Commentary— Tyndale Open Study Notes (plain English)
13:5 The two reasons for submission sum up the argument of 13:1-4 in reverse order: to avoid punishment relates to 13:3-4, while to keep a clear conscience refers to 13:1-2. • The word conscience (Greek suneidēsis) refers to the painful knowledge of wrongdoing. Christians know about their duty to submit to governing authorities, and their failure to do so would bring the pain of a guilty conscience.
Commentary— Tyndale Open Study Notes (plain English)
13:5 The two reasons for submission sum up the argument of 13:1-4 in reverse order: to avoid punishment relates to 13:3-4, while to keep a clear conscience refers to 13:1-2. • The word conscience (Greek suneidēsis) refers to the painful knowledge of wrongdoing. Christians know about their duty to submit to governing authorities, and their failure to do so would bring the pain of a guilty conscience.
Literal English (YLT)ⓘYoung's Literal Translation (1862) — mirrors the original word order and idiom as closely as English grammar allows. It reads awkwardly on purpose: the goal is to show you the structure of the original language, not smooth English prose.Young's Literal Translation (1862) — mirrors the original word order and idiom as closely as English grammar allows. It reads awkwardly on purpose: the goal is to show you the structure of the original language, not smooth English prose.
Wherefore it is necessary to be subject, not only because of the wrath, but also because of the conscience,
Greek (New Testament)ⓘA Greek New Testament text — koine (common) Greek, the everyday language the New Testament was originally written in.A Greek New Testament text — koine (common) Greek, the everyday language the New Testament was originally written in.
διο αναγκη υποτασσεσθαι ου μονον δια την οργην αλλα και δια την συνειδησιν
King James VersionⓘKing James Version (1611) — the classic formal, word-for-word English translation. Historic and widely memorized, but uses Early Modern English vocabulary.
King James Version (1611) — the classic formal, word-for-word English translation. Historic and widely memorized, but uses Early Modern English vocabulary.
Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
American Standard VersionⓘAmerican Standard Version (1901) — a more literal, precision-focused revision in the King James tradition.American Standard Version (1901) — a more literal, precision-focused revision in the King James tradition.
Wherefore ye must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience’ sake.
World English BibleⓘWorld English Bible — a modern, public-domain update to the KJV/ASV formal style, without archaic language.World English Bible — a modern, public-domain update to the KJV/ASV formal style, without archaic language.
Therefore you need to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience’ sake.
Bible in Basic EnglishⓘBible in Basic English (1949) — deliberately written using a limited vocabulary of about 1,000 words.Bible in Basic English (1949) — deliberately written using a limited vocabulary of about 1,000 words.
So put yourselves under the authority, not for fear of wrath, but because you have the knowledge of what is right.