Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse emphasizes that obedience isn't just about avoiding punishment; it's also about honoring God's ordinance by satisfying your own conscience, which recognizes this divinely appointed order. This means our submission to governing authorities, even when inconvenient, should stem from an internal conviction of duty, not just external pressure.
Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul has just established that governing authorities are appointed by God to maintain order and punish evil. Therefore, Christians have a responsibility to submit to these authorities, not merely out of fear of punishment from rulers, but as a matter of conscience before God. This obedience stems from recognizing the divine appointment of government and fulfilling one's duty to God.
Why should you obey the law? Is it just to avoid getting in trouble?
The first reason Paul gives for submitting to governing authorities is the fear of wrath. He’s not just talking about the ruler’s anger, but the official punishment that comes with breaking the law. Think about it: governments are established to maintain order and protect citizens. When laws are broken, there are consequences.
This consequence is a tool God uses to curb evil and protect society. It's a practical, down-to-earth reason to comply with laws, even if you don't always agree with the specific ruler. It’s acknowledging that there are real, earthly penalties for wrongdoing, and it's wise to steer clear of them.
Is obedience just about avoiding trouble, or is there something deeper at play?
The second, and arguably more profound, reason for submission is 'for conscience' sake.' This isn't about a nagging feeling or personal preference; it's about aligning your actions with what you know is right and good in God's eyes.
Since God has ordained governing authorities, obeying them becomes a matter of obeying God. Your Christian conscience, informed by Scripture and the Holy Spirit, recognizes this divine appointment. Therefore, submission is an act of integrity, a way to keep your conscience clear before God, knowing you're honoring His established order. It’s about doing the right thing because it’s the right thing, flowing from your inner conviction.
Understand the original words
Ask a follow-up
syneidēsin · Greek Noun
The internal moral monitor God has placed within human beings. It is the faculty that judges one's actions, thoughts, and motives according to the knowledge of what is right and wrong.
This passage echoes Romans 13:5 by urging submission to human authorities 'for the Lord's sake,' highlighting the conscience-driven obedience rooted in our relationship with God, not just fear of punishment.
Matthew 22:21Jesus' command to 'render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's' directly supports the idea of dual obedience – to governing authorities and to God – which is central to the 'conscience sake' aspect of Romans 13:5.
Ecclesiastes 8:2This verse advises keeping the king's command 'because of the oath of God,' showing a biblical precedent for respecting governmental authority not just for pragmatic reasons, but as a matter of divine obligation, much like the 'conscience sake' in Romans.
Titus 3:1Paul instructs Titus to remind believers to be subject to rulers and authorities and to be ready for every good work, reinforcing the idea that civic obedience is a fundamental aspect of a godly life, stemming from a well-instructed conscience.
bengelRomans 13:5: "Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake."
Romans 13:5 . Ἀνάγκη ) Baumgarten remarks that this word is wanting in some MSS . It is only wanting in the Graeco-Latin, which are unworthy of the name of MSS. where they have no Greek copies agreeing with them (as also happens, Romans 1:19 ). I do not mention this for the sake of contention, but because I am well assured of the advantage conferred on the Greek New Testament by him, who lessens…
barnesRomans 13:5: "Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake."
Wherefore - διό dio. The "reasons" why we should be subject, which the apostle had given, were two, (1) That government was appointed by God. (2) that violation of the laws would necessarily expose to punishment. Ye must needs be - It is "necessary" ἀναγκή anagkē to be. This is a word stronger than what implies mere "fitness" or propriety. It means that it is a matter of high obligation an…
The verse emphasizes that obedience isn't just about avoiding punishment; it's also about honoring God's ordinance by satisfying your own conscience, which recognizes this divinely appointed order. This means our submission to governing authorities, even when inconvenient, should stem from an internal conviction of duty, not just external pressure.
Paul has just established that governing authorities are appointed by God to maintain order and punish evil. Therefore, Christians have a responsibility to submit to these authorities, not merely out of fear of punishment from rulers, but as a matter of conscience before God. This obedience stems from recognizing the divine appointment of government and fulfilling one's duty to God.
Paul has just established that governing authorities are appointed by God to maintain order and punish evil. Therefore, Christians have a responsibility to submit to these authorities, not merely out of fear of punishment from rulers, but as a matter of conscience before God. This obedience stems from recognizing the divine appointment of government and fulfilling one's duty to God.
"Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience." — The verse emphasizes that obedience isn't just about avoiding punishment; it's also about honoring God's ordinance by satisfying your own conscience, which recognizes this divinely appointed order. T…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026