Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. New Living Translation Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority. English Standard Version Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. Berean Standard Bible Pay everyone what you owe him: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due. Berean Literal Bible Render to all their dues: tax to whom tax, revenue to whom revenue, respect to whom respect, honor to whom honor. King James Bible Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. New King James Version Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. New American Standard Bible Pay to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; respect to whom respect; honor to whom honor. NASB 1995 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. NASB 1977 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. Legacy Standard Bible Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. Amplified Bible Pay to all what is due: tax to whom tax is due, customs to whom customs, respect to whom respect, honor to whom honor. Christian Standard Bible Pay your obligations to everyone: taxes to those you owe taxes, tolls to those you owe tolls, respect to those you owe respect, and honor to those you owe honor. Holman Christian Standard Bible Pay your obligations to everyone: taxes to those you owe taxes, tolls to those you owe tolls, respect to those you owe respect, and honor to those you owe honor. American Standard Version Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. Contemporary English Version Pay all that you owe, whether it is taxes and fees or respect and honor. English Revised Version Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. GOD'S WORD® Translation Pay everyone whatever you owe them. If you owe taxes, pay them. If you owe tolls, pay them. If you owe someone respect, respect that person. If you owe someone honor, honor that person. Good News Translation Pay, then, what you owe them; pay them your personal and property taxes, and show respect and honor for them all. International Standard Version Pay everyone whatever you owe them—taxes to whom taxes are due, tolls to whom tolls are due, fear to whom fear is due, honor to whom honor is due. NET Bible Pay everyone what is owed: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due. New Heart English Bible Give therefore to everyone what you owe: taxes to whom taxes are due; customs to whom customs; respect to whom respect; honor to whom honor. Webster's Bible Translation Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. Weymouth New Testament Pay promptly to all men what is due to them: taxes to those to whom taxes are due, toll to those to whom toll is due, respect to those to whom respect is due, honour to those to whom honour is due. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleTherefore pay everyone what you owe him: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due. World English Bible Therefore give everyone what you owe: if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if customs, then customs; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionrender, therefore, to all [their] dues; to whom tribute, the tribute; to whom custom, the custom; to whom fear, the fear; to whom honor, the honor. Berean Literal Bible Render to all their dues: tax to whom tax, revenue to whom revenue, respect to whom respect, honor to whom honor. Young's Literal Translation render, therefore, to all their dues; to whom tribute, the tribute; to whom custom, the custom; to whom fear, the fear; to whom honour, the honour. Smith's Literal Translation Therefore restore debts to all; to whom tribute, tribute; to whom recompense, recompense; to whom fear, fear; to whom honour, honour. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleRender therefore to all men their dues. Tribute, to whom tribute is due: custom, to whom custom: fear, to whom fear: honour, to whom honour. Catholic Public Domain Version Therefore, render to all whatever is owed. Taxes, to whom taxes is due; revenue, to whom revenue is due; fear, to whom fear is due; honor, to whom honor is due. New American Bible Pay to all their dues, taxes to whom taxes are due, toll to whom toll is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due. New Revised Standard Version Pay to all what is due them—taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleRender therefore, to every one as is due to him: head tax to him who is in charge of head tax, duty to him who is in charge of custom; reverence to whom reverence is due, and honor to whom honor is due. Aramaic Bible in Plain English Pay every person what is owed to him: to whomever head tax, pay head tax, and to whomever a tribute tax, a tribute tax, and to whomever reverence, reverence, and to whomever honor, honor. