The Evolution of Roman 13:1 Translation

Paul's intended 'governing authorities' were those people God selected for positions of authority within the body of Christ, not secular, i.e. external to it. Paul's governing authorities were those people given the positions of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher.

Pre 1900 Translations of Roman 13:1

ASV  -  Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the powers that be are ordained of God.

DBY  -  Let every soul be subject to the authorities that are above him. For there is no authority except from God; and those that exist are set up by God.

DRA  -  Let every soul be subject to higher powers: for there is no power but from God: and those that are, are ordained of God.

ERV  -  Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the powers that be are ordained of God.

GNV  -  Let euery soule be subiect vnto the higher powers: for there is no power but of God: and the powers that be, are ordeined of God. (written in old English)

KJV  -  Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

PNT  -  Let euery soule be subiect vnto the hyer powers: For there is no power but of god. The powers that be, are ordeyned of God. (written in old English)

TNT  -  Let every soule submit him selfe vnto the auctorite of the hyer powers. For there is no power but of God. The powers that be are ordeyned of God. (written in old English)

WEB  -  Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no power but from God: the powers that are, are ordained by God.

YLT  -  Let every soul to the higher authorities be subject, for there is no authority except from God, and the authorities existing are appointed by God,

Modern Interpretations of Roman 13:1

NAU  -  Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.

GWN  -  Every person should obey the government in power. No government would exist if it hadn't been established by God. The governments which exist have been put in place by God.

NIV  -  Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

NJB  -  Everyone is to obey the governing authorities, because there is no authority except from God and so whatever authorities exist have been appointed by God.

NET  -  Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except by God's appointment, and the authorities that exist have been instituted by God.

ESV  -  Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.

CSB  -  Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God.

CJB  -  Everyone is to obey the governing authorities. For there is no authority that is not from God, and the existing authorities have been placed where they are by God.

 

It might prove interesting to see where the financing for our newer versions of the Bible comes from...