What does the Bible say about respecting authorities?

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

• Romans 13:1 12 votes

  Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God.

• Romans 13:1-7 8 votes

  [1] Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God. [2] Therefore he who resists the authority, withstands the ordinance of God; and those who withstand will receive to themselves judgment. [3] For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Do you desire to have no fear of the authority? Do that which is good, and you will have praise from the same, [4] for he is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he doesn't bear the sword in vain; for he is a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him who does evil. [5] Therefore you need to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience' sake. [6] For this reason you also pay taxes, for they are ministers of God's service, attending continually on this very thing. [7] Give therefore to everyone what you owe: taxes to whom taxes are due; customs to whom customs; respect to whom respect; honor to whom honor.

• 1 Peter 5:5 7 votes

  Likewise, you younger ones, be subject to the elder. Yes, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to subject yourselves to one another; for "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

• 1 Peter 2:13 4 votes

  Therefore subject yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether to the king, as supreme;

• Ephesians 6:1-3 4 votes

  [1] Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. [2] "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with a promise: [3] "that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth."

• Hebrews 13:17 3 votes

  Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch on behalf of your souls, as those who will give account, that they may do this with joy, and not with groaning, for that would be unprofitable for you.

• Romans 13:7 3 votes

  Give therefore to everyone what you owe: taxes to whom taxes are due; customs to whom customs; respect to whom respect; honor to whom honor.

• Titus 3:1 3 votes

  Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,

• Daniel 2:21 2 votes

  He changes the times and the seasons; he removes kings, and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to those who have understanding;

• 1 Timothy 2:1-4 2 votes

  [1] I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks, be made for all men: [2] for kings and all who are in high places; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence. [3] For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; [4] who desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth.

Related topics

• respecting the elderly
• respecting parents
• respecting women
• respecting your elders
• respecting others
• respecting those in leadership
• respecting your parents
• respecting other cultures