Romans 14:15

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} if {G1487} thy {G4675} brother {G80} be grieved {G3076} with {G1223} thy meat {G1033}, now {G3765} walkest thou {G4043} not {G3765} charitably {G26}{G2596}. Destroy {G622} not {G3361} him {G1565} with thy {G4675} meat {G1033}, for {G5228} whom {G3739} Christ {G5547} died {G599}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and if your brother is being upset by the food you eat, your life is no longer one of love. Do not, by your eating habits, destroy someone for whom the Messiah died!

Berean Standard Bible

If your brother is distressed by what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother, for whom Christ died.

American Standard Version

For if because of meat thy brother is grieved, thou walkest no longer in love. Destroy not with thy meat him for whom Christ died.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 14:15 profoundly articulates the principle that Christian liberty must always be subordinated to Christ-like love and the spiritual well-being of fellow believers. Paul warns against exercising personal freedoms in a way that causes grief or spiritual harm to a brother or sister in Christ, especially concerning matters of disputable opinion, because such an action disregards the immense value of the individual for whom Christ Himself died. The verse calls believers to prioritize unity, edification, and sacrificial love over individual rights or preferences.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 14:15 is situated within Paul's extensive discourse (Romans 14:1-15:13) on how "strong" and "weak" believers should interact within the Christian community. The "strong" are those who understand their freedom in Christ regarding matters like dietary laws and the observance of special days, recognizing that all foods are clean and all days are equal in Christ. The "weak," conversely, hold scruples, perhaps due to past Jewish legalism or pagan associations, believing certain foods are defiling or that specific days must be observed. Paul's primary concern throughout this section is not to declare one group definitively "right" on these disputable matters, but to prevent division and ensure mutual edification. He begins by urging the strong to "receive" the weak without passing judgment on their opinions ([Romans 14:1](/romans/14-1 "Romans 14:1 - Receive the Weak in Faith")). The immediate context of verse 15 emphasizes that while believers are accountable to God alone for their convictions ([Romans 14:10-12](/romans/14-10-12 "Romans 14:10-12 - We Shall All Stand Before the Judgment Seat of Christ")), this individual accountability does not negate the corporate responsibility to avoid causing a brother to stumble ([Romans 14:13](/romans/14-13 "Romans 14:13 - Do Not Put a Stumbling Block Before a Brother")). Verse 15 specifically highlights the gravity of causing grief to a brother for whom Christ died, underscoring the spiritual cost of uncharitable liberty.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church in Rome was a diverse community, comprising both Jewish and Gentile converts. This diversity led to tensions regarding practices rooted in their former lives. Jewish Christians, many of whom had strictly adhered to Mosaic dietary laws (e.g., avoiding pork, observing kosher practices) and special days (e.g., Sabbath, feast days), found it difficult to abandon these long-held traditions. Gentile converts, on the other hand, might have struggled with meat that had been sacrificed to idols, a common practice in Roman society, fearing participation in pagan worship. While Paul had already established the theological freedom from such laws in Christ ([Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Stand Fast in Christian Liberty")), the practical application of this freedom within a mixed congregation caused significant friction. The cultural backdrop of Roman banquets and public life, where meat from idol sacrifices was readily available and often cheaper, made these issues unavoidable. Paul's instruction aims to foster unity and spiritual health in a community grappling with the practical implications of their newfound freedom in Christ amidst deeply ingrained cultural and religious habits.

