Here are 61 Bible verses about religion in government, curated from both the Old and New Testaments of the Holy Bible, King James Version, arranged from most to least relevant.
1 Timothy 2:1-4 KJV
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto …
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Acts 5:29 KJV
29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Romans 13:1 KJV
1 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.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 29:2 KJV
2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Titus 3:1 KJV
1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Romans 13:1-7 KJV
1 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. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou …
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
1 Timothy 2:1-2 KJV
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Psalm 22:28 KJV
28 For the kingdom is the Lord’s: and he is the governor among the nations.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
1 Peter 2:13-14 KJV
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.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Romans 13:7 KJV
7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Romans 13:4 KJV
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.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
John 19:11 KJV
11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
1 Peter 2:17 KJV
17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
1 Peter 2:13-17 KJV
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. 15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 16 As free, and not using …
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Romans 13:3-4 KJV
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 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.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Romans 13:2 KJV
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Matthew 22:21 KJV
21 They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Matthew 22:17-21 KJV
17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? 18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? 19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. 20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? 21 They say unto him, …
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Isaiah 9:6-7 KJV
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The …
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
1 Samuel 8:1-22 KJV
1 And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel. 2 Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba. 3 And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment. 4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, …
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Leviticus 19:15 KJV
15 Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Revelation 17:16-17 KJV
16 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. 17 For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
1 Peter 2:13 KJV
13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
1 Timothy 2:1-3 KJV
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Romans 13:6 KJV
6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Romans 13:3 KJV
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Romans 13:1-14 KJV
1 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. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou …
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Romans 8:28 KJV
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse

Daniel 2:44 KJV
44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 21:1 KJV
1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Psalm 75:7 KJV
7 But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
1 Timothy 2:2 KJV
2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Ephesians 1:19-23 KJV
19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: …
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
John 3:16-17 KJV
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Matthew 22:17 KJV
17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Daniel 2:21 KJV
21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Genesis 50:20 KJV
20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Revelation 1:1 KJV
1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
1 Peter 2:14 KJV
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.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
1 Peter 2:2 KJV
2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 KJV
6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. 7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; 8 Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that …
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Philippians 3:20 KJV
20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Romans 13:6-7 KJV
6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
John 3:2 KJV
2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Matthew 28:18-20 KJV
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Matthew 28:18 KJV
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Matthew 22:2 KJV
2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Matthew 18:6 KJV
6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Matthew 5:13-16 KJV
13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the …
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Daniel 4:32 KJV
32 And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Daniel 2:20-21 KJV
20 Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: 21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Isaiah 9:6 KJV
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse

Proverbs 19:21 KJV
21 There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse

Psalm 122:6 KJV
6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Psalm 33:12 KJV
12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Deuteronomy 17:20 KJV
20 That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Deuteronomy 16:18-20 KJV
18 Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the Lord thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment. 19 Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous. 20 That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that …
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Deuteronomy 1:13 KJV
13 Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Exodus 20:17 KJV
17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Exodus 20:3 KJV
3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Genesis 1:26 KJV
26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse

Must-Read Christian Books
The Knowledge of the Holy
Short, powerful meditations on the attributes of God that lift the reader into a bigger, more biblical view of who He is.
View on Amazon
Systematic Theology
A classic Reformed theology text, rich in biblical exegesis and doctrinal clarity.
View on Amazon
Faith Alone
Defends justification by faith alone as the heart of the biblical gospel and Reformation.
View on Amazon
Respectable Sins
Exposes the "ordinary" sins Christians often tolerate and calls us to gospel-driven holiness.
View on Amazon
Living the Cross-Centered Life
A call to keep Christ's cross at the center of our thinking, worship, and daily living.
View on Amazon
God's Big Picture
Traces the storyline of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation in a clear, Christ-centered way.
View on Amazon
According to Plan
An introduction to biblical theology that shows how all Scripture points to Christ.
View on Amazon
Redemption Accomplished and Applied
A concise, biblical study of Christ's atonement and the application of salvation to believers.
View on Amazon
Concise Theology
Short, Scripture-filled summaries of key doctrines, written with clarity and warmth.
View on Amazon
The Mortification of Sin
A Puritan classic urging believers to put sin to death by the power of the Spirit.
View on Amazon
Trusting God
Encourages believers to trust God's sovereignty, wisdom, and love in every circumstance.
View on Amazon
Spiritual Leadership
Biblical principles for godly leadership in the church, home, and workplace.
View on Amazon
A Body of Divinity
A warm, devotional exposition of the Westminster Shorter Catechism's doctrines.
View on Amazon
Biblical Preaching
Introduces the "big idea" approach to expository sermons, rooted in the biblical text.
View on Amazon
Total Truth
Equips believers to see all of life through a biblical worldview and challenge secular thinking.
View on Amazon
Reformed Dogmatics (Single Volume Abridgement)
A rich, Reformed systematic theology that is deeply biblical and Christ-centered.
View on Amazon