Romans 14:10

KJV

But 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} why {G5101} dost {G2919} thou {G4771} judge {G2919} thy {G4675} brother {G80}? or {G2228}{G2532} why {G5101} dost {G1848} thou {G4771} set at nought {G1848} thy {G4675} brother {G80}? for {G1063} we shall {G3936} all {G3956} stand before {G3936} the judgment seat {G968} of Christ {G5547}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You then, why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For all of us will stand before God’s judgment seat;

Berean Standard Bible

Why, then, do you judge your brother? Or why do you belittle your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.

American Standard Version

But thou, why dost thou judge thy brother? or thou again, why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment-seat of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 14:10 delivers a profound challenge to believers regarding their interactions within the community of faith, specifically cautioning against judging or despising fellow Christians over disputable matters. Paul underscores the ultimate accountability of every individual to Christ, reminding them that all believers will stand before the judgment seat of Christ, thereby rendering human judgment of one another presumptuous and unnecessary. This verse serves as a foundational call for humility, unity, and mutual respect among those who share faith in Christ, redirecting their focus from horizontal critique to vertical responsibility before God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal statement within Romans 14, where Paul addresses the tensions arising from differing convictions among believers in Rome, particularly concerning dietary practices (eating meat vs. vegetarianism) and the observance of special days. The preceding verses (Romans 14:1-9) establish the principle that believers should welcome one another without passing judgment on disputable matters, emphasizing that each person is ultimately a servant of the Lord. Paul argues that whether one eats or refrains from eating, observes a day or regards all days alike, they do so "to the Lord." The climax of this argument in Romans 14:7-9 asserts that believers "live to the Lord and die to the Lord," highlighting Christ's lordship over all aspects of life and death. Romans 14:10 then serves as a direct rhetorical question and theological justification for abstaining from judgment, leading into the subsequent verses (Romans 14:11-12) which further reinforce the universal accountability to God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Roman church was a diverse community, comprising both Jewish and Gentile converts. Jewish Christians, deeply rooted in Mosaic Law, often struggled with the concept of Christian liberty, particularly regarding food laws (like those concerning clean and unclean meats, or meat sacrificed to idols) and the observance of traditional Jewish festivals. Gentile Christians, many of whom came from pagan backgrounds, had no such scruples, having been freed from such regulations by the Gospel. This created friction and division, with some "strong" (those who understood their freedom in Christ) despising the "weak" (those who still felt bound by certain scruples), and the "weak" judging the "strong" for their perceived laxity. Paul's epistle seeks to foster unity and mutual acceptance within this diverse body, urging them to prioritize love and the edification of one another over personal preferences and judgments.
* **Key Themes:** Romans 14:10 is central to several key themes permeating the book of Romans. It directly addresses the theme of **Christian Liberty and Conscience**, demonstrating that while believers have freedom in Christ, this freedom must be exercised with love and consideration for others, especially those with weaker consciences. It strongly emphasizes **Individual Accountability to God**, shifting the focus from judging others to preparing for one's own account before Christ, a theme further developed in [Romans 14:12](/romans/14-12 "Romans 14:12 - Each to give account to God"). The verse also contributes to the overarching theme of **Unity in the Body of Christ**, advocating for harmonious relationships despite differences in non-essential practices. Finally, it introduces the critical eschatological theme of the **Judgment Seat of Christ**, reminding believers of a future divine evaluation of their earthly lives and service, which should motivate humble living and charitable interaction, as seen in [2 Corinthians 5:10](/2_corinthians/5-10 "2 Corinthians 5:10 - The Bema Seat of Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **judge (Greek, _krínō_):** This word, G2919, properly means "to distinguish," but in this context, it signifies "to decide (mentally or judicially); by implication, to try, condemn, punish." Here, Paul uses it to refer to the act of passing negative judgment or condemnation on another believer's spiritual practices or convictions, particularly in areas of Christian liberty. It implies an assumption of authority that belongs solely to God.
* **set at nought (Greek, _exouthenéō_):** Derived from G1848, this term means "to treat with contempt, despise, or regard as worthless." It describes the attitude of looking down upon, disdaining, or belittling a fellow believer, often because their practices or beliefs differ from one's own. This goes beyond mere disagreement to a devaluing of the other person's faith or spiritual standing.
* **judgment seat (Greek, _bēma_):** G968, from the base of _básis_ (a step), literally refers to a "step" or "foot-breath." By implication, it denotes a raised platform or rostrum, specifically a tribunal where judges or officials sat to render decisions. In the New Testament, particularly in Pauline epistles, the "judgment seat of Christ" signifies the place and occasion where Christ will evaluate the lives and works of believers, not for salvation (which is by grace through faith), but for the assessment of their faithfulness and service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But why dost thou judge thy brother?"**: Paul opens with a rhetorical question, directly challenging the believer who assumes the role of a judge over a fellow Christian. The "but" (G1161, _dé_) introduces a contrast to the preceding discussion about each person being a servant of the Lord. The question implies that such judgment is illogical, inappropriate, and without proper authority, given that all believers serve the same Lord.
* **"or why dost thou set at nought thy brother?"**: This second rhetorical question parallels the first, addressing the opposite but equally destructive attitude: contempt or disdain. While judging implies condemnation, setting at nought implies belittling or despising. Paul highlights that both actions—condemning and despising—are detrimental to Christian fellowship and betray a lack of love and humility. The use of "or" (G2228, _ḗ_) and "and" (G2532, _kaí_) emphasizes these as two distinct but related errors.
* **"for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ."**: This clause provides the compelling reason and theological foundation for Paul's admonition. The conjunction "for" (G1063, _gár_) introduces the ultimate justification. The reality that "we shall all stand" (G3936, _parístēmi_ - to stand beside, present oneself; G3956, _pâs_ - all) before Christ's tribunal renders human judgment of one another presumptuous. This future divine accountability negates the need or right for believers to judge each other in the present, especially in matters of conscience. It shifts the focus from horizontal judgment to vertical accountability.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in Romans 14:10 to convey his urgent message. The most prominent are **Rhetorical Questions**, "But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother?" These questions are not posed to elicit information but to challenge the reader's behavior and assumptions, forcing introspection and highlighting the absurdity or impropriety of their actions. By framing his points as questions, Paul engages the audience directly and powerfully. He also uses **Antithesis** or **Contrast**, pitting the human act of judging or despising a brother against the divine reality of standing before the judgment seat of Christ. This stark contrast underscores the gravity of the human transgression and the ultimate authority of Christ. Furthermore, the phrase "judgment seat of Christ" functions as a form of **Metonymy** or **Symbolism**. The _bēma_ was a physical platform, but here it stands for the entire process of divine evaluation and accountability that believers will face. This symbolic representation evokes a sense of solemnity and future reckoning, providing a powerful deterrent against present-day judgmentalism.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 14:10 is a cornerstone for understanding Christian community and individual accountability. It asserts the fundamental theological truth that ultimate judgment belongs to God alone, specifically to Christ. This truth liberates believers from the burden of judging one another in disputable matters, fostering an environment of grace, patience, and mutual respect. The impending reality of standing before Christ's judgment seat serves not as a threat of condemnation for the saved, but as a motivation for faithful living and a powerful deterrent against uncharitable behavior towards fellow believers. It underscores that our primary allegiance and accountability are to Christ, not to the opinions or standards of other people.

