Paragraph 13:6–7

13:6a

This is also why: Here this word introduces something more that Paul wanted to say about government leaders. This phrase refers to being in subjection for the sake of conscience (13:5a–b). In some languages “that” would be more clear. For example:

because of that

taxes: This word refers to money that the government requires from the people they govern.

13:6b

For: Here this word introduces a reason for paying taxes.

the authorities: The Greek is literally the word ending on the verb that means “they.” But the government authorities have not been mentioned, except for using “he,” since 13:3a. So the Berean Standard Bible makes it clear here who “they” refers to.

In some languages “they” would clearly refer to the government authorities here. For example:

they (King James Version)

God’s servants: Here the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as servants refers to an administrator in government. It refers to the same group that Paul called “God’s servant” in 13:4, “rulers” in 13:3, and “authorities” in 13:1. God has given these people the authority to do their work for the government. Here are other ways to translate this word:

officials ⌊working for⌋ God
-or-
those workers/administrators, they work for God,

The meaning is similar to “servant” in 13:4. It may be clearer in your language to refer to the them using the word you used there.

13:6c

who devote themselves to their work: The word who indicates here that this phrase further describes the authorities and what they do (13:6b). In some languages a different grammar must be used for the correct meaning. For example:

and attend to this very thing

who devote themselves to: Here the word devote refers to continually working at something. The government authorities are busy doing their work. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

give their full time to (New International Version)
-or-
are busily occupied with (New Jerusalem Bible)

their work: This refers to the work of administration indicated in the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as “servants” in 13:6b. Here are other ways to translate this word:

that particular task (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
their duties (Good News Translation)
-or-
governing (New International Version)

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