Romans 13:3-4

For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer.

Berean Standard Bible, public domain. Read all of Romans 13

3 songs meet this passage

  • Classic Man (feat. Roman GianArthur) · Jidenna

    strains against Romans 13:3-4

    Casual talk of violence and lawlessness as power stands opposite to a vision of authority meant to restrain evil, not glamorize it.

  • I Shot the Sheriff (Clean EPMD Remix) · Warren G

    strains against Romans 13:1-4

    The song's overall posture treats law enforcement as pure enemy and violence as the fitting response, standing against a biblical vision (however imperfectly realized by actual authorities) of governing power meant to restrain evil.

  • American Soldier · Toby Keith

    resonates with Romans 13:1-4

    The song's framing of the soldier as a protector of order and liberty echoes the idea of civic authority bearing the sword for the good of others.

Elsewhere in Romans 13