Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

ROMANS 13:5KJV
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Romans 13:5 (KJV)

What does Romans 13:5 mean?

Romans 13:5 says that people should obey governing authorities not just because they fear punishment, but also because it is the right thing to do in their conscience. The verse highlights that respect for authority should come from an inner sense of responsibility, not only from fear of consequences.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Rome, explaining why they should be subject to government leaders. He points out that obedience is not only about avoiding "wrath" (punishment from authorities), but also about maintaining a clear conscience before God. This shows that the motivation for following laws should include both external and internal reasons.

The Greek behind Romans 13:5

  • "ὑποτάσσεσθαι" (hypotassesthai, "subject"): This Greek word means to place oneself under authority or to submit. Paul uses it here to stress a willing, respectful attitude toward governing powers, not just outward compliance.
  • "ὀργή" (orgē, "wrath"): This word refers to anger or punishment. Paul contrasts fear of punishment with a deeper, moral motivation.
  • "συνείδησις" (syneidēsis, "conscience"): This word means the inner sense of right and wrong. Paul emphasizes that obedience should come from a well-formed conscience, not just fear.

Why Romans 13:5 matters

  • Romans 13:5 clarifies that Christian obedience to authorities is not just about avoiding trouble, but about doing what is right internally.
  • The verse connects personal conscience to public behavior, showing that faith shapes how believers relate to society.
  • This verse helps explain the broader teaching in Romans 13, where Paul discusses the role of government and the Christian’s responsibility within it.

Where else these words appear

“needs” Greek G318 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 18:7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!
  • 1 Corinthians 7:37 Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.
  • Philemon 1:14 But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.

“conscience” Greek G4893 · used in 30 verses

  • John 8:9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.
  • 2 Timothy 1:3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;

“subject” Greek G5293 · used in 32 verses

  • Luke 2:51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
  • Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

“wrath” Greek G3709 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
  • Romans 9:22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
  • 1 Timothy 2:8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.