Tag Archives: Romans 13:7

ἀπόδοτε πᾶσι τὰς ὀφειλάς, τῷ τὸν φόρον τὸν φόρον, τῷ τὸ τέλος τὸ τέλος, τῷ τὸν φόβον τὸν φόβον, τῷ τὴν τιμὴν τὴν τιμήν

Romans 13:7 continues Paul’s exhortation on submission to governing authorities. The Greek is rhythmic, almost liturgical, repeating both syntax and vocabulary for emphasis. Paul names specific civic and relational obligations, structuring the verse around a pattern of repetition that reflects order and accountability.

Grammatical Foundations

The imperative ἀπόδοτε is aorist active, 2nd person plural, from ἀποδίδωμι, meaning “render,” “give back,” or “pay what is owed.” The object is τὰς ὀφειλάς (debts or obligations), and the dative plural πᾶσι (“to all”) establishes that no one is exempt from the principle.… Learn Koine Greek