King James Version

What Does Romans 13:2 Mean?

Romans 13:2 in the King James Version says “Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselve...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 13:2 · 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:

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 that doeth evil.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God—Hōste ho antitassomenos tē exousia tē tou theou diatagē anthistēken (ὥστε ὁ ἀντιτασσόμενος τῇ ἐξουσίᾳ τῇ τοῦ θεοῦ διαταγῇ ἀνθέστηκεν). The verb antitassō (resist/oppose) is military—to set oneself in battle array against. Resisting government authority is resisting God's diatagē (ordinance/arrangement), His ordained ordering of society. This doesn't mean blind obedience to evil commands (Daniel 3, Acts 4:19-20) but recognizes government as God's instrument.

And they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation—Krima lēmpsontai (κρίμα λήμψονται, 'will receive judgment'). Krima is better translated 'judgment' than 'damnation'—the context is temporal consequences (prison, punishment) not eternal condemnation. The future tense lēmpsontai warns of inevitable consequences for lawless rebellion. Paul grounds civil order in divine authority, making anarchy a theological issue, not merely political.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In the 60s AD, Jewish revolt against Rome was brewing (erupting in AD 66-70, ending in Jerusalem's destruction). Paul writes against revolutionary fervor, establishing that Christianity doesn't promote violent overthrow of government. This passage was later debated during the Reformation—when is resistance to tyrants obedience to God? Reformers like Calvin and Knox developed theories of 'lesser magistrates' who could resist tyrannical kings, but not private individuals acting vigilante.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the difference between civil disobedience (refusing unjust laws) and rebellion (<em>antitassomenos</em>, armed revolt against authority)?
  2. How does understanding '<em>krima</em>' (judgment) as temporal punishment rather than eternal damnation affect your reading of this verse?
  3. When government authority conflicts with God's law, how do you determine the faithful response—submission, civil disobedience, or active resistance?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
ὥστε1 of 16

“Whosoever therefore”

G5620

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

ὁ2 of 16
G3588

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

ἀντιτασσόμενος3 of 16

“resisteth”

G498

to range oneself against, i.e., oppose

τῇ4 of 16
G3588

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

ἐξουσίᾳ5 of 16

“the power”

G1849

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

τῇ6 of 16
G3588

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

τοῦ7 of 16
G3588

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

θεοῦ8 of 16

“of God”

G2316

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

διαταγῇ9 of 16

“the ordinance”

G1296

arrangement, i.e., institution

ἀνθεστηκότες10 of 16

“resisteth”

G436

to stand against, i.e., oppose

οἱ11 of 16
G3588

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

δὲ12 of 16

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀνθεστηκότες13 of 16

“resisteth”

G436

to stand against, i.e., oppose

ἑαυτοῖς14 of 16

“to themselves”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

κρίμα15 of 16

“damnation”

G2917

a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ("crime"))

λήψονται16 of 16

“shall receive”

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

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 13:2 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 13:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 2:13Titus 3:1Romans 13:5James 3:1Luke 20:47Mark 12:40

Test Your Knowledge

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

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