Romans 14:17

KJV

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316} is {G2076} not {G3756} meat {G1035} and {G2532} drink {G4213}; but {G235} righteousness {G1343}, and {G2532} peace {G1515}, and {G2532} joy {G5479} in {G1722} the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151}.

Complete Jewish Bible

for the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, shalom and joy in the Ruach HaKodesh.

Berean Standard Bible

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

American Standard Version

for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 14:17 profoundly defines the essence of God's kingdom, shifting focus from external observances like dietary practices to internal spiritual realities. It asserts that God's reign is not characterized by what one eats or drinks, but by the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, which manifests as righteousness, peace, and joy in the lives of believers. This verse serves as a foundational principle for unity and spiritual maturity within the Christian community, emphasizing the core values that truly constitute God's active rule among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 14:17 is a pivotal statement within Paul's extensive discussion (found in [Romans 14](/romans/14 "Romans 14 - Disputable Matters") and extending into [Romans 15](/romans/15 "Romans 15 - Living to Please Others")) concerning "disputable matters" within the Roman church. The immediate preceding verses (e.g., [Romans 14:1-12](/romans/14-1-12 "Romans 14:1-12 - Do Not Judge Your Brother")) address the tension between "strong" and "weak" believers, particularly regarding dietary laws (eating meat, especially that offered to idols) and the observance of specific days. Paul urges mutual acceptance and forbearance, emphasizing that believers are accountable to God alone. Verse 17 acts as a theological anchor, redirecting the community's attention from these peripheral issues to the central, non-negotiable truths of the Kingdom, thereby providing the theological basis for the practical exhortations that follow, such as not causing a brother to stumble ([Romans 14:13](/romans/14-13 "Romans 14:13 - Do Not Cause Others to Stumble")) and pursuing peace and mutual edification ([Romans 14:19](/romans/14-19 "Romans 14:19 - Pursue Peace and Mutual Edification")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Roman church was a diverse community, comprising both Jewish and Gentile converts. This diversity often led to friction over practices rooted in their former traditions or personal convictions. Jewish Christians, accustomed to Mosaic dietary laws and Sabbath observance, might have struggled with the liberty enjoyed by Gentile believers who ate all foods without scruple. Conversely, some Gentile believers might have looked down upon their Jewish counterparts for their adherence to what they considered obsolete laws. The eating of meat, in particular, was problematic as much of it was sold in the marketplace after being offered to pagan idols. Paul's letter addresses these real-world tensions, seeking to foster unity and love in a context where external practices threatened to overshadow the spiritual unity found in Christ. His emphasis on the internal nature of the Kingdom was a radical departure from the common understanding that religious devotion was primarily about outward ritual and adherence to specific rules.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes in Romans and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it clarifies the **Nature of the Kingdom of God**, asserting that it is not defined by external regulations but by an internal, spiritual reality. This contrasts with the legalistic tendencies some might have brought from Judaism or paganism, highlighting that God's reign is primarily over the heart and life, not over food and drink. Secondly, it underscores the importance of **Christian Liberty and Responsibility**, teaching that while believers have freedom in Christ, this freedom must be exercised with consideration for others, especially those with a weaker conscience, to avoid causing them to stumble (as seen in [Romans 14:13-23](/romans/14-13-23 "Romans 14:13-23 - Do Not Undermine the Kingdom")). Thirdly, the verse champions **Unity and Peace within the Church**, providing a theological basis for mutual acceptance and forbearance by focusing on shared spiritual priorities rather than divisive external practices. Finally, it highlights the **Centrality of the Holy Spirit** in Christian experience, as righteousness, peace, and joy are described as being "in the Holy Ghost," indicating that these are not self-generated human virtues but supernatural endowments and fruits of the Spirit's work within believers, echoing themes found in [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **kingdom (Greek, _basileía'_):** From G932, properly royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively). Here, it refers to God's sovereign rule and reign, not merely a physical territory or a future eschatological state, but His present spiritual dominion in the hearts and lives of His people. It signifies the sphere in which God's will is done and His character is manifested.
* **meat (Greek, _brōsis'_):** From G1035, meaning (abstractly) eating or (concretely) food. This term, paired with "drink" (_pósis_), represents the external, tangible aspects of life, particularly dietary practices that were a source of contention in the early church. Paul uses it here to signify things that are superficial or non-essential to the true nature of God's spiritual kingdom.
* **righteousness (Greek, _dikaiosýnē'_):** From G1343, meaning equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification. This term encompasses both the imputed righteousness received by faith in Christ (justification) and the practical righteousness that flows from a transformed life (sanctification). It speaks of a right standing with God and a life lived in conformity to His moral will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink;"**: This opening clause serves as a strong negation, directly challenging the notion that the essence of God's reign or a believer's standing before Him is determined by adherence to dietary rules or external rituals. "Meat and drink" are metonymies for all such outward practices that can become a source of legalism or division. Paul emphatically states that these things are not the defining characteristics of God's active rule.
* **"but righteousness,"**: Following the strong "but," Paul introduces the first positive characteristic of the Kingdom. "Righteousness" here signifies both the state of being declared just by God through faith in Christ and the subsequent ethical living that flows from this new relationship. It is about aligning one's life with God's perfect standard, not through human effort alone, but through divine enablement.
* **"and peace,"**: The second defining characteristic, "peace," refers to the comprehensive well-being and harmony that God grants. This includes peace with God (reconciliation), inner tranquility, and harmonious relationships with other believers. In the context of the Roman church's divisions, this peace was crucial for unity and mutual acceptance, transcending disagreements over non-essential practices.
* **"and joy in the Holy Ghost."**: The third and final characteristic, "joy," is described as being "in the Holy Ghost." This specifies the source and nature of this joy: it is not circumstantial happiness but a deep, abiding, supernatural gladness that is a direct fruit of the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence and work in the believer's life. This emphasizes the Spirit's vital role in empowering believers to experience and manifest the reality of God's kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey his message with clarity and force. The most prominent is **Contrast**, where he juxtaposes "meat and drink" (representing external, superficial matters) with "righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost" (representing the internal, spiritual essence of the Kingdom). This sharp contrast highlights what is truly essential versus what is peripheral. He also uses **Metonymy**, where "meat and drink" stand in for the broader category of external religious observances or disputable matters. This allows him to speak concisely about a complex issue. Furthermore, there is a strong sense of **Emphasis** through repetition and enumeration. By listing three distinct, positive qualities ("righteousness, peace, and joy"), Paul provides a comprehensive and compelling definition of the Kingdom's true nature, reinforcing its spiritual and internal character.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 14:17 is a cornerstone verse that profoundly reorients understanding of God's kingdom from external, ritualistic adherence to an internal, spiritual reality. It teaches that true spiritual maturity and the essence of God's reign are not found in what we consume or what specific days we observe, but in a transformed life empowered by the Holy Spirit. This emphasis on righteousness, peace, and joy points to the ethical and relational dimensions of the Christian faith, underscoring that our walk with God is about character and communion, not compliance with a mere set of rules. It challenges legalism and promotes a deeper appreciation for the Spirit's work in producing genuine spiritual fruit, fostering unity and love within the body of Christ by prioritizing what truly matters in God's eyes.