* **Key Themes:** Romans 14:15 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Romans and Pauline theology. Foremost is the theme of **Christian Liberty and Responsibility**. While believers are indeed free from the law and various external regulations through Christ ([Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Stand Fast in Christian Liberty")), this liberty is not to be used as an occasion for the flesh or to cause others to stumble ([Galatians 5:13](/galatians/5-13 "Galatians 5:13 - Use Liberty to Serve One Another")). Instead, it is to be exercised responsibly, always considering its impact on others. This leads directly to the theme of **Love (Agape) as the Guiding Principle**. Paul consistently elevates selfless, unconditional love as the supreme virtue that ought to govern all Christian interactions ([Romans 13:8-10](/romans/13-8-10 "Romans 13:8-10 - Love Fulfills the Law")). In this context, love means sacrificing personal preference for the sake of a brother's spiritual well-being. The verse also powerfully underscores the **Value of a Believer in Christ's Eyes**, emphasizing that each individual for whom Christ died holds immeasurable worth. To "destroy" such a one is to disregard the very purpose of Christ's sacrifice. Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **Unity and Edification within the Body of Christ**, advocating for actions that build up rather than tear down, fostering harmony and spiritual growth within the church ([Romans 15:1-2](/romans/15-1-2 "Romans 15:1-2 - Bear the Infirmities of the Weak and Please Your Neighbor")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Grieved (Greek, _lypéō_):** From λύπη, meaning "to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad." In this context, it signifies causing emotional pain, sorrow, or spiritual distress to a fellow believer. It's not merely a slight annoyance but a profound grief that can lead to a crisis of conscience or even a weakening of faith. Paul is concerned about the internal struggle and potential spiritual damage inflicted when a "strong" believer's actions cause a "weak" believer to feel compelled to violate their conscience, or to doubt the validity of their own convictions, leading to spiritual sorrow.
* **Charitably (Greek, _agápē_ with _katá_):** The KJV translates "charitably" from the Greek phrase "κατὰ ἀγάπην" (kata agapēn), meaning "according to love" or "in the manner of love." **_Agápē_** (G26) refers to selfless, unconditional love, often characterized by benevolence and a seeking of the highest good for the other. **_Katá_** (G2596) means "according to" or "down." Thus, "walkest thou not charitably" means "you are not walking according to love." It implies a failure to act in a way that prioritizes the spiritual welfare of the other person, thereby deviating from the very essence of Christian conduct.
* **Destroy (Greek, _apóllymi_):** From ἀπό and the base of ὄλεθρος, meaning "to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively." This is a strong word, indicating severe spiritual harm. It does not necessarily mean causing someone to lose their salvation, but rather to cause them to stumble, to violate their conscience, to lose their spiritual footing, or to be so disheartened that their faith is severely undermined or even shipwrecked. It implies a profound spiritual ruin, a bringing to naught of their spiritual progress, or a leading them into sin against their conscience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if thy brother be grieved with [thy] meat":** This opening clause introduces the conditional premise. "But" (G1161, _dé_) signals a contrast or shift in emphasis from individual accountability to corporate responsibility. The focus is on the impact of one's actions on another believer. "Thy meat" (G1033, _brōma_) represents any disputable matter where one believer's freedom might cause another to feel distressed or pressured to act against their conscience. The "grieved" (G3076, _lypéō_) brother experiences genuine sorrow or spiritual distress due to the "strong" believer's exercise of liberty.
* **"now walkest thou not charitably":** This is a rhetorical statement, implying a negative judgment. If one's actions cause grief, then one is not "walking charitably" (G4043, _peripatéō_ "walk" meaning to live or conduct oneself; G26, _agápē_ "charitably" meaning according to love). This highlights a failure to live out the supreme commandment of love. It's a direct challenge to the "strong" believer, indicating that their exercise of liberty, while perhaps permissible in itself, becomes unloving when it harms a brother.
* **"Destroy not him with thy meat":** This is a direct command and a solemn warning. "Destroy" (G622, _apóllymi_) signifies causing spiritual ruin or severe harm. The "meat" (G1033, _brōma_), or any disputable matter, is identified as the instrument of this potential destruction. The warning is against using one's freedom in a way that leads another believer to stumble, violate their conscience, or fall away from faith.
* **"for whom Christ died":** This powerful concluding phrase underscores the gravity of the warning by appealing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. It establishes the immeasurable value of the "weak" brother. To "destroy" someone for whom Christ gave His life is to show contempt for Christ's atoning work and to devalue a soul that God redeemed at infinite cost. It elevates the issue from a mere social preference to a profound theological and spiritual offense against Christ Himself.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in Romans 14:15 to convey his urgent message. The use of **Apostrophe** is evident as Paul directly addresses the "strong" believer ("thy brother," "thou," "thy meat"), creating a personal and direct appeal that emphasizes individual responsibility. The phrase "now walkest thou not charitably" functions as a **Rhetorical Question** (though presented as a statement in KJV), designed to elicit an obvious negative answer and prompt introspection, highlighting the inherent contradiction between causing grief and demonstrating Christian love. There is a stark **Juxtaposition** between the triviality of "meat" (or any disputable matter) and the profound gravity of "destroying" a soul for whom "Christ died," emphasizing the disproportionate cost of unloving liberty. Furthermore, the strong verb "destroy" (Greek, _apóllymi_) coupled with the phrase "for whom Christ died" creates a powerful sense of **Hyperbole**, magnifying the spiritual danger and moral offense of causing a brother to stumble. This exaggeration serves to underscore the immense value of each believer and the sacredness of Christ's sacrifice, thereby compelling the "strong" to exercise utmost care in their conduct.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 14:15 stands as a cornerstone of Christian ethics, deeply rooted in the theological understanding of God's redemptive love and the nature of the church as the body of Christ. It teaches that while God grants believers freedom in Christ, this freedom is not an end in itself, nor is it to be wielded selfishly. Rather, it is always to be exercised within the bounds of _agape_ love, which prioritizes the spiritual welfare of others above personal rights or preferences. The verse elevates the value of each individual believer to an astonishing degree, equating the spiritual harm inflicted upon them with a disregard for Christ's atoning sacrifice. This highlights the profound interconnectedness of believers within the body of Christ; an offense against one member is, in a very real sense, an offense against Christ Himself. The ultimate goal is not individual gratification but the corporate edification and unity of the church, reflecting the self-sacrificial love that defines God's character.

