The powers that be [duplicate]

idioms etymology

How did the phrase "the powers that be" come about, is it an archaic verb tense of "being"?


It seems the phrase comes from the King James Bible:

Romans 13:1 (King James Version): 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.

"That be" means simply "that exist."

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