Romans 13:1
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Original Language Analysis
ψυχὴ
soul
G5590
ψυχὴ
soul
Strong's:
G5590
Word #:
2 of 22
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
ἐξουσίαι
power
G1849
ἐξουσίαι
power
Strong's:
G1849
Word #:
3 of 22
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
ὑπερεχούσαις
unto the higher
G5242
ὑπερεχούσαις
unto the higher
Strong's:
G5242
Word #:
4 of 22
to hold oneself above, i.e., (figuratively) to excel; participle (as adjective, or neuter as noun) superior, superiority
γάρ
For
G1063
γάρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
7 of 22
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐστιν
there is
G2076
ἐστιν
there is
Strong's:
G2076
Word #:
8 of 22
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
ἐξουσίαι
power
G1849
ἐξουσίαι
power
Strong's:
G1849
Word #:
9 of 22
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
11 of 22
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἀπὸ
of
G575
ἀπὸ
of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
12 of 22
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
13 of 22
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
αἱ
G3588
αἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐξουσίαι
power
G1849
ἐξουσίαι
power
Strong's:
G1849
Word #:
17 of 22
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
ὑπὸ
of
G5259
ὑπὸ
of
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
18 of 22
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
20 of 22
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
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,Daniel 2:21And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:John 19:11Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.Jude 1:8Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.Psalms 62:11God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.Ephesians 5:21Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.1 Samuel 2:8He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.Revelation 19:16And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.Revelation 1:5And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,Daniel 4:32And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.
Historical Context
Paul wrote this during Nero's reign (AD 54-68), before intense persecution began (AD 64). The early church faced accusations of sedition for worshiping Christ as Lord, not Caesar. Paul establishes that Christian faith doesn't promote political rebellion. This teaching was revolutionary: Roman rule was often brutal, Jewish zealots advocated violent resistance, yet Paul commands submission. Later church fathers (Tertullian, Augustine) developed 'two kingdoms' theology—Christians honor earthly rulers while maintaining ultimate loyalty to God.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you reconcile submission to governing authorities (<em>exousiais hypotassesthō</em>) with civil disobedience when government commands contradict God's law (Acts 5:29)?
- What does it mean practically that all authority is 'ordained by God' (<em>hypo theou tetagmenai</em>), including corrupt or unjust governments?
- How should Christians engage politically—as passive subjects, active citizens, or prophetic witnesses challenging injustice?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers—The command πᾶσα ψυχὴ ἐξουσίαις ὑπερεχούσαις ὑποτασσέσθω (pasa psychē exousiais hyperechousais hypotassesthō) uses psychē (soul/person) to emphasize universal scope—every individual without exception. Hypotassō (be subject) is a military term meaning to arrange under authority, not mere external compliance but heartfelt submission. Exousiais hyperechousais (higher authorities) refers to governing powers placed over society.
For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God—Ou gar estin exousia ei mē hypo theou (οὐ γὰρ ἔστιν ἐξουσία εἰ μὴ ὑπὸ θεοῦ, 'for there is no authority except from God'). The emphatic negative structure demolishes anarchism—all legitimate authority derives from God's sovereignty. Hai ousai hypo theou tetagmenai eisin (αἱ οὖσαι ὑπὸ θεοῦ τεταγμέναι εἰσίν, 'those existing have been ordained by God'). The perfect participle tetagmenai (ordained/appointed) indicates God's past action with continuing effect—governments exist by divine appointment, whether rulers acknowledge God or not.