Romans 13:2
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
Whoever therefore resists the power, resists the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
American King James Version (AKJV)
Whoever therefore resists the power, resists the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
American Standard Version (ASV)
Therefore he that resisteth the power, withstandeth the ordinance of God: and they that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
For which reason everyone who puts himself against the authority puts himself against the order of God: and those who are against it will get punishment for themselves.
Webster's Revision
Whoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
World English Bible
Therefore he who resists the authority, withstands the ordinance of God; and those who withstand will receive to themselves judgment.
English Revised Version (ERV)
Therefore he that resisteth the power, withstandeth the ordinance of God: and they that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment.
Definitions for Romans 13:2
Clarke's Romans 13:2 Bible Commentary
Whosoever resisteth the power - Ὁ αντιτασσομενος, He who sets himself in order against this order of God; τῃ του Θεου διαταγῃ, and they who resist, οἱ ανθεστηκοτες, they who obstinately, and for no right reason, oppose the ruler, and strive to unsettle the constitution, and to bring about illegal changes,
Shall receive to themselves damnation - Κριμα, condemnation; shall be condemned both by the spirit and letter of that constitution, which, under pretense of defending or improving, they are indirectly labouring to subvert.
Barnes's Romans 13:2 Bible Commentary
Whosoever therefore resisteth ... - That is, they who rise up against "government itself;" who seek anarchy and confusion; and who oppose the regular execution of the laws. It is implied, however, that those laws shall not be such as to violate the rights of conscience, or oppose the laws of God.
Resisteth the ordinance of God - What God has ordained, or appointed. This means clearly that we are to regard "government" as instituted by God, and as agreeable to his will. "When" established, we are not to be agitated about the "titles" of the rulers; not to enter into angry contentions, or to refuse to submit to them, because we are apprehensive of a defect in their "title," or because they may have obtained it by oppression. If the government is established, and if its decisions are not a manifest violation of the laws of God, we are to submit to them.
Shall receive to themselves damnation - The word "damnation" we apply now exclusively to the punishment of hell; to future torments. But this is not necessarily the meaning of the word which is used here κρίμα krima. It often simply denotes "punishment;" Romans 3:8; 1 Corinthians 11:29; Galatians 5:10. In this place the word implies "guilt" or "criminality" in resisting the ordinance of God, and affirms that the man that does it shall be punished. Whether the apostle means that he shall be punished by "God," or by the "magistrate," is not quite clear. Probably the "latter," however, is intended; compare Romans 13:4. It is also true that such resistance shall be attended with the displeasure of God, and be punished by him.
Wesley's Romans 13:2 Bible Commentary
13:2 Whosoever resisteth the power - In any other manner than the laws of the community direct. Shall receive condemnation - Not only from the magistrate, but from God also.