* [1 Corinthians 8:8](/1_corinthians/8-8 "1 Corinthians 8:8 - Food Does Not Commend Us to God")
* [Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Shadow of Things to Come")
* [Galatians 5:6](/galatians/5-6 "Galatians 5:6 - Faith Working Through Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 14:17 calls every believer to a profound spiritual introspection, urging us to examine where our priorities truly lie. Are we, like some in the early Roman church, overly concerned with external practices, traditions, or non-essential doctrines that might divide us, or are we genuinely pursuing the internal realities of God's kingdom? This verse reminds us that true Christian living is not about outward performance or adherence to a rigid set of rules, but about a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit, manifesting righteousness, peace, and joy. It challenges us to live in a way that reflects God's character, fosters harmony with others, and experiences the deep, abiding gladness that only comes from His presence. In our diverse world, where opinions and practices can easily become sources of contention, this verse serves as a timeless guide, directing us to the core values that unify us in Christ and empower us to live lives that truly honor God and build up His church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be prioritizing external observances or personal preferences over the core values of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit?**
* **How can I actively cultivate righteousness, peace, and joy in my daily interactions, especially with those who hold different convictions than my own?**
* **What role does the Holy Spirit play in enabling me to live out the characteristics of God's kingdom, and how can I more fully yield to His work in my life?**
* **How might focusing on the spiritual nature of the Kingdom help me to overcome divisions or judgmental attitudes within my community or church?**

