Romans 14:10

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.

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}.

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;

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

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

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.

Context

This verse is situated within Romans chapter 14, where the Apostle Paul addresses disagreements and differences in practice among believers in Rome, specifically concerning dietary laws and the observance of special days. Some Christians, referred to as "weak in faith," felt bound by certain restrictions (like not eating meat), while others, "strong in faith," understood they had freedom in Christ. Paul urges both groups not to judge or despise one another over these non-essential matters, emphasizing the importance of unity and love within the church.

Key Themes

  • Avoiding Judgment and Contempt: The verse directly challenges believers who judge or look down upon fellow Christians based on differing practices or convictions in areas not explicitly commanded or forbidden by God.
  • Accountability to God: It highlights the ultimate truth that every individual believer is accountable to God alone for their actions and conscience, not to other believers.
  • The Judgment Seat of Christ: This phrase refers to the time when believers will give an account of their lives and service to Christ, not for salvation (which is by grace through faith), but for evaluation and reward. This future reality is presented as the reason why believers should refrain from judging each other in the present.

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "judge" is the Greek word krinō, which in this context means to pass judgment or condemn. "Set at nought" comes from exoutheneō, meaning to treat with contempt, despise, or regard as worthless. The phrase "judgment seat of Christ" translates the Greek bēma Christou. The bēma was originally a raised platform where judges or officials sat; in this spiritual sense, it signifies the place where Christ will evaluate the lives and deeds of His followers.

Significance and Application

Paul's point is powerful: since we will all individually stand before Christ to give an account of ourselves (Romans 14:12), we should refrain from taking on the role of ultimate judge over our brothers and sisters in Christ, especially in matters of conscience or personal conviction. The focus should be on living righteously before God and encouraging one another, rather than creating division over disputable things. This principle is echoed elsewhere in scripture, reminding us not to judge anything before the time, until the Lord comes. Understanding that we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ should foster humility, unity, and a focus on pleasing Him.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 5:10 (11 votes)

    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 (10 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

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

  • Romans 2:16 (5 votes)

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

  • Romans 14:3 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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