Romans 13:4
King James Version
6 Jun 2026
“For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”
πράσσω
to "practise", i.e. perform repeatedly or habitually (thus differing from G4160 (ποιέω), which properly refers to a single act); by implication, to execute, accomplish, etc.; specially, to collect (dues), fare (personally)
ὀργή
wrath
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ὀργή
Wrath, anger, indignation. Orge. The wrath of God is revealed from heaven. God's wrath is not irrational rage. It is the settled holy opposition of perfect love to everything that destroys.
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θεός
Of God
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θεός
God. Theos. In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. The ultimate reality. The source of all existence. Personal knowable and present.
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φοβέω
do be afraid;
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φοβέω
To fear, to be afraid, to reverence. Phobeo. Do not fear those who kill the body. Fear God and nothing else needs to be feared. He holds what every other fear threatens.
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διάκονος
a servant
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διάκονος
Servant, deacon, minister. Diakonos. Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant. Greatness in the kingdom is measured by how much you serve others.
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κακός
evil
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κακός
worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas G4190 (πονηρός) properly refers to effects), i.e. (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious
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ἐάν
If
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ἐάν
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
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μάχαιρα
sword
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μάχαιρα
A sword. The sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. It cuts between soul and spirit. It is sharper than any two-edged sword.
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φορέω
he bears.
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φορέω
to have a burden, i.e. (by analogy) to wear as clothing or a constant accompaniment
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ποιέω
you shall do,
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ποιέω
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
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ἔκδικος
an avenger
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ἔκδικος
carrying justice out, i.e. a punisher
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εἰκῆ
in vain
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εἰκῆ
idly, i.e. without reason (or effect)
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εἰμί
He is
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εἰμί
I exist (used only when emphatic)
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