## For ##

<b>For<b>- Paul explains [Romans 13:1](./01.md) and what will result if the government condemns a person.

## rulers are not a terror ##

Rulers do not make good people afraid.

## to good deeds…to evil deeds ##

People are identified with their "good deeds" or "evil deeds". (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

## Do you desire to be unafraid of authority? ##

Alternate translation: "Let me tell you how you can be unafraid of the government." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

## you will have praise from it ##

The government will say good things about people who do what is good.

## he does not carry the sword for no reason ##

"he has the power to punish people, and he will punish people" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

## carry the sword ##

Roman governors carried a short sword as a symbol of their authority. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

## an avenger for wrath ##

"a person who punishes people as an expression of the government's anger against evil" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

## not only because of the wrath, but also because of conscience ##

"not only so the government will not punish you, but also so you will have a clear conscience before God"