King James Version

What Does Romans 13:5 Mean?

Romans 13:5 in the King James Version says “Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 13:5 · KJV

Context

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.

5

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

6

For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

7

Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

Read Romans 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake—Dio anankē hypotassesthai, ou monon dia tēn orgēn alla kai dia tēn syneidēsin (διὸ ἀνάγκη ὑποτάσσεσθαι, οὐ μόνον διὰ τὴν ὀργὴν ἀλλὰ καὶ διὰ τὴν συνείδησιν). Anankē (necessity) signals logical conclusion: submission to authority is required. Paul gives two motivations: dia tēn orgēn (because of wrath—pragmatic fear of punishment) and dia tēn syneidēsin (because of conscience—theological conviction).

Submission based solely on fear of punishment is servile; submission grounded in conscience is worship—recognizing God's authority mediated through human government. Syneidēsis (conscience) is informed moral awareness, shaped by knowledge of God's will (Romans 2:15). Christians obey government not merely to avoid trouble but because it pleases God, who ordained civil authority. This elevates political obedience to spiritual duty, yet conscience also limits obedience—when government commands sin, 'we must obey God rather than men' (Acts 5:29).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's dual motivation (fear and conscience) distinguished Christianity from both zealot revolutionaries (who rejected Roman authority) and pagan pragmatists (who obeyed only from fear). Christians obey government as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:22-24), transforming civil duty into worship. This framework later shaped Reformation political theology: government is God's ordinance deserving honor, yet when it commands idolatry or sin, conscience-bound Christians must disobey (Daniel 3, 6; Acts 4-5).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does submission '<em>dia tēn syneidēsin</em>' (for conscience sake) differ from mere pragmatic obedience to avoid punishment?
  2. When government commands what God forbids (or forbids what God commands), how does conscience guide Christian response—submission, civil disobedience, or resistance?
  3. In what areas might you obey laws primarily from fear of consequences rather than conscience informed by God's authority?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
διὸ1 of 13

“Wherefore”

G1352

through which thing, i.e., consequently

ἀνάγκη2 of 13

“ye must needs”

G318

constraint (literally or figuratively); by implication, distress

ὑποτάσσεσθαι3 of 13

“be subject”

G5293

to subordinate; reflexively, to obey

οὐ4 of 13

“not”

G3756

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

μόνον5 of 13

“only”

G3440

merely

διὰ6 of 13

“for”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὴν7 of 13
G3588

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

ὀργὴν8 of 13

“wrath”

G3709

properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e., (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implicati

ἀλλὰ9 of 13

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

καὶ10 of 13

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

διὰ11 of 13

“for”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὴν12 of 13
G3588

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

συνείδησιν13 of 13

“for conscience”

G4893

co-perception, i.e., moral consciousness

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 13:5 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 13:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 2:19Acts 24:16Ecclesiastes 8:21 Peter 2:13-151 Samuel 24:5-6Titus 3:1-2

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read Romans 13 with CommentaryAll Romans ChaptersComplete Romans QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes