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Romans 13

Rom. 13:4 KJV (With Strong’s)

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4
For
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
gar (Greek #1063)
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
KJV usage: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet.
Pronounce: gar
Origin: a primary particle
he is
esti (Greek #2076)
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
KJV usage: are, be(-long), call, X can(-not), come, consisteth, X dure for a while, + follow, X have, (that) is (to say), make, meaneth, X must needs, + profit, + remaineth, + wrestle.
Pronounce: es-tee'
Origin: third person singular present indicative of 1510
the minister
diakonos (Greek #1249)
an attendant, i.e. (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a Christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon or deaconess)
KJV usage: deacon, minister, servant.
Pronounce: dee-ak'-on-os
Origin: probably from an obsolete διάκω (to run on errands; compare 1377)
of God
theos (Greek #2316)
a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very
KJV usage: X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).
Pronounce: theh'-os
Origin: of uncertain affinity
to thee
soi (Greek #4671)
to thee
KJV usage: thee, thine own, thou, thy.
Pronounce: soy
Origin: dative case of 4771
for
eis (Greek #1519)
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
KJV usage: (abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), ...ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).
Pronounce: ice
Origin: a primary preposition
good
agathos (Greek #18)
"good" (in any sense, often as noun)
KJV usage: benefit, good(-s, things), well. Compare 2570.
Pronounce: ag-ath-os'
Origin: a primary word
. But
de (Greek #1161)
but, and, etc.
KJV usage: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).
Pronounce: deh
Origin: a primary particle (adversative or continuative)
if
ean (Greek #1437)
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
KJV usage: before, but, except, (and) if, (if) so, (what-, whither-)soever, though, when (-soever), whether (or), to whom, (who-)so(-ever). See 3361.
Pronounce: eh-an'
Origin: from 1487 and 302
thou do
poieo (Greek #4160)
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
KJV usage: abide, + agree, appoint, X avenge, + band together, be, bear, + bewray, bring (forth), cast out, cause, commit, + content, continue, deal, + without any delay, (would) do(-ing), execute, exercise, fulfil, gain, give, have, hold, X journeying, keep, + lay wait, + lighten the ship, make, X mean, + none of these things move me, observe, ordain, perform, provide, + have purged, purpose, put, + raising up, X secure, shew, X shoot out, spend, take, tarry, + transgress the law, work, yield. Compare 4238.
Pronounce: poy-eh'-o
Origin: apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary
that which is evil
kakos (Greek #2556)
worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas 4190 properly refers to effects), i.e. (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious
KJV usage: bad, evil, harm, ill, noisome, wicked.
Pronounce: kak-os'
Origin: apparently a primary word
, be afraid
phobeo (Greek #5399)
to frighten, i.e. (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. revere
KJV usage: be (+ sore) afraid, fear (exceedingly), reverence.
Pronounce: fob-eh'-o
Origin: from 5401
; for
gar (Greek #1063)
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
KJV usage: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet.
Pronounce: gar
Origin: a primary particle
he beareth
phoreo (Greek #5409)
to have a burden, i.e. (by analogy) to wear as clothing or a constant accompaniment
KJV usage: bear, wear.
Pronounce: for-eh'-o
Origin: from 5411
not
ou (Greek #3756)
the absolute negative (compare 3361) adverb; no or not
KJV usage: + long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but. See also 3364, 3372.
Pronounce: oo
Origin: οὐκ (ook), and (before an aspirate) οὐχ (ookh) a primary word
the sword
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
machaira (Greek #3162)
a knife, i.e. dirk; figuratively, war, judicial punishment
KJV usage: sword.
Pronounce: makh'-ahee-rah
Origin: probably feminine of a presumed derivative of 3163
in vain
eike (Greek #1500)
idly, i.e. without reason (or effect)
KJV usage: without a cause, (in) vain(-ly).
Pronounce: i-kay'
Origin: probably from 1502 (through the idea of failure)
: for
gar (Greek #1063)
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
KJV usage: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet.
Pronounce: gar
Origin: a primary particle
he is
esti (Greek #2076)
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
KJV usage: are, be(-long), call, X can(-not), come, consisteth, X dure for a while, + follow, X have, (that) is (to say), make, meaneth, X must needs, + profit, + remaineth, + wrestle.
Pronounce: es-tee'
Origin: third person singular present indicative of 1510
the minister
diakonos (Greek #1249)
an attendant, i.e. (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a Christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon or deaconess)
KJV usage: deacon, minister, servant.
Pronounce: dee-ak'-on-os
Origin: probably from an obsolete διάκω (to run on errands; compare 1377)
of God
theos (Greek #2316)
a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very
KJV usage: X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).
Pronounce: theh'-os
Origin: of uncertain affinity
, a revenger
ekdikos (Greek #1558)
carrying justice out, i.e. a punisher
KJV usage: a (re-)venger.
Pronounce: ek'-dik-os
Origin: from 1537 and 1349
to
eis (Greek #1519)
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
KJV usage: (abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), ...ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).
Pronounce: ice
Origin: a primary preposition
execute wrath
orge (Greek #3709)
properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e. (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implication punishment
KJV usage: anger, indignation, vengeance, wrath.
Pronounce: or-gay'
Origin: from 3713
upon him that doeth
prasso (Greek #4238)
to "practise", i.e. perform repeatedly or habitually (thus differing from 4160, which properly refers to a single act); by implication, to execute, accomplish, etc.; specially, to collect (dues), fare (personally)
KJV usage: commit, deeds, do, exact, keep, require, use arts.
Pronounce: pras'-so
Origin: a primary verb
evil
kakos (Greek #2556)
worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas 4190 properly refers to effects), i.e. (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious
KJV usage: bad, evil, harm, ill, noisome, wicked.
Pronounce: kak-os'
Origin: apparently a primary word
.