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentRender, therefore, to all their dues; tribute, to whom tribute is due; custom, to whom custom; fear, to whom fear; honor, to whom honor is due. Godbey New Testament Give to all their dues: custom to whom custom is due; tribute to whom tribute is due; fear to whom fear is due; honor to whom honor is due. Haweis New Testament Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due, custom to whom custom, fear to whom fear, honour to whom honour. Mace New Testament attending upon the publick administration, render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due, custom to whom custom, reverence to whom reverence, honour to whom honour. Weymouth New Testament Pay promptly to all men what is due to them: taxes to those to whom taxes are due, toll to those to whom toll is due, respect to those to whom respect is due, honour to those to whom honour is due. Worrell New Testament Render to all their dues; tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. Worsley New Testament Render therefore to all what is their due: tribute to whom tribute is due, custom to whom custom, reverence to whom reverence, honor to whom honor. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Submission to Authorities…6This is also why you pay taxes. For the authorities are God’s servants, who devote themselves to their work. 7Pay everyone what you owe him: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due. 8Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love. For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.… Cross References Matthew 22:21 “Caesar’s,” they answered. So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” 1 Peter 2:17 Treat everyone with high regard: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. Mark 12:17 Then Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” And they marveled at Him. Luke 20:25 So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Proverbs 3:27 Do not withhold good from the deserving when it is within your power to act. 1 Timothy 5:18 For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.” Malachi 1:6 “A son honors his father, and a servant his master. But if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is your fear of Me?” says the LORD of Hosts to you priests who despise My name. “But you ask, ‘How have we despised Your name?’ Leviticus 19:13 You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. You must not withhold until morning the wages due a hired hand. Deuteronomy 24:15 You are to pay his wages each day before sunset, because he is poor and depends on them. Otherwise he may cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin. 1 Corinthians 9:7-14 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Who tends a flock and does not drink of its milk? / Do I say this from a human perspective? Doesn’t the Law say the same thing? / For it is written in the Law of Moses: “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” Is it about oxen that God is concerned? ... Galatians 6:6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor. James 5:4 Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts. Matthew 17:24-27 After they had arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, “Does your Teacher pay the two drachmas?” / “Yes,” he answered. When Peter entered the house, Jesus preempted him. “What do you think, Simon?” He asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs and taxes: from their own sons, or from others?” / “From others,” Peter answered. “Then the sons are exempt,” Jesus said to him. ... Nehemiah 5:4 Still others were saying, “We have borrowed money to pay the king’s tax on our fields and vineyards. Exodus 22:25-27 If you lend money to one of My people among you who is poor, you must not act as a creditor to him; you are not to charge him interest. / If you take your neighbor’s cloak as collateral, return it to him by sunset, / because his cloak is the only covering he has for his body. What else will he sleep in? And if he cries out to Me, I will hear, for I am compassionate. Treasury of Scripture Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. therefore. Luke 20:25 And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's. fear to. Leviticus 19:3 Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the LORD your God. 1 Samuel 12:18 So Samuel called unto the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. Proverbs 24:21 My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change: honour to. Exodus 20:12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. Leviticus 19:32 Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD. Ephesians 6:2,3 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) … Jump to Previous Custom Customs Due Dues Fear Honor Honour Owe Pay Payment Promptly Render Respect Right Tax Taxes Toll TributeJump to Next Custom Customs Due Dues Fear Honor Honour Owe Pay Payment Promptly Render Respect Right Tax Taxes Toll TributeRomans 13 1. Subjection, and many other duties, we owe to the authorities.8. Love is the fulfillment of the law. 11. The acts of darkness are out of season in the time of the Gospel. Pay everyone what you owe him: This phrase emphasizes the Christian duty to fulfill obligations and debts. In the context of the Roman Empire, where Paul was writing, the concept of paying debts was crucial for maintaining social order. The Bible consistently teaches the importance of integrity and honesty in financial matters (Proverbs 3:27-28). This principle reflects the broader biblical theme of justice and righteousness, as seen in the teachings of Jesus (Matthew 5:23-24). Taxes to whom taxes are due: Revenue to whom revenue is due: Respect to whom respect is due: Honor to whom honor is due: Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings. 2. The Roman Church The recipients of the letter, the Roman Christians were a diverse group living in the heart of the Roman Empire, facing various social and political challenges. 