Romans 13:3-4

American Standard Version

³For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. And wouldest thou have no fear of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise from the same: ⁴for ^[a]he is a minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for ^[b]he beareth not the sword in vain: for ^[c]he is a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him that doeth evil.

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Footnotes

Romans 13:4 Or, it
Romans 13:4 Or, it
Romans 13:4 Or, it

Romans 13:3-4

New American Standard Bible 1995

³For ^(A)rulers are not a cause of fear for ^[a]good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; ⁴for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an ^(B)avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.

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Footnotes

Romans 13:3 Lit good work

Romans 13:3-4

New International Version

³For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended.^(A) ⁴For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.^(B)

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