* [1 Corinthians 8:13](/1_corinthians/8-13 "1 Corinthians 8:13 - If Food Causes My Brother to Stumble"): "Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend."
* [1 Corinthians 10:23-24](/1_corinthians/10-23-24 "1 Corinthians 10:23-24 - All Things Lawful, Not All Things Profitable"): "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth."
* [Matthew 18:6](/matthew/18-6 "Matthew 18:6 - Causing Little Ones to Stumble"): "But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 14:15 offers a timeless and profoundly challenging principle for Christian living in any era. It compels us to move beyond a self-centered understanding of our rights and freedoms to embrace a Christ-centered, other-oriented approach to life. In a world increasingly polarized by opinions and preferences, this verse calls us to a higher standard of love and consideration. It reminds us that our actions, even those we consider harmless or within our liberty, can have significant spiritual repercussions for those around us, particularly those who may be weaker in faith, less mature, or simply hold different convictions. This principle extends far beyond dietary laws to encompass choices in entertainment, social habits, political engagement, fashion, and even theological expressions. The core question is always: Does my exercise of freedom build up my brother or sister, or does it cause them grief, confusion, or spiritual harm? True Christian maturity is not merely knowing what is permissible, but discerning what is profitable, what edifies, and what demonstrates sacrificial love for those for whom Christ died.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are some "disputable matters" in my life or within my Christian community today that might cause a brother or sister to be grieved or stumble?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater awareness of the consciences and sensitivities of others, especially those whose convictions differ from my own?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be prioritizing my personal liberty over the spiritual well-being and edification of others?**
* **How does the profound truth that Christ died for every believer impact my willingness to sacrifice my preferences for their sake?**

### FAQ
**What does "meat" refer to in this verse, and how does it apply to modern Christians?**

Answer: In Romans 14:15, "meat" (Greek, _brōma_) refers specifically to food, particularly meat that might have been sacrificed to idols or was considered unclean under Jewish dietary laws. However, Paul uses this specific issue as a case study for a broader principle: any "disputable matter" or area of Christian liberty where believers hold differing convictions. For modern Christians, this principle applies to a wide range of issues not explicitly forbidden by Scripture but where individual consciences or cultural sensitivities might vary. Examples include choices in entertainment (movies, music), social habits (alcohol consumption), fashion, political stances, or even certain worship styles. The core idea is that while an action may be permissible for one, if it causes a fellow believer to stumble, be grieved, or violate their conscience, love dictates that the "stronger" believer should forgo their liberty for the sake of the "weaker" one.

