Romans 13:4

θεοῦ γὰρ διάκονός ἐστιν σοὶ εἰς τὸ ἀγαθόν ἐὰν δὲ τὸ κακὸν ποιῇς φοβοῦ· οὐ γὰρ εἰκῇ τὴν μάχαιραν φορεῖ· θεοῦ γὰρ διάκονός ἐστιν ἔκδικος εἰς ὀργὴν τῷ τὸ κακὸν πράσσοντι
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.
Word Reference
Original Word Definitions
θεοῦ
G2316 N-GSM
theos
a deity, especially (with G3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by Hebraism)
  • a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities
    • "the Godhead, trinity
    • God the Father, the first person in the trinity
      • "Christ, the second person of the trinity"Holy Spirit, the third person in the trinity
    spoken of the only and true God
    • refers to the things of God
      • "his counsels, interests, things due to him
    whatever can in any respect be likened unto God, or resemble him in any way
    • God's representative or viceregent
      • of magistrates and judges
γὰρ
G1063 CONJ
gar
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
  • for
διάκονός
G1249 N-NSM
diakonos
an attendant, i.e., (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a Christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon)
  • one who executes the commands of another, especially of a master, a servant, attendant, minister
    • the servant of a king
      • "a deacon, one who, by virtue of the office assigned to him by the church, cares for the affairs of the church"a waiter, one who serves food and drink
ἐστιν
G2076
esti
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
  • third person singular of ___%___to be___%___
σοὶ
G4671
soi
to thee
  • to you
εἰς
G1519 PREP
eis
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
  • into, unto, to, towards, for, among
τὸ
G3588 T-ASN
ho
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
  • this, that, these, etc. Only significant renderings other than ___%___the___%___ counted
ἀγαθόν
G18 A-ASN
agathos
___%___good___%___ (in any sense, often as noun)
  • of good constitution or nature
    • "useful, salutary"good, pleasant, agreeable, joyful, happy"excellent, distinguished"upright, honorable
ἐὰν
G1437 CONJ
ean
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
  • if, in case
δὲ
G1161 CONJ
de
but, and, etc
  • but, moreover, and, etc.
τὸ
G3588 T-ASN
ho
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
  • this, that, these, etc. Only significant renderings other than ___%___the___%___ counted
κακὸν
G2556 A-ASN
kakos
worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas G4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious
  • of a bad nature
    • not such as it ought to be
    of a mode of thinking, feeling, acting
    • base, wrong, wicked
    troublesome, injurious, pernicious, destructive, baneful
ποιῇς
G4160 V-PAS-2S
poieō
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
  • to make
    • with the names of things made, to produce, construct, form, fashion, etc.
      • "to be the authors of, the cause"to make ready, to prepare"to produce, bear, shoot forth"to acquire, to provide a thing for one's self"to make a thing out of something"to (make i.e.,) render one anything
      • to (make i.e.,) constitute or appoint one anything, to appoint or ordain one that
        • "to (make i.e.,) declare one anything
      to put one forth, to lead him out"to make one do something
      • cause one to
      to be the authors of a thing (to cause, bring about)
    to do
    • to act rightly, do well
      • to carry out, to execute
      to do a thing unto one
      • to do to one
      with designation of time: to pass, spend"to celebrate, keep
      • to make ready, and so at the same time to institute, the celebration of the passover
      to perform: to a promise
φοβοῦ·
G5399 V-PNM-2S
phobeō
to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere
  • to put to flight by terrifying (to scare away)
    • to put to flight, to flee
      • "to fear, be afraid
      • to be struck with fear, to be seized with alarm
        • of those startled by strange sights or occurrences
          • "of those struck with amazement
        to fear, be afraid of one"to fear (i.e., hesitate) to do something (for fear of harm)
      to reverence, venerate, to treat with deference or reverential obedience
οὐ
G3756 PRT-N
ou
the absolute negative (compare G3361) adverb; no or not
  • no, not
γὰρ
G1063 CONJ
gar
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
  • for
εἰκῇ
G1500 ADV
eikē
idly, i.e., without reason (or effect)
  • inconsiderably, without purpose, without just cause
    • "in vain
    • without success or effort
τὴν
G3588 T-ASF
ho
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
  • this, that, these, etc. Only significant renderings other than ___%___the___%___ counted
μάχαιραν
G3162 N-ASF
machaira
a knife, i.e., dirk; figuratively, war, judicial punishment
  • a large knife, used for killing animals and cutting up flesh
    • "a small sword, as distinguished from a large sword
    • curved sword, for a cutting stroke
      • "a straight sword, for thrusting
φορεῖ·
G5409 V-PAI-3S
phoreō
to have a burden, i.e., (by analogy) to wear as clothing or a constant accompaniment
  • to bear constantly, wear
    • of clothing, garments, armour
θεοῦ
G2316 N-GSM
theos
a deity, especially (with G3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by Hebraism)
  • a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities
    • "the Godhead, trinity
    • God the Father, the first person in the trinity
      • "Christ, the second person of the trinity"Holy Spirit, the third person in the trinity
    spoken of the only and true God
    • refers to the things of God
      • "his counsels, interests, things due to him
    whatever can in any respect be likened unto God, or resemble him in any way
    • God's representative or viceregent
      • of magistrates and judges
γὰρ
G1063 CONJ
gar
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
  • for
διάκονός
G1249 N-NSM
diakonos
an attendant, i.e., (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a Christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon)
  • one who executes the commands of another, especially of a master, a servant, attendant, minister
    • the servant of a king
      • "a deacon, one who, by virtue of the office assigned to him by the church, cares for the affairs of the church"a waiter, one who serves food and drink
ἐστιν
G2076
esti
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
  • third person singular of ___%___to be___%___
ἔκδικος
G1558 A-NSM
ekdikos
carrying justice out, i.e., a punisher
  • without law and justice
    • "exacting penalty from one
    • an avenger, punisher
εἰς
G1519 PREP
eis
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
  • into, unto, to, towards, for, among
ὀργὴν
G3709 N-ASF
orgē
properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e., (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implication punishment
  • anger, the natural disposition, temper, character
    • "movement or agitation of the soul, impulse, desire, any violent emotion, but especially anger"anger, wrath, indignation"anger exhibited in punishment, hence used for punishment itself
    • of punishments inflicted by magistrates
τῷ
G3588 T-DSM
ho
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
  • this, that, these, etc. Only significant renderings other than ___%___the___%___ counted
τὸ
G3588 T-ASN
ho
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
  • this, that, these, etc. Only significant renderings other than ___%___the___%___ counted
κακὸν
G2556 A-ASN
kakos
worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas G4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious
  • of a bad nature
    • not such as it ought to be
    of a mode of thinking, feeling, acting
    • base, wrong, wicked
    troublesome, injurious, pernicious, destructive, baneful
πράσσοντι
G4238 V-PAP-DSM
prassō
to ___%___practise___%___, i.e., perform repeatedly or habitually (thus differing from G4160, which properly refers to a single act); by implication, to execute, accomplish, etc.; specially, to collect (dues), fare (personally)
  • to exercise, practise, to be busy with, carry on
    • to undertake, to do
    to accomplish, perform
    • to commit, perpetrate
    to manage public affairs, transact public business
    • to exact tribute, revenue, debts
    to act

