Romans 13:4
New International Version
4 For 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.(A)
Romans 13:4
Amplified Bible
4 For he is God’s servant to you for good. But if you do wrong, [you should] be afraid; for he does not carry the [executioner’s] sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an avenger who brings punishment on the wrongdoer.
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Romans 13:4
New Living Translation
4 The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong.
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Romans 13:4-5
The Message
To Be a Responsible Citizen
13 1-3 Be a good citizen. All governments are under God. Insofar as there is peace and order, it’s God’s order. So live responsibly as a citizen. If you’re irresponsible to the state, then you’re irresponsible with God, and God will hold you responsible. Duly constituted authorities are only a threat if you’re trying to get by with something. Decent citizens should have nothing to fear.
3-5 Do you want to be on good terms with the government? Be a responsible citizen and you’ll get on just fine, the government working to your advantage. But if you’re breaking the rules right and left, watch out. The police aren’t there just to be admired in their uniforms. God also has an interest in keeping order, and he uses them to do it. That’s why you must live responsibly—not just to avoid punishment but also because it’s the right way to live.
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Romans 13:4
King James Version
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.
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Romans 13:6
New International Version
6 This is also why you pay taxes,(A) for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.
Romans 13:6
Amplified Bible
6 For this same reason you pay taxes, for civil authorities are God’s servants, devoting themselves to governance.
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Romans 13:6
New Living Translation
6 Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do.
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Romans 13:6-7
The Message
6-7 That’s also why you pay taxes—so that an orderly way of life can be maintained. Fulfill your obligations as a citizen. Pay your taxes, pay your bills, respect your leaders.
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Romans 13:6
King James Version
6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
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