic witnesses challenging injustice?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
Πᾶσα1 of 22

“Let every”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ψυχὴ2 of 22

“soul”

G5590

breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh

ἐξουσίαι3 of 22

“power”

G1849

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

ὑπερεχούσαις4 of 22

“unto the higher”

G5242

to hold oneself above, i.e., (figuratively) to excel; participle (as adjective, or neuter as noun) superior, superiority

ὑποτασσέσθω5 of 22

“be subject”

G5293

to subordinate; reflexively, to obey

οὐ6 of 22

“no”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

γάρ7 of 22

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἐστιν8 of 22

“there is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἐξουσίαι9 of 22

“power”

G1849

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

εἰ10 of 22
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὴ11 of 22
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἀπὸ12 of 22

“of”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

θεοῦ13 of 22

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

αἱ14 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ15 of 22
G1161

but, and, etc

οὖσαι16 of 22

“that be”

G5607

being

ἐξουσίαι17 of 22

“power”

G1849

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

ὑπὸ18 of 22

“of”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

τοῦ19 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ20 of 22

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

τεταγμέναι21 of 22

“ordained”

G5021

to arrange in an orderly manner, i.e., assign or dispose (to a certain position or lot)

εἰσίν·22 of 22

“are”

G1526

they are

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 13:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 13:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Titus 3:11 Peter 2:13-17Daniel 2:21John 19:11Proverbs 8:15-16Jeremiah 27:5-8

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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