θεοῦ γὰρ διάκονός ἐστιν σοὶ εἰς τὸ ἀγαθόν ἐὰν δὲ τὸ κακὸν ποιῇς φοβοῦ· οὐ γὰρ εἰκῇ τὴν μάχαιραν φορεῖ· θεοῦ γὰρ διάκονός ἐστιν ἔκδικος εἰς ὀργὴν τῷ τὸ κακὸν πράσσοντι
4
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.
Cross References

Romans 12:19

μὴ ἑαυτοὺς ἐκδικοῦντες ἀγαπητοί ἀλλὰ δότε τόπον τῇ ὀργῇ γέγραπται γάρ Ἐμοὶ ἐκδίκησις ἐγὼ ἀνταποδώσω λέγει κύριος
19
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

2 Chronicles 19:6

וַיֹּאמֶר אֶל-הַשֹּֽׁפְטִים רְאוּ מָֽה-אַתֶּם עֹשִׂים כִּי לֹא לְאָדָם תִּשְׁפְּטוּ כִּי לַֽיהוָה וְעִמָּכֶם בִּדְבַר מִשְׁפָּֽט׃
6
And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment.

Proverbs 24:23

גַּם-אֵלֶּה לַֽחֲכָמִים הַֽכֵּר-פָּנִים בְּמִשְׁפָּט בַּל-טֽוֹב׃
23
These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.

Proverbs 16:14

חֲמַת-מֶלֶךְ מַלְאֲכֵי-מָוֶת וְאִישׁ חָכָם יְכַפְּרֶֽנָּה׃
14
The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.

Proverbs 20:2

נַהַם כַּכְּפִיר אֵימַת מֶלֶךְ מִתְעַבְּרוֹ חוֹטֵא נַפְשֽׁוֹ׃
2
The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.

1 Thessalonians 4:6

τὸ μὴ ὑπερβαίνειν καὶ πλεονεκτεῖν ἐν τῷ πράγματι τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ διότι ἔκδικος ὁ κύριος περὶ πάντων τούτων καθὼς καὶ προείπαμεν ὑμῖν καὶ διεμαρτυράμεθα
6
That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.

