1 Peter 2:13
Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
Original Language Analysis
οὖν
G3767
κτίσει
ordinance
G2937
κτίσει
ordinance
Strong's:
G2937
Word #:
5 of 12
original formation (properly, the act; by implication, the thing, literally or figuratively)
διὰ
for
G1223
διὰ
for
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
6 of 12
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριον
the Lord's sake
G2962
κύριον
the Lord's sake
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
8 of 12
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
βασιλεῖ
to the king
G935
βασιλεῖ
to the king
Strong's:
G935
Word #:
10 of 12
a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)
Cross References
Titus 3:1Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,Luke 20:25And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.Proverbs 24:21My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:Jeremiah 29:7And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.Mark 12:17And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.Matthew 22:21They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.2 Peter 2:10But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.Ephesians 5:21Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.Proverbs 17:11An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
Historical Context
Under Nero's increasing persecution, Christians faced suspicion of disloyalty. Peter's command countered accusations that Christianity undermined Roman authority. This echoes Paul (Romans 13:1-7) and Jesus (Matthew 22:21, "Render to Caesar"). Christians must be model citizens in all matters not requiring sin. Early church's submission to legitimate authority (while refusing idolatry/emperor worship) eventually won respect and legal protection.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance submission to governing authorities with ultimate allegiance to God?
- What does submitting 'for the Lord's sake' mean for your attitude toward political leaders you disagree with?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Peter commands submission to governing authorities. "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake" (hypotagēte pasē anthrōpinē ktisei dia ton kyrion)—voluntarily place yourself under human institutions/authorities for Christ's sake. This isn't absolute (Acts 5:29—obey God rather than men when they conflict) but general principle. The examples: "whether it be to the king, as supreme" (eite basilei hōs hyperechonti)—highest authority, emperor; "Or unto governors" (eite hēgemosin)—subordinate rulers. Submission demonstrates Christian citizenship and deflects accusations of sedition.