**Does this verse mean I should never exercise my Christian freedom if someone might be offended?**

Answer: Not necessarily. This verse calls for a spirit of love and discernment, not a complete abandonment of Christian freedom. The key is the word "grieved" (Greek, _lypéō_), which implies genuine spiritual distress or harm, not just personal preference or disapproval. Paul is concerned about actions that lead a brother to violate their conscience, doubt their faith, or be spiritually undermined. It requires wisdom to discern between genuine spiritual stumbling and mere disagreement or discomfort. The goal is not to be controlled by the opinions of others, but to prioritize the spiritual health and unity of the body of Christ. If exercising a freedom genuinely causes a brother to "destroy" their faith or fall into sin against their conscience, then love dictates restraint. However, if the "grief" is merely judgmentalism or legalism on the part of the "weak" brother, the situation becomes more complex, requiring prayerful discernment and potentially gentle instruction, as Paul also warns against judging one another ([Romans 14:10](/romans/14-10 "Romans 14:10 - Why Do You Judge Your Brother?")).

**How can I know if my actions are causing a brother to "destroy" their faith?**

Answer: Discerning if your actions are causing spiritual "destruction" requires humility, empathy, and active listening. It's not always immediately obvious. First, cultivate a heart sensitive to the Holy Spirit and to the needs of others. Engage in open, loving dialogue with fellow believers, especially those with different convictions. Observe their spiritual state and reactions. Are they genuinely struggling with their conscience because of your actions? Are they being tempted to sin or to doubt their faith? Paul's warning is about causing profound spiritual harm, not just minor irritation. If you become aware that your exercise of liberty is leading a brother to violate their conscience, to feel pressured into sin, or to be so disheartened that their faith is genuinely undermined, then Romans 14:15 calls you to adjust your behavior out of love. This often involves a willingness to sacrifice personal preferences for the sake of another's spiritual well-being, remembering the immense value Christ places on each soul for whom He died.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 14:15 finds its ultimate fulfillment and profoundest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. Paul's admonition to prioritize the spiritual well-being of a brother, even at the cost of personal liberty, directly mirrors the self-emptying love exemplified by our Savior. Christ, though fully God, did not cling to His divine prerogatives but "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). He willingly laid aside His rights and privileges, culminating in His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, precisely "for whom Christ died." The very phrase in Romans 14:15, "for whom Christ died," serves as the supreme motivation for our conduct. If Christ, in His infinite love, deemed each individual believer worthy of His atoning death, how much more should we, His followers, value our brothers and sisters, to the point of foregoing our freedoms to prevent their spiritual harm? Jesus' life was a perfect demonstration of serving rather than being served ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")), and His new commandment was to "love one another, as I have loved you" ([John 13:34](/john/13-34 "John 13:34 - A New Commandment: Love One Another")). Therefore, when we choose love over liberty, when we consider the conscience of our weaker brother, we are not merely following a moral rule but are actively participating in the Christ-like mission of valuing and preserving those for whom He shed His precious blood, thereby reflecting His glorious self-sacrificial love to the world.

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

1 Corinthians 8:11

And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?

1 Corinthians 8:12

But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.

Philippians 2:2

Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, [being] of one accord, of one mind.

Philippians 2:4

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Galatians 5:13

¶ For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only [use] not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Ephesians 5:2

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

1 Corinthians 8:1

¶ Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.