Romans 13:4
For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
Original Language Analysis
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
1 of 31
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 31
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
διάκονός
the minister
G1249
διάκονός
the minister
Strong's:
G1249
Word #:
3 of 31
an attendant, i.e., (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon)
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 31
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
9 of 31
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κακὸν
evil
G2556
κακὸν
evil
Strong's:
G2556
Word #:
12 of 31
worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious
ποιῇς
thou do
G4160
ποιῇς
thou do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
13 of 31
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
φοβοῦ·
be afraid
G5399
φοβοῦ·
be afraid
Strong's:
G5399
Word #:
14 of 31
to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
16 of 31
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μάχαιραν
the sword
G3162
μάχαιραν
the sword
Strong's:
G3162
Word #:
19 of 31
a knife, i.e., dirk; figuratively, war, judicial punishment
φορεῖ·
he beareth
G5409
φορεῖ·
he beareth
Strong's:
G5409
Word #:
20 of 31
to have a burden, i.e., (by analogy) to wear as clothing or a constant accompaniment
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
21 of 31
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
22 of 31
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
διάκονός
the minister
G1249
διάκονός
the minister
Strong's:
G1249
Word #:
23 of 31
an attendant, i.e., (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon)
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
26 of 31
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ὀργὴν
to execute wrath
G3709
ὀργὴν
to execute wrath
Strong's:
G3709
Word #:
27 of 31
properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e., (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implicati
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
28 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
29 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Romans 12:19Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.Proverbs 16:14The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.Proverbs 20:2The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.2 Chronicles 19:6And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment.Romans 13:6For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
Historical Context
Roman magistrates carried the gladius (sword) as symbol of authority (ius gladii, right of the sword), including capital punishment. Paul affirms this as God-ordained, not merely human convention. This verse grounds Christian support for just war theory and capital punishment, though debated. Early Christians generally opposed participating in military service or executions, though acknowledging government's right. Augustine and Aquinas later developed 'just war' criteria, arguing Christians could participate in government's coercive function.
Questions for Reflection
- How does calling government officials '<em>theou diakonos</em>' (God's servants) shape Christian attitudes toward authority, even when rulers are unjust or unbelieving?
- What does the '<em>machaira</em>' (sword) authorize—police force, military defense, capital punishment—and are there limits to government coercion?
- How do you reconcile government as 'avenger to execute wrath' with Jesus' command to love enemies and turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:38-44)?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For he is the minister of God to thee for good—Theou gar diakonos estin soi eis to agathon (θεοῦ γὰρ διάκονος ἐστίν σοι εἰς τὸ ἀγαθόν). The ruler is God's diakonos (servant/minister)—the same word used for church deacons (Philippians 1:1) and Paul's apostolic ministry (2 Corinthians 3:6). Government is divine service, whether rulers acknowledge God or not. Eis to agathon (for good) defines government's purpose—promoting citizens' welfare, establishing justice.
But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain—Ou gar eikē tēn machairan phorei (οὐ γὰρ εἰκῇ τὴν μάχαιραν φορεῖ, 'for he does not bear the sword in vain'). Machaira (sword) represents coercive force, including capital punishment. Eikē (in vain) means without purpose—government's sword is purposeful, authorized by God. Ekdikos eis orgēn (ἔκδικος εἰς ὀργήν, 'avenger to execute wrath') designates government as executor of divine justice against wickedness.