Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse doesn't just list duties to authorities; it presents them as "debts" we owe, highlighting that paying taxes and showing respect aren't optional acts of generosity but rather rightful payments for services rendered. This framing reveals that fulfilling these obligations is a matter of justice, not just obedience, and is essential for maintaining the order God established.
Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is explaining the Christian's duty toward governing authorities, building on the idea that these rulers, by God's design, maintain order and punish evil. He's just established that obedience isn't just about avoiding punishment but a matter of conscience before God. This verse then spells out the practical ways Christians are to fulfill these obligations to those in power.
We often think of 'rendering unto Caesar' as just paying taxes. But this verse unpacks a much richer, more profound responsibility.
Paul isn't just talking about money here. He lists:
Paul emphasizes that these aren't optional suggestions. The word 'dues' (ὀφειλάς - ophelilas) signifies what is owed, like a debt that must be paid. This comprehensive list covers both material support and the respectful recognition of governing authorities.
Paul doesn't present these obligations as suggestions or political advice. He frames them as unavoidable debts.
The Greek word used here for 'dues' (ὀφειλάς - ophelilas) carries the strong sense of an incurred debt. This isn't about whether you like the government or agree with every policy; it's about recognizing a fundamental obligation.
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Think of it like this:
Therefore, paying taxes and showing respect are not just civic duties; they are moral and spiritual obligations, like settling a bill that is rightfully due.
Understand the original words
phobos · Greek Noun
A deep-seated, often reverential regard for someone in a position of authority or status. It entails acknowledging the position God has ordained for that individual and responding with appropriate deference.
timē · Greek Noun
Recognition, esteem, or glory bestowed upon someone due to their position or character. It is the outward expression of high value placed on another person.
Paul's instruction to pay taxes and give respect comes at a time when Roman governance, taxation, and the potential for social upheaval were everyday realities for Roman Christians. He grounds these civic duties in God's ultimate authority, urging believers to live peaceably and honorably within the existing political structures, even when those structures were imperfect.
c. 40s AD— this verse
Jewish Revolt and Roman Authority
The Roman Empire maintained control over Judea, the province where most of the Roman Christians lived. Tensions were often high due to Roman taxation and governance, especially as Jewish expectations for a Messiah who would overthrow Roman rule grew.
AD 41-54
Reign of Claudius
During the reign of Emperor Claudius, there were periods of unrest in Judea, including the expulsion of Jews from Rome due to disturbances related to 'Chrestus' (likely referring to disputes over Christ). This highlights the volatile political climate and the Roman authorities' sensitivity to Jewish populations.
c. AD 50s
Economic Pressures in the Empire
The Roman Empire relied heavily on taxes and customs duties to fund its vast administration, military, and public works. This created an economic reality where paying these dues was a significant and unavoidable aspect of life for all citizens, including early Christians.
c. AD 57-59
Paul's Letter to the Romans
The Apostle Paul likely wrote his letter to the Christians in Rome during this period, possibly from Corinth or Ephesus. He was addressing a diverse community with various social and economic backgrounds, including those who held Roman citizenship and those who did not.
This passage, Jesus' famous 'render to Caesar' teaching, directly echoes the principle of giving to governing authorities what belongs to them, forming the bedrock of this command in Romans.
1 Peter 2:13-17Peter expands on submission to rulers, framing it as 'for the Lord's sake,' whether it's the emperor or governors, emphasizing that honoring and respecting them is part of living a life that glorifies God.
Proverbs 24:21This Old Testament proverb warns against meddling with those in authority, highlighting a consistent biblical theme of respecting the established order, which Paul builds upon in Romans.
Titus 3:1Similar to Romans, Paul instructs Titus to remind believers to be subject to rulers and authorities, emphasizing obedience as a fundamental aspect of Christian living.
barnesRomans 13:7: "Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour."
Render therefore ... - This injunction is often repeated in the Bible; see the notes at Matthew 22:21 ; see also Matthew 17:25-27 ; 1 Peter 2:13-17 ; Proverbs 24:21 . It is one of the most lovely and obvious of the duties of religion. Christianity is not designed to break in upon the proper order of society, but rather to establish and confirm that…
bengelRomans 13:7: "Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour."
Romans 13:7 . Ὀφειλὰς ), debts .— τῷ , an abbreviated mode of expression,[137] as in 2 Corinthians 8:15 , note.— ΦὉΡΟΝ, ΤΈΛΟς ) with respect to the thing itself; ΦΌΡΟς is the genus, ΤΈΛΟς the species.— ΦΌΒΟΝ, ΤΙΜῊΝ , fear, honour ) with the mind, and words and gestures. φόβος , respect , a higher degree of honour . [137] See Appendix. Concisa Locuti…
The verse doesn't just list duties to authorities; it presents them as "debts" we owe, highlighting that paying taxes and showing respect aren't optional acts of generosity but rather rightful payments for services rendered. This framing reveals that fulfilling these obligations is a matter of justice, not just obedience, and is essential for maintaining the order God established.
Paul is explaining the Christian's duty toward governing authorities, building on the idea that these rulers, by God's design, maintain order and punish evil. He's just established that obedience isn't just about avoiding punishment but a matter of conscience before God. This verse then spells out the practical ways Christians are to fulfill these obligations to those in power.
Paul is explaining the Christian's duty toward governing authorities, building on the idea that these rulers, by God's design, maintain order and punish evil. He's just established that obedience isn't just about avoiding punishment but a matter of conscience before God. This verse then spells out the practical ways Christians are to fulfill these obligations to those in power.
"Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed." — The verse doesn't just list duties to authorities; it presents them as "debts" we owe, highlighting that paying taxes and showing respect aren't optional acts of generosity but rather rightful paymen…
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Last reviewed October 2026