Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
What does Romans 13:7 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
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Keep this verse inside Romans 13:7-9 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Romans 13:7
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 order. It does not rudely assail existing institutions: but it comes to put them on a proper footing, to diffuse a mild and pure influence over all, and to secure "such" an influence in all the relations of life as shall tend best to promote the happiness of man and the welfare of the community.
Key words
- custom
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custom. Fear - See Romans 13:4 .
- fear
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fear. The former is the "fear" which arises from the dread of punishment.
Context in Romans 13
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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.
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