Romans 13:6 Meaning and Explanation
“For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Because rulers serve God in maintaining order, believers rightly pay their taxes to support that work.
What Does Romans 13:6 Mean?
Paul applies the principle to a concrete duty: taxes. The 'tribute' was the levy paid to Rome. He grounds the obligation in what he has already said: those who govern are God's ministers, devoting themselves continually to the work of preserving order.
Paying what is owed becomes, in this light, more than a civic chore; it is part of honoring the order God sustains. The word for 'ministers' here is the same root used for those who serve in worship, suggesting that even the laborious work of governance has a sacred dimension. The believer gives without resentment, recognizing that his small contribution upholds a structure meant to serve the common good under God's hand.
Romans 13:6 in the Original Language
leitourgos (λειτουργός), 'minister' -- a public servant, a word also used for those who serve in sacred duties.
Frequently Asked Questions About Romans 13:6
What does Romans 13:6 mean?
Because rulers serve God in maintaining order, believers rightly pay their taxes to support that work.