13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.

Other Translations of 1 Peter 2:13-14

New International Version

13 Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.

English Standard Version

13 Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution,Or every institution ordained for people whether it be to the emperorOr king; also verse 17 as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.

The Message

13 Make the Master proud of you by being good citizens. Respect the authorities, whatever their level; 14 they are God's emissaries for keeping order.

New King James Version

13 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme, 14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.

New Living Translation

13 For the Lord's sake, submit to all human authority-whether the king as head of state, 14 or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Peter 2:13-14

Commentary on 1 Peter 2:13-17

(Read 1 Peter 2:13-17)

A Christian conversation must be honest; which it cannot be, if there is not a just and careful discharge of all relative duties: the apostle here treats of these distinctly. Regard to those duties is the will of God, consequently, the Christian's duty, and the way to silence the base slanders of ignorant and foolish men. Christians must endeavour, in all relations, to behave aright, that they do not make their liberty a cloak or covering for any wickedness, or for the neglect of duty; but they must remember that they are servants of God.

17 Honour all [1] men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

Other Translations of 1 Peter 2:17

New International Version

17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

English Standard Version

17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

The Message

17 Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God. Respect the government.

New King James Version

17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

New Living Translation

17 Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Peter 2:17

Commentary on 1 Peter 2:13-17

(Read 1 Peter 2:13-17)

A Christian conversation must be honest; which it cannot be, if there is not a just and careful discharge of all relative duties: the apostle here treats of these distinctly. Regard to those duties is the will of God, consequently, the Christian's duty, and the way to silence the base slanders of ignorant and foolish men. Christians must endeavour, in all relations, to behave aright, that they do not make their liberty a cloak or covering for any wickedness, or for the neglect of duty; but they must remember that they are servants of God.