For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
What does Romans 13:6 mean?
The grace of the gospel teaches us submission and quiet, where pride and the carnal mind only see causes for murmuring and discontent.
Key themes
Read with
Keep this verse inside Romans 13:2-6 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Romans 13:6
For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. For this cause - Because they are appointed by God; for the sake of conscience, and in order to secure the execution of the laws. As they are appointed by God, the tribute which is needful for their support becomes an act of homage to God, an act performed in obedience to his will, and acceptable to him. Tribute also - Not only be subject Romans 13:5 , but pay what may be necessary to support the government.
Key words
- cause
-
For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
- tribute
-
For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
- also
-
For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
Context in Romans 13
Show chapter context
Romans 13 belongs to the middle movement of the book, especially the section often described as Israel, mercy, and transformed life. Romans is Paul’s fullest sustained exposition of sin, grace, righteousness, faith, Israel, the Spirit, and transformed life in Christ. Read this chapter with the wider themes of justification, grace, and faith in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
Explore by topic
Passages on trusting God, receiving Christ, persevering without sight, and the relation between faith and lived obedience.
Key passages on God's unmerited favour, the grace of Christ, salvation by grace through faith, and how grace transforms the way believers live.
Passages on lowliness, modesty, the contrast between pride and humility, and the way God exalts those who humble themselves.