### FAQ

**What does Paul mean by "meat and drink" in this context?**

Answer: In Romans 14, "meat and drink" (Greek: _brōsis_ and _pósis_) are specific examples of "disputable matters" that were causing division in the early church. They primarily refer to dietary practices, particularly the eating of meat that might have been offered to idols or was considered unclean by some Jewish converts. Paul uses these terms as a metonymy for all external, non-essential practices or rituals that believers might argue over. His point is that the true essence of God's kingdom is not found in adherence to or abstinence from such things, but in deeper spiritual realities. This discussion extends throughout [Romans 14:1-23](/romans/14-1-23 "Romans 14 - Disputable Matters and Christian Liberty") and is also touched upon in [1 Corinthians 8](/1_corinthians/8 "1 Corinthians 8 - Food Offered to Idols") and [1 Corinthians 10:23-33](/1_corinthians/10-23-33 "1 Corinthians 10:23-33 - Do All to the Glory of God").

**How are "righteousness, peace, and joy" connected to the Holy Spirit?**

Answer: Paul explicitly states that these qualities are experienced "in the Holy Ghost." This signifies that they are not merely human virtues attained through self-effort but are supernatural endowments and fruits of the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence and work in the believer's life. Righteousness is empowered by the Spirit, enabling us to live in alignment with God's will. Peace, both with God and with others, is a gift the Spirit cultivates. And joy is a deep, abiding gladness that the Spirit produces, independent of external circumstances. These are part of the "fruit of the Spirit" mentioned in [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit"), indicating that a life lived under the Spirit's influence will naturally manifest these characteristics of God's kingdom.

**Does this verse mean that external actions or moral conduct don't matter?**

Answer: Absolutely not. While the verse emphasizes that the kingdom of God is not *defined* by "meat and drink" (i.e., external rituals or non-essential practices), it immediately defines it by "righteousness, and peace, and joy." "Righteousness" itself implies right conduct and moral living. The verse is a call to prioritize the internal, spiritual transformation that then *produces* ethical and loving external actions. Paul is distinguishing between superficial religious observances and the deep, transformative work of God's Spirit that leads to a life reflecting God's character. The context of [Romans 14](/romans/14 "Romans 14 - Disputable Matters") shows that how we act (e.g., not causing a brother to stumble) is incredibly important, but it flows from our understanding of the kingdom's true nature, not from a legalistic adherence to rules.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 14:17, by defining the kingdom of God as righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, finds its ultimate fulfillment and embodiment in Jesus Christ. He is the very **righteousness** of God, not merely in a legal sense, but in His perfect life and atoning sacrifice. As the One who fulfilled all righteousness ([Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Fulfilling All Righteousness")), Christ became our righteousness ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Our Righteousness")), enabling us to stand justified before God. He is also our **peace**, having broken down the dividing wall of hostility between God and humanity, and between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). Through His cross, He reconciled all things to God ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")), offering a profound peace that the world cannot give ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Christ's Gift of Peace")). Furthermore, Christ is the source of all true **joy**. He promised His disciples that His joy would be in them, and their joy would be full ([John 15:11](/john/15-11 "John 15:11 - Christ's Joy in Us")). This joy, experienced "in the Holy Ghost," is the Spirit's fruit, which flows directly from our union with Christ, who poured out the Spirit upon His church. Thus, the kingdom of God, as described by Paul, is not an abstract concept but a living reality found in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies and freely bestows these divine qualities upon those who believe.

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

Romans 15:13

¶ Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Matthew 6:33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

1 Corinthians 4:20

For the kingdom of God [is] not in word, but in power.

1 Corinthians 8:8

But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.

Galatians 5:22

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Romans 8:6

For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace.

1 Thessalonians 2:12

That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.