Romans Chapter 13 · Verse 6
For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
Original Language Analysis
διὰ
cause
G1223
διὰ
cause
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
1 of 14
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
3 of 14
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
φόρους
tribute
G5411
φόρους
tribute
Strong's:
G5411
Word #:
5 of 14
a load (as borne), i.e., (figuratively) a tax (properly, an individual assessment on persons or property; whereas g5056 is usually a general toll on g
τελεῖτε·
pay ye
G5055
τελεῖτε·
pay ye
Strong's:
G5055
Word #:
6 of 14
to end, i.e., complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt)
λειτουργοὶ
ministers
G3011
λειτουργοὶ
ministers
Strong's:
G3011
Word #:
7 of 14
a public servant, i.e., a functionary in the temple or gospel, or (genitive case) a worshipper (of god) or benefactor (of man)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
θεοῦ
God's
G2316
θεοῦ
God's
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
9 of 14
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
εἰς
upon
G1519
εἰς
upon
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
11 of 14
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Historical Context
Tax resistance was volatile in first-century Judea. Judas the Galilean led a revolt in AD 6 protesting Roman taxation (Acts 5:37). Jesus Himself addressed this: 'Render unto Caesar' (Matthew 22:21). Paul echoes Jesus, establishing that Christians pay taxes as religious duty, not political coercion. This teaching countered both zealot rebellion and Gentile tax evasion, calling the church to model civic responsibility. Later Christians debated whether taxes funding pagan temples or unjust wars could be paid in good conscience.
Questions for Reflection
- How does calling tax collectors '<em>leitourgoi theou</em>' (ministers of God) reframe your attitude toward taxation and government funding?
- When government uses tax revenue for immoral purposes (funding abortion, unjust wars, idolatry), can Christians pay in good conscience?
- What is the difference between prudent tax planning/deductions and tax evasion or resistance motivated by political protest?
Analysis & Commentary
For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing—Dia touto gar kai phorous teleite· leitourgoi gar theou eisin eis auto touto proskarterountes (διὰ τοῦτο γὰρ καὶ φόρους τελεῖτε· λειτουργοὶ γὰρ θεοῦ εἰσιν εἰς αὐτὸ τοῦτο προσκαρτεροῦντες). Phorous (taxes/tribute) were resented under Roman occupation; Jewish zealots refused payment as capitulation. Paul commands payment: teleite (present tense—keep paying).
The reason: government officials are leitourgoi theou (λειτουργοὶ θεοῦ, ministers/servants of God). Leitourgos is cultic language—used for priests performing sacred service (Hebrews 8:2). Tax collectors are God's liturgists! Proskarterountes (προσκαρτερέω, devoting themselves) indicates devoted service. Paying taxes funds God-ordained government, enabling justice, order, and infrastructure. Refusing taxes is refusing to support God's appointed servants.