13:4a

For: Here this word introduces something more that Paul wanted to say about the government leader.

God’s: In the Greek this word is emphasized by being first in the clause. If possible, emphasize this word in your translation.

servant: This word refers to a person who works for someone else. God has appointed these government authorities (13:2a) to govern, so in that way they are God’s servants.

for your good: The Greek is more literally “to you for the good.” Government leaders are to benefit believers (and all people) by the way they govern and lead the people so that they do good. Here are other ways to translate this word:

to do you good (New International Version)
-or-
to you for good (New American Standard Bible)

13:4b

do wrong: Here the word wrong refers to deeds that are morally wrong. For example, hurting others or stealing is morally wrong. It does not refer to mistakes here (for example, he folded the paper in the wrong way).

be afraid: Some languages must say what one is afraid of. For example:

fear the authority

Some languages cannot command someone to be afraid. If that is true in your language, use another way to indicate the correct meaning. For example:

it is fitting/right that you fear
-or-
you will have cause to fear them (Revised English Bible)

13:4c

for: Here this word introduces the reason why a believer who does wrong should be afraid of government leaders.

he does not carry the sword in vain: Here the phrase in vain refers to having no purpose. With the word not, this clause indicates that the government leader has a purpose for bearing the sword. That purpose is to punish those who do wrong. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

rulers do not bear the sword for no reason (New International Version (2011))
-or-
he has a purpose in bearing the sword
-or-
they have the power to punish you (New Living Translation (2004))

carry the sword: This is a figure of speech that means here “to have the authority to punish.” In some languages a literal translation will not have the correct meaning. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Translate literally and explain its meaning in a footnote. Here is an example footnote:

This means “to have the authority to punish.”

Or write a footnote explaining it means the same thing as the weapon or symbol in your language.

• Use the weapon or symbol of authority in your language that is used to punish. You may then want to write a footnote describing the literal words. Here is an example footnote:

Literally “bear the sword.”

carry: Here this word means to have in the hand or on a belt or attached to the clothing.

sword: A sword is a hand-held weapon that is used to cut or stab. The swords of that time were 60–120 centimeters (2–4 feet) long and made of metal. The picture shows some of the various kinds of swords used at that time.