Romans 14:17

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary on Romans 14:17 (KJV)

This powerful verse from Paul's Epistle to the Romans encapsulates a core truth about the Christian faith and the nature of God's reign. It redirects focus from external observances to the internal, spiritual realities that truly define the Kingdom.

Context

The Apostle Paul addresses a significant issue within the early Roman church: divisions over disputable matters, particularly concerning dietary laws (eating meat, especially that offered to idols) and the observance of specific days. Some believers, likely those with a Jewish background or a weaker conscience, felt it was wrong to eat certain foods, while others, strong in faith, understood their liberty in Christ (Romans 14:1-3). This verse serves as a crucial corrective, reminding both sides that the essence of the Kingdom of God transcends these external practices. Paul emphasizes that these outward actions should not become a stumbling block for others, nor should they overshadow the true spiritual priorities.

Key Themes

  • The Nature of the Kingdom of God: Paul clarifies that the kingdom of God is not defined by adherence to specific dietary rules or rituals ("meat and drink"). This challenges a common misconception that spiritual maturity or acceptance by God is based on outward conformity. Instead, the Kingdom is a spiritual reality, a reign of God in the hearts of believers.
  • Righteousness (dikaiosyne): This refers to a right standing with God, established through faith in Christ, and also to living a life that reflects God's moral character. It's about being justified by God and living justly in His sight.
  • Peace (eirene): More than just the absence of conflict, eirene (the Greek equivalent of Hebrew shalom) signifies wholeness, well-being, harmony, and reconciliation. It speaks of peace with God through faith and peace with one another, crucial for unity within the church amidst disagreements.
  • Joy in the Holy Ghost (chara en pneumati hagio): This joy is not dependent on circumstances but is a supernatural gift and fruit of the Holy Spirit. It's a deep, abiding gladness that comes from God's presence and work within a believer. This highlights the vital role of the Holy Spirit in empowering and enabling believers to live out the Kingdom's values. You can learn more about the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek terms used here provide deeper meaning:

  • Dikaiosyne (righteousness): Implies both justification (being declared righteous by God) and sanctification (living righteously).
  • Eirene (peace): Encompasses spiritual well-being, harmony, and reconciliation.
  • Chara (joy): A divine, Spirit-given gladness that transcends earthly circumstances.
  • Pneuma Hagion (Holy Ghost/Spirit): Emphasizes that these qualities are not self-generated but are supernatural endowments from God's Spirit.

Practical Application

Romans 14:17 calls believers to prioritize the spiritual over the superficial. It teaches that our faith is not about external rules or rituals, but about a transformed life characterized by right relationship with God and others.

For individuals, this verse encourages spiritual maturity, focusing on inner transformation rather than outward performance. It reminds us that true Christian living is empowered by the Holy Spirit, leading to a life of righteousness, peace, and joy.

For the church, it serves as a powerful reminder for unity and forbearance. Disagreements over non-essential practices should not divide believers. Instead, the focus should always be on building up one another in the core values of the Kingdom: love, mutual respect, and the pursuit of peace and unity in Christ.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.
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