King James Version

What Does Romans 13:7 Mean?

Romans 13:7 in the King James Version says “Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to ...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 13:7 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

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.

8

Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

9

For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour—Apodote pasin tas opheilas, tō ton phoron ton phoron, tō to telos to telos, tō ton phobon ton phobon, tō tēn timēn tēn timēn (ἀπόδοτε πᾶσιν τὰς ὀφειλάς, τῷ τὸν φόρον τὸν φόρον, τῷ τὸ τέλος τὸ τέλος, τῷ τὸν φόβον τὸν φόβον, τῷ τὴν τιμὴν τὴν τιμήν). The imperative apodote (render/pay back) echoes Jesus' 'render unto Caesar' (Matthew 22:21).

Opheilas (dues/debts) frames civic obligation as moral debt. Four categories: phoron (tribute—direct taxes), telos (custom—indirect taxes/tolls), phobon (fear—healthy respect for authority's power), and timēn (honor—esteem for office and person). The fourfold repetition (tribute...tribute, custom...custom) emphasizes specificity—give exactly what is owed to whom it's owed. Christians don't grudgingly submit but joyfully honor authority as God's institution.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Rome's tax system was complex: tributum (direct land/property taxes) and vectigalia (indirect customs/tolls). Tax collectors (telōnai) were despised as collaborators, yet Jesus and Paul command payment. This radical teaching distinguished Christianity from revolutionary movements. The early church became known for scrupulous civic obedience (even under persecution), leading Tertullian to write: 'We pray for emperors, for their ministers and powers, for the state of the world, for peace.' Christian integrity in taxation witnessed to gospel transformation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the command to give '<em>phobon</em>' (fear) and '<em>timēn</em>' (honor) to authorities apply when you disagree with their policies or character?
  2. In what ways might you withhold honor or respect from governing authorities while claiming to submit to them?
  3. What is the relationship between 'rendering to Caesar' (civic duty) and 'rendering to God' (ultimate allegiance)—where's the line?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
ἀπόδοτε1 of 25

“Render”

G591

to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)

οὖν2 of 25

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

πᾶσιν3 of 25

“to all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τὴν4 of 25

“to whom”

G3588

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

ὀφειλάς,5 of 25

“their dues”

G3782

indebtedness, i.e., (concretely) a sum owed; figuratively, obligation, i.e., (conjugal) duty

τὴν6 of 25

“to whom”

G3588

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

τὴν7 of 25

“to whom”

G3588

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

φόρον8 of 25

“tribute”

G5411

a load (as borne), i.e., (figuratively) a tax (properly, an individual assessment on persons or property; whereas g5056 is usually a general toll on g

τὴν9 of 25

“to whom”

G3588

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

φόρον10 of 25

“tribute”

G5411

a load (as borne), i.e., (figuratively) a tax (properly, an individual assessment on persons or property; whereas g5056 is usually a general toll on g

τὴν11 of 25

“to whom”

G3588

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

τὴν12 of 25

“to whom”

G3588

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

τέλος13 of 25

“custom”

G5056

properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e., (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitel

τὴν14 of 25

“to whom”

G3588

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

τέλος15 of 25

“custom”

G5056

properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e., (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitel

τὴν16 of 25

“to whom”

G3588

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

τὴν17 of 25

“to whom”

G3588

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

φόβον18 of 25

“fear”

G5401

alarm or fright

τὴν19 of 25

“to whom”

G3588

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

φόβον20 of 25

“fear”

G5401

alarm or fright

τὴν21 of 25

“to whom”

G3588

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

τὴν22 of 25

“to whom”

G3588

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

τιμήν23 of 25

“honour”

G5092

a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself

τὴν24 of 25

“to whom”

G3588

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

τιμήν25 of 25

“honour”

G5092

a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself

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 13:7 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 13:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 20:25Proverbs 24:21Matthew 17:251 Peter 2:17-18Matthew 22:211 Timothy 5:17

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

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