Romans 14:13

KJV

Let 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let us {G2919} not therefore {G3767} judge {G2919} one another {G240} any more {G3371}: but {G235} judge {G2919} this {G5124} rather {G3123}, that no man {G3361} put {G5087} a stumblingblock {G4348} or {G2228} an occasion to fall {G4625} in his brother's way {G80}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, let’s stop passing judgment on each other! Instead, make this one judgment — not to put a stumbling block or a snare in a brother’s way.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 14:13 serves as a foundational ethical directive within the Christian community, pivoting the believer's focus from a critical evaluation of others' spiritual liberties to a vigilant self-assessment of one's own actions. It powerfully admonishes against judgmentalism, instead calling for a proactive commitment to love and unity by ensuring that personal freedoms or convictions do not inadvertently cause a fellow believer to stumble spiritually, falter in their faith, or violate their conscience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Paul's discourse in Romans 14-15 addresses internal divisions within the Roman church, primarily concerning "disputable matters" (Romans 14:1) such as dietary practices (eating meat versus vegetarianism) and the observance of specific days. He categorizes believers into "the strong" (those who understand their liberty in Christ) and "the weak" (those whose consciences are more sensitive or bound by certain traditions). The preceding verses (Romans 14:1-12) establish the principle that believers should not judge or despise one another over such non-essential issues, as each person is ultimately accountable to God alone. Romans 14:13 marks a crucial transition from the negative command (ceasing to judge others) to the positive imperative of responsible Christian living, urging believers to consider the impact of their actions on others' spiritual well-being.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Roman church was a diverse community, comprising both Jewish and Gentile believers. Jewish Christians often retained customs like dietary laws (kosher) and Sabbath observance, while many Gentile converts, freed from such Mosaic regulations, embraced their liberty in Christ. This created tension and potential for judgment. Meat sold in the markets might have been sacrificed to idols, posing a dilemma for some. Paul's teaching here is highly practical, navigating the complexities of a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic church where varying backgrounds and levels of spiritual maturity led to differing convictions on secondary issues. The emphasis is on internal church harmony rather than external societal engagement.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes in Romans and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, **Christian Liberty and Responsibility** is paramount; believers are free in Christ, but this freedom is not absolute and must be exercised with consideration for others, as seen in [Paul's discussion on food offered to idols](/1_corinthians/8 "1 Corinthians 8 - Food Offered to Idols"). Secondly, **Unity in Diversity** is a core concern, highlighting that differences in conviction on non-essential matters should not fracture the body of Christ, echoing the call for unity in [Ephesians 4:1-3](/ephesians/4-1-3 "Ephesians 4:1-3 - Unity in the Spirit"). Thirdly, the theme of **Love as the Guiding Principle** for ethical conduct is central, as charity dictates that one's actions should build up, not tear down, a fellow believer, aligning with the "royal law" of love in [James 2:8](/james/2-8 "James 2:8 - The Royal Law"). Finally, **Accountability to God** underscores the idea that each believer stands before God's judgment seat, not another's, as emphasized in [Romans 14:10](/romans/14-10 "Romans 14:10 - Judgment Seat of Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Judge (Greek, _krínō_):** Properly, to distinguish, i.e., decide (mentally or judicially); by implication, to try, condemn, punish. In this context, it refers to making a definitive, often condemning, decision or separation regarding another's spiritual practices or convictions, rather than merely discerning.
* **Rather (Greek, _mâllon_):** Adverbially, more (in a greater degree) or rather. This particle emphasizes the shift in focus from judging others to a more important, indeed preferable, form of "judgment"—self-assessment concerning one's impact on others.
* **Stumblingblock (Greek, _próskomma_):** A stub, i.e., (figuratively) occasion of apostasy; an offense, stumbling(-block, (-stone)). It denotes an obstacle or impediment that causes someone to trip or falter.
* **Occasion to fall (Greek, _skándalon_):** ("scandal"); probably from a derivative of κάμπτω; a trap-stick (bent sapling), i.e., snare (figuratively, cause of displeasure or sin). Originally referring to the bait-stick of a trap that causes an animal to fall, it signifies anything that causes another believer to stumble, fall into sin, or abandon their convictions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let us not therefore judge one another any more":** This clause serves as a direct prohibition against the censorious and critical spirit that was causing division within the Roman church. "Therefore" links back to the preceding arguments about individual accountability to God. The phrase "any more" suggests a cessation of a previously practiced negative behavior.
* **"but judge this rather":** This marks a crucial pivot. Paul is not advocating for a complete absence of discernment, but rather a redirection of judgment. Instead of scrutinizing others, believers are to "judge" or evaluate their own conduct and its potential effects. "Rather" emphasizes the priority of this self-assessment.
* **"that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in [his] brother's way":** This is the positive command, defining the specific object of the believer's self-judgment. The goal is to prevent any action, even a permissible one, from becoming an obstacle (_próskomma_) or a snare (_skándalon_) that causes a fellow believer to trip, falter in their faith, sin, or violate their conscience. The "brother's way" signifies their spiritual journey and walk with Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 14:13 employs several effective literary devices. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, contrasting the negative command ("Let us not... judge one another") with the positive imperative ("but judge this rather"). This sharp juxtaposition highlights the desired shift in behavior and mindset. The use of **Metaphor** is evident in "stumblingblock" (_próskomma_) and "occasion to fall" (_skándalon_). These terms are not literal physical objects but metaphorical representations of spiritual obstacles or snares that cause spiritual harm, sin, or a lapse in faith. The passage also uses **Didactic Language**, as Paul directly instructs and admonishes the believers, characteristic of his pastoral epistles. The repeated use of the verb "judge" (_krínō_) in different contexts (condemning others vs. evaluating oneself) creates a powerful **Wordplay** that underscores the redirection of focus.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 14:13 encapsulates a profound theological principle: Christian liberty, while real and precious, is always to be exercised within the bounds of Christian love and consideration for the spiritual well-being of others. It teaches that our freedom in Christ is not for selfish indulgence but for the edification of the body. This principle is rooted in the very nature of God, who is love, and in the example of Christ, who did not please Himself but sacrificed His rights for the sake of others. The verse calls believers to a higher standard of ethical conduct, where empathy and humility supersede personal preferences or perceived entitlements, fostering unity and preventing division over non-essential matters.

* [1 Corinthians 8:9](/1_corinthians/8-9 "1 Corinthians 8:9 - Take heed lest this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock")
* [Philippians 2:3-4](/philippians/2-3-4 "Philippians 2:3-4 - Look not only to your own interests")
* [Galatians 5:13](/galatians/5-13 "Galatians 5:13 - Use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 14:13 remains profoundly relevant for contemporary Christian communities, which, like the early Roman church, often grapple with internal differences—whether in theological interpretation of secondary issues, political stances, cultural practices, or lifestyle choices. This verse challenges us to move beyond a self-centered exercise of our liberties and to cultivate a deep empathy for the consciences of our brothers and sisters in Christ, especially those who may be "weaker" or hold different convictions. It calls for a radical self-examination: are my actions, words, or even my silence, inadvertently placing an obstacle in someone else's spiritual path? It compels us to prioritize love, unity, and the spiritual flourishing of others above our own preferences or perceived rights, fostering a community where mutual respect and edification are paramount. In a world increasingly polarized, this timeless admonition urges believers to be agents of reconciliation and grace, building bridges rather than erecting barriers within the body of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might my exercise of Christian liberty inadvertently cause a "stumblingblock" for another believer?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater awareness of the diverse consciences within my Christian community?**
* **What personal preferences or "rights" am I willing to lay down for the sake of a brother or sister's spiritual well-being?**

### FAQ
**Does "judge" in this verse mean we should never discern right from wrong or evaluate others' actions?**

Answer: No, the "judge" (Greek: _krínō_) in this verse does not prohibit all forms of discernment or evaluation. Instead, it specifically forbids a censorious, critical, and condemning spirit towards fellow believers, especially concerning "disputable matters" (Romans 14:1) where individual consciences differ. Paul's emphasis is on avoiding a judgmental attitude that leads to division or condemnation, recognizing that each believer is ultimately accountable to God ([Romans 14:10](/romans/14-10 "Romans 14:10 - Each of us will give an account of himself to God")). We are called to discern truth and error, but not to condemn or despise those with differing, yet biblically permissible, convictions.

**What is the difference between a "stumblingblock" and an "occasion to fall"?**

Answer: While often used interchangeably in English translations, the Greek terms _próskomma_ (stumblingblock) and _skándalon_ (occasion to fall) carry slightly distinct nuances that reinforce the same core message. _Próskomma_ literally means an obstacle, something one trips over, causing a fall or impediment. _Skándalon_ (from which we get "scandal") originally referred to the bait-stick of a trap, a snare that causes one to be caught or fall into ruin. Together, they emphasize anything that causes a believer to falter, sin, doubt, or abandon their faith, either by directly leading them into sin or by causing them to violate their own conscience. The point is to avoid any action that might weaken or harm a brother's spiritual walk.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 14:13 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the supreme example of one who, possessing all liberty and divine rights, chose not to please Himself but to lay down His life for the sake of others, ensuring that no one would stumble or fall eternally. Though He was without sin and perfectly free, Jesus voluntarily submitted to the limitations and suffering of human existence, becoming "obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Obedient unto Death")). His entire ministry was characterized by self-sacrificial love, prioritizing the spiritual well-being of humanity over His own comfort or prerogatives. He did not cause the "weak" to stumble but welcomed them, healed them, and taught them, demonstrating compassion and grace. His willingness to become a "stumblingblock" to the Jews and "foolishness" to the Gentiles ([1 Corinthians 1:23](/1_corinthians/1-23 "1 Corinthians 1:23 - Christ crucified, a stumblingblock to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles")) was not due to His own sin, but because of humanity's rejection of His divine truth, ultimately leading to the cross, which became the means of salvation for all who believe. Therefore, when believers are called to "judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way," they are called to imitate the selfless, other-centered love of Christ, who perfectly exercised His liberty for the ultimate good and salvation of His people, as He Himself declared, "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man came to serve")).

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 6:3

Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:

James 4:11

¶ Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of [his] brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.

1 Corinthians 8:9

But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

1 Corinthians 8:13

Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

Luke 12:57

Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?

Matthew 7:1

¶ Judge not, that ye be not judged.

Isaiah 57:14

And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people.