3. Roman Authorities The governing bodies and officials in Rome, to whom taxes and revenues were due, representing the broader concept of governmental authority. 4. Jewish and Gentile Believers The mixed audience of the Roman church, including both Jewish and Gentile Christians, who had different cultural and religious backgrounds. 5. The Roman Empire The political and social context in which the Roman church existed, characterized by a complex system of governance and taxation. Teaching Points Obligation to AuthoritiesChristians are called to fulfill their civic duties, including paying taxes and revenues, as a testimony of integrity and obedience to God's ordained structures. Respect and Honor Beyond financial obligations, believers are to show respect and honor to those in positions of authority, recognizing their role in maintaining order. Witness through Obedience By adhering to these principles, Christians demonstrate a godly witness to the world, reflecting Christ's teachings and character. Balancing Allegiance While respecting earthly authorities, believers must remember their ultimate allegiance is to God, ensuring that obedience to human laws does not conflict with divine commands. Cultural Sensitivity Understanding the diverse backgrounds of the Roman church, Paul’s instructions remind us to be sensitive to cultural and social dynamics in our own contexts. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Romans 13:7?2. How can we practically "pay everyone what you owe him" in daily life? 3. What does Romans 13:7 teach about respecting authority and government? 4. How does Romans 13:7 connect with Jesus' teaching on paying taxes? 5. In what ways can honoring others reflect our Christian witness? 6. How can we apply "respect to whom respect is due" in our community? 7. How does Romans 13:7 align with the concept of separation of church and state? 8. Does Romans 13:7 imply unconditional obedience to government authorities? 9. How should Christians interpret "pay everyone what you owe him" in modern society? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Romans 13? 11. What are Dulia, Hyperdulia, and Latria? 12. Should we avoid owing anything to anyone? 13. What does the Bible say about Christianity and politics? 14. Should Christians consider taking out a mortgage? What Does Romans 13:7 Mean Pay everyone what you owe himRomans 13:7 opens with a sweeping command: “Pay everyone what you owe him.” • Paul ties this to the governing-authority discussion that began in Romans 13:1–6, reminding believers that obedience to God often runs through ordinary civic responsibilities. • Cross references like Proverbs 3:27 (“Do not withhold good from the deserving when it is within your power to act”) and Matthew 22:21 (“Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s”) confirm the consistent biblical call to settle all rightful obligations. • The verse’s structure shows four examples, not an exhaustive list; the principle covers every debt—monetary, verbal, relational, or spiritual—that love and justice require us to pay (Romans 13:8). Taxes to whom taxes are due “Taxes” points to the regular, fixed levies imposed by the state. • Jesus modeled submission by paying the temple tax (Matthew 17:24-27) and teaching, “Render to Caesar” (Matthew 22:17-21). • Romans 13:6 explains that rulers are “God’s servants” who need revenue to carry out their work; paying taxes recognizes God’s provision of order through government. • 1 Peter 2:13-14, 17 echoes the same call: “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution… honor the emperor.” The takeaway: drafting a budget check to the IRS (or its equivalent) can be an act of worship when done with a willing heart. Revenue to whom revenue is due “Revenue” (often translated “custom” or “tariff”) covers variable fees, tolls, and business duties. • John the Baptist told tax collectors, “Collect no more than you are authorized” (Luke 3:12-13), implying that the public must also pay what is authorized. • Zacchaeus demonstrated repentance by restoring improperly taken customs fourfold and giving to the poor (Luke 19:8). • Romans 12:17 warns, “Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody,” a principle that applies to every financial dealing, formal or informal. Settling these lesser-known obligations—licensing fees, import duties, and the like—keeps our consciences clear and our witness credible. Respect to whom respect is due Here Paul shifts from money to attitude. “Respect” (or “fear”) recognizes positional authority. • The command reflects Exodus 