Romans 13:7 - Therefore give everyone what you owe: if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if customs, then customs; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
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What does "Romans 13:7" mean?
Romans 13:7, "Therefore give everyone what you owe: if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if customs, then customs; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor," is a straightforward instruction on how Christians should relate to governing authorities. Let's break it down:
"Therefore give everyone what you owe...": This sets the general principle. Paul is urging believers to fulfill their obligations to all people, not just those they like or agree with. This is based on the preceding verses in Romans 13, which emphasize that governing authorities are established by God and serve to maintain order.
"...if you owe taxes, pay taxes...": This is a specific example of owing something tangible to the government. Paul explicitly states that Christians should pay their taxes. In the context of the Roman Empire, paying taxes was often seen as supporting a potentially unjust and oppressive regime. Paul's instruction underscores that even under such circumstances, obeying the law (when it doesn't contradict God's law) is a Christian responsibility.
"...if customs, then customs...": Similar to taxes, customs are duties or tariffs imposed on imported or exported goods. Paying customs is another example of fulfilling financial obligations to the government.
"...if respect, then respect...": This moves beyond financial obligations to relational ones. "Respect" (Greek: phobos) implies a sense of reverence, deference, and recognition of authority. It suggests treating those in positions of authority with appropriate courtesy and consideration.
"...if honor, then honor...": "Honor" (Greek: timē) goes even further than respect. It suggests valuing and esteeming someone. This could include showing public appreciation, recognizing their accomplishments, or acknowledging the dignity of their office.
In summary, the verse teaches that Christians should:
Fulfill their obligations: Pay taxes and customs to the government, as required by law.
Show proper respect and honor: Treat those in positions of authority with the appropriate level of deference and esteem.
Key Implications:
Obedience to Authority: While not absolute (Christians are ultimately accountable to God), the verse underscores the importance of obedience to governing authorities as a general principle.
Good Citizenship: The verse encourages Christians to be responsible and conscientious citizens.
Relationship building: It provides insight on how to build relationships and foster a good environment.
Important Considerations:
Limitations on Obedience: This verse is often debated in the context of unjust laws or tyrannical governments. While obedience is generally encouraged, most interpretations acknowledge that there are limits. If a law directly contradicts God's commands, Christians may be obligated to disobey the law (Acts 5:29: "We must obey God rather than men").
Application in Different Contexts: The application of "respect" and "honor" can vary depending on cultural norms and the nature of the government. The principle remains, but the specific expression might differ.
In essence, Romans 13:7 is a call for Christians to be responsible, respectful, and honorable citizens, fulfilling their obligations to both God and the governing authorities within their society.
Romans 13:7 - Therefore give everyone what you owe: if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if customs, then customs; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
What does "Romans 13:7" mean?
Romans 13:7, "Therefore give everyone what you owe: if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if customs, then customs; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor," is a straightforward instruction on how Christians should relate to governing authorities. Let's break it down:
"Therefore give everyone what you owe...": This sets the general principle. Paul is urging believers to fulfill their obligations to all people, not just those they like or agree with. This is based on the preceding verses in Romans 13, which emphasize that governing authorities are established by God and serve to maintain order.
"...if you owe taxes, pay taxes...": This is a specific example of owing something tangible to the government. Paul explicitly states that Christians should pay their taxes. In the context of the Roman Empire, paying taxes was often seen as supporting a potentially unjust and oppressive regime. Paul's instruction underscores that even under such circumstances, obeying the law (when it doesn't contradict God's law) is a Christian responsibility.
"...if customs, then customs...": Similar to taxes, customs are duties or tariffs imposed on imported or exported goods. Paying customs is another example of fulfilling financial obligations to the government.
"...if respect, then respect...": This moves beyond financial obligations to relational ones. "Respect" (Greek: phobos) implies a sense of reverence, deference, and recognition of authority. It suggests treating those in positions of authority with appropriate courtesy and consideration.
"...if honor, then honor...": "Honor" (Greek: timē) goes even further than respect. It suggests valuing and esteeming someone. This could include showing public appreciation, recognizing their accomplishments, or acknowledging the dignity of their office.
In summary, the verse teaches that Christians should:
Fulfill their obligations: Pay taxes and customs to the government, as required by law.
Show proper respect and honor: Treat those in positions of authority with the appropriate level of deference and esteem.
Key Implications:
Obedience to Authority: While not absolute (Christians are ultimately accountable to God), the verse underscores the importance of obedience to governing authorities as a general principle.
Good Citizenship: The verse encourages Christians to be responsible and conscientious citizens.
Relationship building: It provides insight on how to build relationships and foster a good environment.
Important Considerations:
Limitations on Obedience: This verse is often debated in the context of unjust laws or tyrannical governments. While obedience is generally encouraged, most interpretations acknowledge that there are limits. If a law directly contradicts God's commands, Christians may be obligated to disobey the law (Acts 5:29: "We must obey God rather than men").
Application in Different Contexts: The application of "respect" and "honor" can vary depending on cultural norms and the nature of the government. The principle remains, but the specific expression might differ.
In essence, Romans 13:7 is a call for Christians to be responsible, respectful, and honorable citizens, fulfilling their obligations to both God and the governing authorities within their society.