Tribute to whom tribute— The Jews had a favourite notion among them, that, as the peculiar people of God, they were exempted from obligations to pay tribute to Gentiles; against which notion this passage is directly levelled, though without pointing them out in any invidious manner. The word Φοβον, rendered fear, may be more properly rendered reverence; for it expresses the inward disposition; as τιμην, honour, expresses the conduct and external behaviour proceeding from it. See Doddridge, Heylin, and Ephesians 5:33.
Related Commentaries of Romans 13:7
Romans 13:7
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.