Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

ROMANS 13:2KJV
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Romans 13:2 (KJV)

What does Romans 13:2 mean?

Romans 13:2 says that anyone who opposes the governing authorities is also resisting what God has established, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. The verse teaches that resisting lawful authority is seen as resisting God’s order.

Paul is writing to the Christian community in Rome, explaining how believers should relate to government. In this context, Paul emphasizes that authority structures are part of God’s design, and to go against them is to go against God’s arrangement. This sets the stage for his broader teaching on living peacefully and responsibly within society.

The Greek behind Romans 13:2

  • ἐξουσία (exousia, "power"): This word refers to authority or governing power, not just raw force. Paul is talking about legitimate government, not just any person in control.
  • τάγμα (tagma, "ordinance"): This means an order or arrangement. Paul is saying that government is part of God’s structured order for society, not just a human invention.
  • κρίμα (krima, "damnation"): This word is often understood as "judgment" or "condemnation," not necessarily eternal damnation. Paul is warning of consequences, which could be legal or divine judgment, for resisting authority.

Why Romans 13:2 matters

  • Romans 13:2 clarifies that Paul is not just giving practical advice but connecting respect for government to respect for God’s order.
  • The verse helps prevent the misunderstanding that Christians can ignore civil authority without spiritual consequence.
  • This teaching ties into Paul’s larger point in Romans 13 about living honorably and peaceably in society, showing that faith and civic responsibility are connected.

Where else these words appear

“ordinance” Greek G1296 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 7:53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.

“resisteth” Greek G498 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 18:6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.
  • James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
  • James 5:6 Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.

“resisteth” Greek G436 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 5:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
  • Acts 13:8 But Elymas the sorcerer(for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.
  • 2 Timothy 3:8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

“damnation” Greek G2917 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
  • Romans 2:3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
  • 1 Timothy 5:12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.