Romans 13:3-7

Expanded Bible

³ [^LFor] Those who do ·right [good] do not have to fear the rulers; only those who do ·wrong [evil] fear them. Do you want to be unafraid of the ·rulers [^Lauthority]? Then do what is ·right [good], and they will ·praise [commend] you. ⁴ The ruler is God’s servant ·to help you [for your good]. But if you do wrong, then be afraid. ·He has the power to punish [^LFor he does not bear the sword in vain]; he is God’s servant ·to punish [an avenger for (God’s) wrath to] those who do wrong. ⁵ So you must ·yield [submit; be subject] to the government, not only because ·you might be punished [^Lof wrath], but because ·you know it is right [of (your) conscience].

⁶ This is also why you pay taxes. [^LBecause] Rulers are ·working for God [God’s servants/ministers] ·and give their time to [devoting themselves to] their work. ⁷ Pay everyone what you owe them: taxes to those you owe taxes, ·fees [tolls] to those you owe ·fees [tolls], ·respect [reverence; fear] to those you owe ·respect [reverence; fear], and honor to those you owe honor.