English Standard Version ESV
New International Version NIV
13 Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme,
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Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority,
14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.
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or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.
15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.
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For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.
16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.
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Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.
17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
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Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust.
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Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.
19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.
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For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.
20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.
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But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.
21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
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To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.
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“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.
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When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
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“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”
25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
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For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.