More on:

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Deacon,
God,
Minister,
Sword,
Wrath

Cross References

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he is.
Rom. 13:6• 6For on this account ye pay tribute also; for they are God's officers, attending continually on this very thing. (Rom. 13:6)
;
1 Kings 10:9• 9Blessed be Jehovah thy God, who delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel! Because Jehovah loves Israel for ever, therefore did he make thee king, to do judgment and justice. (1 Kings 10:9)
;
2 Chron. 19:6• 6And he said to the judges, Take heed what ye do; for ye judge not for man, but for Jehovah, who will be with you in the matter of judgment. (2 Chron. 19:6)
;
Psa. 82:2‑4• 2How long will ye judge unrighteously, and accept the person of the wicked? Selah.
 3Judge the poor and the fatherless, do justice to the afflicted and the destitute;
 4Rescue the poor and needy, deliver them out of the hand of the wicked. (Psa. 82:2‑4)
;
Prov. 24:23‑24• 23These things also come from the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.
 24He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous, peoples shall curse him, nations shall abhor him; (Prov. 24:23‑24)
;
Prov. 31:8‑9• 8Open thy mouth for the dumb, for the cause of all those that are left desolate.
 9Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and minister justice to the afflicted and needy. (Prov. 31:8‑9)
;
Eccl. 8:2‑5• 2I say, Keep the king's commandment, and that on account of the oath of God.
 3Be not hasty to go out of his sight; persist not in an evil thing: for he doeth whatever pleaseth him,
 4because the word of a king is power; and who may say unto him, What doest thou?
 5Whoso keepeth the commandment shall know no evil thing; and a wise man's heart knoweth time and manner. (Eccl. 8:2‑5)
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Isa. 1:17• 17learn to do well: seek judgment, gladden the oppressed, do justice to the fatherless, plead for the widow. (Isa. 1:17)
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Jer. 5:28• 28They are become fat, they shine, yea, they surpass in deeds of wickedness; they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, and they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not adjudge. (Jer. 5:28)
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Ezek. 22:27• 27Her princes in the midst of her are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain. (Ezek. 22:27)
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Mic. 3:1‑4,9• 1And I said, Hear, I pray you, ye heads of Jacob, and princes of the house of Israel: Is it not for you to know judgment?
 2Ye who hate the good, and love evil; who pluck off their skin from them, and their flesh from off their bones;
 3and who eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them, and break their bones, and chop them in pieces as for the pot, and as flesh within the cauldron.
 4Then shall they cry unto Jehovah, but he will not answer them; and he will hide his face from them at that time, according as they have wrought evil in their doings.
 9Hear this, I pray you, ye heads of the house of Jacob, and princes of the house of Israel, that abhor judgment, and pervert all equity, (Mic. 3:1‑4,9)
be.
Prov. 16:14• 14The fury of a king is as messengers of death; but a wise man will pacify it. (Prov. 16:14)
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Prov. 20:2,8,26• 2The terror of a king is as the roaring of a lion: he that provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.
 8A king sitting on the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.
 26A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them. (Prov. 20:2,8,26)
revenger.
Rom. 12:19• 19not avenging yourselves, beloved, but give place to wrath; for it is written, Vengeance belongs to me, *I* will recompense, saith the Lord. (Rom. 12:19)
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Num. 35:19‑27• 19the avenger of blood, he shall put the murderer to death; when he meeteth him, he shall put him to death.
 20And if he thrust at him out of hatred, or hurl at him intentionally, so that he die,
 21or from enmity smite him with his hand, so that he die, he that smote him shall certainly be put to death; he is a murderer: the avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death, when he meeteth him.--
 22But if he have thrust at him suddenly without enmity, or have cast upon him anything unintentionally,
 23or have smitten him with any stone wherewith one may die, without seeing him, and have cast it upon him so that he die, and he was not his enemy, neither sought his harm:
 24then the assembly shall judge between the smiter and the avenger of blood according to these judgments;
 25and the assembly shall rescue the manslayer out of the hand of the avenger of blood, and the assembly shall restore him to the city of his refuge, whither he had fled; and he shall abide in it until the death of the high-priest, who was anointed with the holy oil.
 26But if the manslayer shall in any way come outside the limits of the city of his refuge whither he hath fled,
 27and the avenger of blood find him outside the limits of his city of refuge, and the avenger of blood kill the manslayer, there shall be no blood-guiltiness upon him; (Num. 35:19‑27)
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Josh. 20:5,9• 5And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand; for he smote his neighbour unwittingly, and hated him not previously.
 9These were the cities appointed for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them, that whosoever smiteth any one mortally without intent might flee thither, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stood before the assembly. (Josh. 20:5,9)
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Ezek. 25:14• 14And I will execute my vengeance upon Edom, by the hand of my people Israel; and they shall do in Edom according to mine anger and according to my fury; and they shall know my vengeance, saith the Lord Jehovah. (Ezek. 25:14)

J. N. Darby Translation

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4
for it is God’s minister to thee for good. But if thou practisest evil, fear; for it bears not the sword in vain; for it is God’s minister, an avenger for wrath to him that does evil.

W. Kelly Translation

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4
for it is God’s servant to thee for good. But if thou Practice evil, be afraid; for not in vain doth it wear the sword; for God’s servant it is, an avenger for wrath to him that doeth evil.