* [Romans 14:12](/romans/14-12 "Romans 14:12 - Each of us will give an account of himself to God.")
* [1 Corinthians 4:5](/1_corinthians/4-5 "1 Corinthians 4:5 - Judge nothing before the time.")
* [2 Corinthians 5:10](/2_corinthians/5-10 "2 Corinthians 5:10 - We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse calls us to a profound humility and a reorientation of our spiritual gaze. Instead of expending energy scrutinizing and criticizing the choices and consciences of our brothers and sisters in Christ, we are reminded to focus on our own walk with God and our personal accountability to Him. It challenges us to examine our hearts for any trace of judgment or contempt, especially concerning practices that are not explicitly commanded or forbidden by Scripture. True spiritual maturity involves extending grace and understanding, recognizing that each believer is a servant of Christ, and it is to Him alone they stand or fall. This perspective fosters unity, strengthens fellowship, and allows the church to flourish as a place of acceptance and love, rather than division and condemnation. Our awareness of Christ's future evaluation should inspire us to live in a manner that honors Him, prioritizing love and edification over personal preferences and critical attitudes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or within my church community do I tend to judge or look down upon others?**
* **How does the reality of standing before the judgment seat of Christ impact my perspective on disagreements with fellow believers?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to replace a judgmental attitude with one of humility and acceptance towards others?**

### FAQ
**What is the "judgment seat of Christ" and how does it differ from the Great White Throne Judgment?**

Answer: The "judgment seat of Christ" (Greek: _bēma Christou_) refers to a future event where believers will stand before Christ to give an account of their lives and service after salvation. It is primarily an evaluation of works, faithfulness, and stewardship, not a determination of salvation. Believers' eternal destiny is secured by faith in Christ's atoning work, as articulated in [Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No condemnation for those in Christ Jesus"). The _bēma_ is a place of assessment for rewards or loss of rewards, based on how one lived out their Christian life (see [1 Corinthians 3:12-15](/1_corinthians/3-12-15 "1 Corinthians 3:12-15 - The test of fire at the Bema Seat")). In contrast, the Great White Throne Judgment (described in [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")) is for the unsaved, where they will be judged according to their deeds and ultimately condemned to the lake of fire because their names are not found in the Book of Life. The _bēma_ is for believers, focusing on reward; the Great White Throne is for unbelievers, focusing on condemnation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 14:10 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is both the standard by which we are judged and the one who has removed our condemnation. The very concept of the "judgment seat of Christ" underscores His supreme authority and Lordship, affirming that all power and judgment have been committed to Him by the Father ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father has committed all judgment to the Son")). While believers will stand before Him to give an account of their lives, it is crucial to remember that for those who are "in Christ Jesus," there is no condemnation ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No condemnation in Christ Jesus")). Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross has fully satisfied the demands of God's justice, securing our salvation by grace through faith. Therefore, the _bēma_ is not a judgment of damnation for believers, but an evaluation of faithfulness and stewardship, where Christ, our merciful High Priest ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, our sympathetic High Priest")), assesses how we have lived in light of His grace. His own life exemplified humility and non-judgment, teaching us not to "judge by appearance, but judge with right judgment" ([John 7:24](/john/7-24 "John 7:24 - Judge with right judgment")). Thus, the call to refrain from judging our brother is a call to imitate Christ's own character and to trust in His perfect and righteous judgment alone.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 5:10

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad.

1 Corinthians 4:5

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

Ecclesiastes 12:14

For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether [it be] good, or whether [it be] evil.

Romans 2:16

In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

Romans 14:3

Let 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.

Romans 14:4

Who 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.

John 5:22

For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: