Romans 14:14

KJV

I 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

I know {G1492}, and {G2532} am persuaded {G3982} by {G1722} the Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424}, that {G3754} there is nothing {G3762} unclean {G2839} of {G1223} itself {G1438}: but {G1508} to him that esteemeth {G3049} any thing {G5100} to be {G1511} unclean {G2839}, to him {G1565} it is unclean {G2839}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I know — that is, I have been persuaded by the Lord Yeshua the Messiah — that nothing is unclean in itself. But if a person considers something unclean, then for him it is unclean;

Berean Standard Bible

I am convinced and fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean.

American Standard Version

I know, and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean of itself: save that to him who accounteth anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 14:14 encapsulates the Apostle Paul's profound conviction regarding Christian liberty and the sanctity of individual conscience within the early church. He declares that, in Christ, no food or practice is inherently defiling, asserting a foundational truth of the New Covenant. However, he immediately qualifies this freedom by emphasizing that if a believer's conscience deems something unclean, then for that individual, engaging in that practice becomes a matter of sin, underscoring the subjective power of personal conviction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 14 opens with Paul urging believers to "receive one who is weak in faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things" [Romans 14:1](/romans/14-1 "Romans 14:1 - Receiving the Weak in Faith"). The chapter then elaborates on "disputable matters," primarily focusing on dietary practices (eating meat vs. vegetables) and the observance of special days. Paul addresses two groups: the "weak" who still felt bound by Old Testament ceremonial laws, and the "strong" who understood their freedom in Christ. Verse 14 serves as Paul's authoritative declaration, from his own Spirit-led conviction, that nothing is inherently unclean. This declaration sets the stage for his subsequent exhortations for the "strong" to exercise their liberty responsibly, prioritizing the spiritual well-being and conscience of their "weaker" brethren over their own rights, as seen in passages like [Romans 14:15-21](/romans/14-15-21 "Romans 14:15-21 - Do Not Destroy Your Brother").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian community in Rome was a diverse mix of Jewish and Gentile believers. Jewish converts had been raised under the Mosaic Law, which included strict dietary regulations (e.g., [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals")) and specific holy days. For many, these practices were deeply ingrained in their religious identity. Gentile converts, however, came from cultures with no such restrictions and often ate meat that had been offered to idols, which was a significant concern for some Jewish Christians. The tension arose from differing interpretations of how Christian liberty related to these long-held traditions and pagan associations. Paul's teaching in [Romans 14](/romans/14 "Romans 14 - Disputable Matters") provided a crucial framework for navigating these cultural and religious differences, emphasizing unity and love over rigid adherence to non-essential practices.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes in Romans and the broader New Testament. It powerfully affirms **Christian Liberty**, echoing Jesus' teaching that "there is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him" [Mark 7:15](/mark/7-15 "Mark 7:15 - What Defiles a Person") and Peter's vision in [Acts 10:15](/acts/10-15 "Acts 10:15 - Peter's Vision of Unclean Animals"), which declared all foods clean. It also highlights the profound importance of **Conscience**, asserting that an act, though objectively permissible, becomes sinful for the individual if their conscience condemns it (a principle further elaborated in [Romans 14:23](/romans/14-23 "Romans 14:23 - Whatever is Not of Faith is Sin")). Finally, underlying Paul's entire argument in [Romans 14](/romans/14 "Romans 14 - Living in Christian Community") is the theme of **Love and Unity**, urging believers to prioritize the edification and spiritual welfare of fellow Christians over their own personal freedoms, thus fostering harmony within the body of Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Greek, _eídō'_):** This word, derived from a primary verb meaning "to see," implies a deep, experiential understanding or settled conviction. Paul is not merely stating an opinion but expressing a profound, divinely-imparted certainty. His knowledge is not speculative but grounded in revelation, "persuaded by the Lord Jesus."
* **unclean (Greek, _koinós'_):** Literally meaning "common" or "shared," this term, when applied to food or objects, denotes something that is not ritually pure or set apart for sacred use. In a Jewish context, it referred to things that were defiled or profane. Paul's declaration that nothing is _koinós_ "of itself" fundamentally shifts the understanding of purity from external ceremonial regulations to an internal state of faith and conscience.
* **esteemeth (Greek, _logízomai'_):** This verb means "to take an inventory," "estimate," "reckon," or "consider." It refers to the process of individual judgment or calculation. Here, it emphasizes the subjective nature of conscience: it is the individual's personal assessment and conviction about a matter that determines its moral standing *for them*, even if the object itself is objectively neutral.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus":** Paul asserts his personal conviction with double emphasis ("know" and "persuaded"). This is not merely a human opinion but a divinely-inspired truth, a revelation received directly from or through his relationship with Jesus Christ. This lends significant authority to his subsequent declaration.
* **"that [there is] nothing unclean of itself":** This is the core theological declaration. Paul states unequivocally that no food, practice, or object is inherently defiling or morally wrong. The defilement is not intrinsic to the thing itself but is a matter of external ceremonial law (now abrogated in Christ) or, as the next clause explains, an individual's perception. This reflects the New Covenant reality of freedom from the Mosaic Law's ceremonial aspects.
* **"but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him [it is] unclean.":** This clause introduces the crucial qualification. While objectively nothing is unclean, the subjective reality of an individual's conscience holds immense weight. If a believer genuinely believes something is wrong or defiling, then for that person, acting against that conviction constitutes sin. This highlights the power and sensitivity of the individual conscience and the importance of not violating it.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Declaration** and **Contrast** to convey its profound truth. Paul's opening phrase, "I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus," serves as an authoritative **Declaration**, lending weight and divine backing to his subsequent statement. This sets a tone of certainty. The verse then presents a clear **Contrast** between objective reality ("nothing unclean of itself") and subjective perception ("but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him [it is] unclean"). This juxtaposition highlights the tension between Christian liberty and the individual's conscience, emphasizing that while freedom is a reality, it must be exercised with an understanding of personal conviction. There is also a subtle **Emphasis** on the individual ("to him that esteemeth... to him it is unclean"), underscoring the personal accountability and spiritual impact of one's own conscience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 14:14 stands as a pivotal statement on the nature of Christian freedom and the role of conscience in ethical decision-making. It articulates the New Covenant truth that external ritual purity laws have been fulfilled in Christ, shifting the focus from ceremonial defilement to matters of the heart and faith. This verse establishes that while believers are truly free from legalistic constraints regarding disputable matters, this freedom is not absolute but is bounded by the principle of love for one's neighbor and respect for their conscience. It teaches that the objective truth of Christian liberty does not negate the subjective reality of personal conviction, making it imperative for believers to walk in a way that builds up rather than tears down.

* [Mark 7:18-19](/mark/7-18-19 "Mark 7:18-19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean")
* [1 Corinthians 8:7-13](/1_corinthians/8-7-13 "1 Corinthians 8:7-13 - Food Offered to Idols and Conscience")
* [Titus 1:15](/titus/1-15 "Titus 1:15 - To the Pure All Things Are Pure")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 14:14 calls believers to a profound maturity in their faith, balancing the glorious truth of Christian liberty with the compassionate responsibility of loving their fellow believers. It challenges us to examine our own convictions, ensuring they are rooted in faith and not in legalism, while simultaneously cultivating a deep sensitivity to the consciences of others. This verse reminds us that true freedom in Christ is not an excuse for self-indulgence or indifference to the spiritual well-being of our community, but rather an opportunity to live out the law of love. It encourages us to prioritize unity and mutual edification, understanding that our actions, even in seemingly neutral areas, can have significant spiritual impact on those around us. In a world often polarized by differing opinions, this passage offers a timeless principle for navigating disagreements with grace, humility, and Christ-like love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I exercise Christian liberty, and how do I ensure that my freedom does not become a stumbling block for others?**
* **How sensitive am I to the consciences of fellow believers, especially those who may hold different convictions on "disputable matters"?**
* **What are some modern "disputable matters" in the church today, and how can the principles of Romans 14:14 guide our interactions regarding them?**
* **How does my personal conscience inform my decisions, and how do I ensure it is shaped by God's Word and not by external pressures or legalism?**

### FAQ
**Does Romans 14:14 mean that all things are permissible for all Christians, regardless of their conscience?**

Answer: No, not exactly. Romans 14:14 makes a crucial distinction. Paul unequivocally declares that "nothing [is] unclean of itself," meaning that in the New Covenant, ceremonial defilement is no longer inherent in certain foods or practices. This asserts the objective truth of Christian liberty, as seen in [Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean") and [Acts 10:15](/acts/10-15 "Acts 10:15 - Peter's Vision of Unclean Animals"). However, the second part of the verse, "but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him [it is] unclean," adds a critical qualification. It means that if an individual's conscience genuinely believes something is wrong, then for *that person*, engaging in that act *is* sin. This is because violating one's conscience, even in a non-moral matter, is a breach of faith ([Romans 14:23](/romans/14-23 "Romans 14:23 - Whatever is Not of Faith is Sin")). Therefore, while objectively permissible, subjective conviction makes it wrong for that individual. The passage then moves to urge the "strong" (those who understand their liberty) to not cause the "weak" (those with sensitive consciences) to stumble ([Romans 14:15](/romans/14-15 "Romans 14:15 - Do Not Destroy Your Brother")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 14:14 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes ([Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ is the End of the Law")). Christ's life and sacrifice fundamentally redefined purity, shifting the focus from external observances to internal transformation. He declared all foods clean ([Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean")), demonstrating that true defilement comes not from what goes into a person, but from what comes out of their heart ([Matthew 15:18-19](/matthew/15-18-19 "Matthew 15:18-19 - What Defiles a Person")). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus inaugurated a new covenant where believers are liberated from the burdensome yoke of ceremonial laws and regulations ([Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Freedom in Christ")). Paul's conviction in [Romans 14:14](/romans/14-14 "Romans 14:14 - Nothing Unclean of Itself") is thus a direct outflow of the freedom purchased by Christ's finished work, allowing believers to live by the Spirit rather than by external rules ([Galatians 5:16](/galatians/5-16 "Galatians 5:16 - Walk by the Spirit")). This freedom, however, is not a license for self-gratification but is to be exercised in love, mirroring Christ's own self-sacrificial love that sought the good of others, even to the point of laying down His life ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")). Therefore, the "persuasion by the Lord Jesus" that nothing is unclean inherently leads to a Christ-like love that prioritizes the spiritual well-being of the brother or sister over personal rights, reflecting the very heart of the Gospel.

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

Titus 1:15

Unto the pure all things [are] pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving [is] nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

Romans 14:2

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

1 Corinthians 8:7

¶ Howbeit [there is] not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat [it] as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.

1 Timothy 4:4

For every creature of God [is] good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

Acts 10:14

But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.

Acts 10:15

And the voice [spake] unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, [that] call not thou common.

Acts 11:8

But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.