Romans 13:6

διὰ τοῦτο γὰρ καὶ φόρους τελεῖτε· λειτουργοὶ γὰρ θεοῦ εἰσιν εἰς αὐτὸ τοῦτο προσκαρτεροῦντες
6
For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

Isaiah 1:17

לִמְדוּ הֵיטֵב דִּרְשׁוּ מִשְׁפָּט אַשְּׁרוּ חָמוֹץ שִׁפְטוּ יָתוֹם רִיבוּ אַלְמָנָֽה׃
17
Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.

Psalms 82:2

עַד-מָתַי תִּשְׁפְּטוּ-עָוֶל וּפְנֵי רְשָׁעִים תִּשְׂאוּ-סֶֽלָה׃
2
How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.

Ezekiel 22:27

שָׂרֶיהָ בְקִרְבָּהּ כִּזְאֵבִים טֹרְפֵי טָרֶף לִשְׁפָּךְ-דָּם לְאַבֵּד נְפָשׁוֹת לְמַעַן בְּצֹעַ בָּֽצַע׃
27
Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain.

Jeremiah 5:28

שָׁמְנוּ עָשְׁתוּ גַּם עָֽבְרוּ דִבְרֵי-רָע דִּין לֹא-דָנוּ דִּין יָתוֹם וְיַצְלִיחוּ וּמִשְׁפַּט אֶבְיוֹנִים לֹא שָׁפָֽטוּ׃
28
They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge.

Micah 3:1

וָאֹמַר שִׁמְעוּ-נָא רָאשֵׁי יַעֲקֹב וּקְצִינֵי בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל הֲלוֹא לָכֶם לָדַעַת אֶת-הַמִּשְׁפָּֽט׃
1
And I said, Hear, I pray you, O heads of Jacob, and ye princes of the house of Israel; Is it not for you to know judgment?

Ezekiel 25:14

וְנָתַתִּי אֶת-נִקְמָתִי בֶּאֱדוֹם בְּיַד עַמִּי יִשְׂרָאֵל וְעָשׂוּ בֶאֱדוֹם כְּאַפִּי וְכַחֲמָתִי וְיָֽדְעוּ אֶת-נִקְמָתִי נְאֻם אֲדֹנָי יְהוִֽה׃
14
And I will lay my vengeance upon Edom by the hand of my people Israel: and they shall do in Edom according to mine anger and according to my fury; and they shall know my vengeance, saith the Lord GOD.

Micah 3:9

שִׁמְעוּ-נָא זֹאת רָאשֵׁי בֵּית יַעֲקֹב וּקְצִינֵי בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל הַֽמֲתַעֲבִים מִשְׁפָּט וְאֵת כָּל-הַיְשָׁרָה יְעַקֵּֽשׁוּ׃
9
Hear this, I pray you, ye heads of the house of Jacob, and princes of the house of Israel, that abhor judgment, and pervert all equity.

Numbers 35:19

גֹּאֵל הַדָּם הוּא יָמִית אֶת-הָֽרֹצֵחַ בְּפִגְעוֹ-בוֹ הוּא יְמִתֶֽנּוּ׃
19
The revenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer: when he meeteth him, he shall slay him.

Proverbs 20:8

מֶלֶךְ יוֹשֵׁב עַל-כִּסֵּא-דִין מְזָרֶה בְעֵינָיו כָּל-רָֽע׃
8
A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.

Joshua 20:9

אֵלֶּה הָיוּ עָרֵי הַמּֽוּעָדָה לְכֹל׀ בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וְלַגֵּר הַגָּר בְּתוֹכָם לָנוּס שָׁמָּה כָּל-מַכֵּה-נֶפֶשׁ בִּשְׁגָגָה וְלֹא יָמוּת בְּיַד גֹּאֵל הַדָּם עַד-עָמְדוֹ לִפְנֵי הָֽעֵדָֽה׃
9
These were the cities appointed for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them, that whosoever killeth any person at unawares might flee thither, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stood before the congregation.

Proverbs 20:26

מְזָרֶה רְשָׁעִים מֶלֶךְ חָכָם וַיָּשֶׁב עֲלֵיהֶם אוֹפָֽן׃
26
A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.

1 Kings 10:9

יְהִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ בָּרוּךְ אֲשֶׁר חָפֵץ בְּךָ לְתִתְּךָ עַל-כִּסֵּא יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּאַֽהֲבַת יְהוָה אֶת-יִשְׂרָאֵל לְעֹלָם וַיְשִֽׂימְךָ לְמֶלֶךְ לַֽעֲשׂוֹת מִשְׁפָּט וּצְדָקָֽה׃
9
Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the LORD loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice.

Ecclesiastes 8:2

אֲנִי פִּי-מֶלֶךְ שְׁמֹר וְעַל דִּבְרַת שְׁבוּעַת אֱלֹהִֽים׃
2
I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God.
Romans 13:3
Read Romans 13
Romans 13:5