Skip to scripture

World English Bible

Romans 13

Romans 13 in the World English Bible (WEB), a public domain modern English update of the American Standard Version of 1901.

1

Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God.

2

Therefore he who resists the authority withstands the ordinance of God; and those who withstand will receive to themselves judgment.

3

For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Do you desire to have no fear of the authority? Do that which is good, and you will have praise from the authority,

4

for he is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he doesn’t bear the sword in vain; for he is a servant of God, an avenger for wrath to him who does evil.

5

Therefore you need to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience’ sake.

6

For this reason you also pay taxes, for they are servants of God’s service, continually doing this very thing.

7

Therefore give everyone what you owe: if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if customs, then customs; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

8

Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.

9

For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other commandments there are, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

10

Love doesn’t harm a neighbor. Love therefore is the fulfillment of the law.

11

Do this, knowing the time, that it is already time for you to awaken out of sleep, for salvation is now nearer to us than when we first believed.

12

The night is far gone, and the day is near. Let’s therefore throw off the deeds of darkness, and let’s put on the armor of light.

13

Let’s walk properly, as in the day; not in reveling and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and lustful acts, and not in strife and jealousy.

14

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, for its lusts.

How to Hear God’s Voice: A Practical Guide for BelieversScripture is the record of a God who speaks. This guide covers how to hear Him today and keep what He says.

Study Romans 13 in the Berean Standard Bible

The BSB page for this chapter carries a chapter summary, cross-references, key themes and real stories connected to what you are reading.

Open Romans 13(BSB) →

If God speaks to you through Romans 13

Doxa is where you record what God has said to you, in the words it came in, weigh it against Scripture with people you trust, and come back to it in the years that follow.

Doxa