New Testament · Letter

Romans 14

Do Not Judge Your Brother

One person eats everything; another eats only vegetables. One observes a holy day; another doesn't. Stop passing judgment — each person stands before God.

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1Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.

2For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.

3Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.

4Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.

5One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.

6He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

7For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.

8For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.

9For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.

10But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

11For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

12So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

13Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.

14I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.

15But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.

16Let not then your good be evil spoken of:

17For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

18For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.

19Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

20For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.

21It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

22Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.

23And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

Understand This

Romans 14, explained

What Romans 14 is saying

Paul addresses disputes between the 'strong' (who eat anything and regard all days alike) and the 'weak' (who observe dietary restrictions and holy days), commanding mutual acceptance rather than judgment. Each person must be 'fully convinced in their own mind' (14:5) and must not cause a fellow believer to stumble. Paul grounds his argument in Christ's lordship over both living and dead, and in the eschatological accountability of every individual before God's judgment seat.

The background behind it

The 'weak' and 'strong' likely correspond to Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome, though Paul's categories may also include Gentile converts who retained pagan scruples. The issue of eating meat (possibly meat sacrificed to idols, as in 1 Corinthians 8–10) and observing days reflects the practical challenges of a mixed community navigating different cultural-religious backgrounds. Paul identifies himself with the 'strong' (15:1) but prioritizes the 'weak' conscience.

Themes running underneath

The chapter establishes the principle that adiaphora (matters indifferent) must not become tests of fellowship. Paul's christological argument—Christ died and rose to be Lord of all—provides the theological basis for both freedom and restraint. The kingdom of God is defined not by dietary practice but by 'righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit' (14:17). The principle of not causing a brother to stumble (proskomma) introduces the ethic of love-limited liberty.

Why it still matters

Romans 14 provides essential guidance for navigating disagreements within diverse communities of faith. The principle that personal freedom must be exercised in the service of communal love—not suppressed but voluntarily limited—remains relevant wherever Christians disagree on non-essential matters.

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Scripture text: King James Version — public domain.