Romans 13:5
Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
Original Language Analysis
ἀνάγκη
ye must needs
G318
ἀνάγκη
ye must needs
Strong's:
G318
Word #:
2 of 13
constraint (literally or figuratively); by implication, distress
διὰ
for
G1223
διὰ
for
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
6 of 13
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀργὴν
wrath
G3709
ὀργὴν
wrath
Strong's:
G3709
Word #:
8 of 13
properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e., (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implicati
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
διὰ
for
G1223
διὰ
for
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
11 of 13
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 8:2I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God.1 Peter 2:19For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.Acts 24:16And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.
Historical Context
Paul's dual motivation (fear and conscience) distinguished Christianity from both zealot revolutionaries (who rejected Roman authority) and pagan pragmatists (who obeyed only from fear). Christians obey government as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:22-24), transforming civil duty into worship. This framework later shaped Reformation political theology: government is God's ordinance deserving honor, yet when it commands idolatry or sin, conscience-bound Christians must disobey (Daniel 3, 6; Acts 4-5).
Questions for Reflection
- How does submission '<em>dia tēn syneidēsin</em>' (for conscience sake) differ from mere pragmatic obedience to avoid punishment?
- When government commands what God forbids (or forbids what God commands), how does conscience guide Christian response—submission, civil disobedience, or resistance?
- In what areas might you obey laws primarily from fear of consequences rather than conscience informed by God's authority?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake—Dio anankē hypotassesthai, ou monon dia tēn orgēn alla kai dia tēn syneidēsin (διὸ ἀνάγκη ὑποτάσσεσθαι, οὐ μόνον διὰ τὴν ὀργὴν ἀλλὰ καὶ διὰ τὴν συνείδησιν). Anankē (necessity) signals logical conclusion: submission to authority is required. Paul gives two motivations: dia tēn orgēn (because of wrath—pragmatic fear of punishment) and dia tēn syneidēsin (because of conscience—theological conviction).
Submission based solely on fear of punishment is servile; submission grounded in conscience is worship—recognizing God's authority mediated through human government. Syneidēsis (conscience) is informed moral awareness, shaped by knowledge of God's will (Romans 2:15). Christians obey government not merely to avoid trouble but because it pleases God, who ordained civil authority. This elevates political obedience to spiritual duty, yet conscience also limits obedience—when government commands sin, 'we must obey God rather than men' (Acts 5:29).