Romans 13:3 - Revised Standard Version (RSV-CI)

For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of him who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval,

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

For civil authorities are not a terror to [people of] good conduct, but to [those of] bad behavior. Would you have no dread of him who is in authority? Then do what is right and you will receive his approval and commendation.

American Standard Version (1901)

For 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:

Common English Bible

The authorities don’t frighten people who are doing the right thing. Rather, they frighten people who are doing wrong. Would you rather not be afraid of authority? Do what’s right, and you will receive its approval.

Catholic Public Domain Version

For leaders are not a source of fear to those who work good, but to those who work evil. And would you prefer not to be afraid of authority? Then do what is good, and you shall have praise from them.

Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version

For princes are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good: and thou shalt have praise from the same.

Romans 13:3 Cross References

Proverbs 14:35

A servant who deals wisely has the king's favor, but his wrath falls on one who acts shamefully.

Proverbs 20:2

The dread wrath of a king is like the growling of a lion; he who provokes him to anger forfeits his life.

Romans 13:2

Therefore he who resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.

Romans 13:4

for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain; he is the servant of God to execute his wrath on the wrongdoer.

Deuteronomy 25:1

“If there is a dispute between men, and they come into court, and the judges decide between them, acquitting the innocent and condemning the guilty,