22:28: “You must not curse God, nor curse a ruler of your people.” • When Paul appeared before the Sanhedrin, he apologized for speaking rashly to the high priest once he realized his position (Acts 23:4-5), modeling respectful speech even under pressure. • Titus 3:1-2 urges believers “to be subject to rulers and authorities… to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate.” Practical expressions include courteous language, prompt compliance with lawful orders, and praying for leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Honor to whom honor is due “Honor” goes beyond respect; it assigns value and esteem. • 1 Peter 2:17 condenses civic duty into four words: “Honor the emperor.” The same verse pairs it with “Love the brotherhood,” showing that honoring authorities does not negate, but complements, Christian fellowship. • Honoring parents (Ephesians 6:2) and elders who direct the church (1 Timothy 5:17) shows that honor operates in every sphere God has ordained. • Revelation 5:13 pictures all creation giving “honor and glory” to the Lamb, reminding us that earthly honor mirrors the ultimate honor God deserves. Displaying honor can look like speaking well of leaders in public, writing a thank-you note, or standing during a judge’s entrance—small gestures that proclaim a big theology: authority is God-given. summary Romans 13:7 calls believers to settle every debt—financial, civic, and relational. Paying taxes and fees funds the governing structures God has allowed; offering respect and honor upholds the dignity of those He has placed in authority. When Christians faithfully meet these obligations, they showcase integrity, submit to God’s order, and clear the way for the gospel to shine without hindrance. (7) Tribute.--Rather, taxes--i.e., taxes upon person or property as opposed to the customs levied upon goods. These were collected by different officers.Fear . . . honour.--There would be one class of officers who could claim respect for their official position, though they had no special means of enforcing it. Another class would have the power of inflicting punishment. This last would necessarily be feared, looked upon with a certain awe and reverence, as well as honoured. Verse 7. - Render to all their dues; tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. Whatever, either by law or by the constituted order of society, may be due to any, in the way of deference and honour, as well as payments, Christians, as members of society, are bound to render.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Payἀπόδοτε (apodote) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 591: From apo and didomi; to give away, i.e. Up, over, back, etc. everyone πᾶσιν (pasin) Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. what τὰς (tas) Article - Accusative Feminine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. you owe [him]: ὀφειλάς (opheilas) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural Strong's 3782: A debt, a duty, what is due. From opheilo; indebtedness, i.e. a sum owed; figuratively, obligation, i.e. duty. taxes φόρον (phoron) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 5411: A tax, tribute, especially on persons. From phero; a load, i.e. a tax. to whom τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. taxes [are due], φόρον (phoron) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 5411: A tax, tribute, especially on persons. From phero; a load, i.e. a tax. revenue τέλος (telos) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 5056: (a) an end, (b) event or issue, (c) the principal end, aim, purpose, (d) a tax. to whom τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. revenue [is due], τέλος (telos) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 5056: (a) an end, (b) event or issue, (c) the principal end, aim, purpose, (d) a tax. respect φόβον (phobon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 5401: (a) fear, terror, alarm, (b) the object or cause of fear, (c) reverence, respect. From a primary phebomai; alarm or fright. to whom τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. respect [is due], φόβον (phobon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 5401: (a) fear, terror, alarm, (b) the object or cause of fear, (c) reverence, respect. From a primary phebomai; alarm or fright. honor τιμήν (timēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 5092: A price, honor. From tino; a value, i.e. Money paid, or valuables; by analogy, esteem, or the dignity itself. to whom τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. honor [is due]. τιμὴν (timēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 5092: A price, honor. From tino; a value, i.e. Money paid, or valuables; by analogy, esteem, or the dignity itself. Links Romans 13:7 NIVRomans 13:7 NLT Romans 13:7 ESV Romans 13:7 NASB Romans 13:7 KJV Romans 13:7 BibleApps.com Romans 13:7 Biblia Paralela Romans 13:7 Chinese Bible Romans 13:7 French Bible Romans 13:7 Catholic Bible NT Letters: Romans 13:7 Give therefore to everyone what you owe: (Rom. Ro) |
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