Romans 13:4

Updated: June 3, 2025
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for he is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he doesn’t bear the sword in vain; for he is a servant of God, an avenger for wrath to him who does evil.
World English Bible (WEB)
For{G1063} he is{G2076}{(G5748)} the minister{G1249} of God{G2316} to thee{G4671} for{G1519} good{G18}. But{G1161} if{G1437} thou do{G4160}{(G5725)} that which is evil{G2556}, be afraid{G5399}{(G5737)}; for{G1063} he beareth{G5409}{(G5719)} not{G3756} the sword{G3162} in vain{G1500}: for{G1063} he is{G2076}{(G5748)} the minister{G1249} of God{G2316}, a revenger{G1558} to execute wrath{G3709} upon{G1519} him that doeth{G4238}{(G5723)} evil{G2556}.
KJV with Strongs
(4) because it's a servant of יהוה YAHWEH for you, for good. But if you do evil, be afraid! For it doesn't bear the sword for no purpose because it's a servant of יהוה YAHWEH, an avenger, who brings fury on the one practicing evil.
The F.O.G
[4] Government officials serve as God's agents for the good of society. But if you're doing wrong, you have reason to be afraid! They don't carry the sword without reason—they serve as God's agents of justice, authorized to punish wrongdoing.
The F.O.G Paraphrase
for of God it is a ministrant to thee for good; and if that which is evil thou mayest do, be fearing, for not in vain doth it bear the sword; for of God it is a ministrant, an avenger for wrath to him who is doing that which is evil.
Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

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Romans 13:4

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