Romans 14:2

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G3303} one {G3739} believeth {G4100} that he may eat {G5315} all things {G3956}: another {G1161}, who is weak {G770}, eateth {G2068} herbs {G3001}.

Complete Jewish Bible

One person has the trust that will allow him to eat anything, while another whose trust is weak eats only vegetables.

Berean Standard Bible

For one person has faith to eat all things, while another, who is weak, eats only vegetables.

American Standard Version

One man hath faith to eat all things: but he that is weak eateth herbs.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 14:2 introduces a foundational contrast within the early Christian community concerning matters of conscience and dietary practices. Paul highlights two distinct approaches among believers: one who, by conviction of faith, understands and exercises their freedom to consume all foods, and another, described as "weak," whose conscience leads them to restrict their diet to only vegetables. This verse sets the stage for Paul's broader discussion on Christian liberty, mutual acceptance, and the importance of not judging one another over non-essential practices.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 14 initiates a crucial section of Paul's letter, shifting from theological exposition (chapters 1-11) and general exhortations (chapters 12-13) to specific applications concerning Christian conduct within the community. Following his call for believers to live in love and submission to governing authorities in [Romans 13](/romans/13 "Romans 13 - Love and Authority"), Paul now addresses internal church dynamics, particularly how believers with differing convictions on "disputable matters" (as introduced in [Romans 14:1](/romans/14-1 "Romans 14:1 - Receiving the Weak in Faith")) should interact. This chapter, along with [Romans 15](/romans/15 "Romans 15 - Bearing with the Weak"), forms a cohesive unit emphasizing unity, mutual edification, and the paramount importance of love over personal preferences. The immediate verses following [Romans 14:2](/romans/14-2 "Romans 14:2 - Dietary Differences") further elaborate on the "strong" and "weak" believers, urging them not to judge or despise one another, but rather to acknowledge that each stands before the Lord ([Romans 14:3-4](/romans/14-3-4 "Romans 14:3-4 - Do Not Judge")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Roman church was a diverse community, comprising both Jewish and Gentile believers. This diversity naturally led to tensions regarding practices rooted in their former lives or cultural backgrounds. Jewish converts often carried over dietary laws (like those found in [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Foods")) and Sabbath observances, while Gentile converts might have struggled with food previously offered to idols, a pervasive practice in Roman society. Paul's discussion in [Romans 14](/romans/14 "Romans 14 - Disputable Matters") directly addresses these specific points of contention (food and days), which, though not matters of salvation, threatened to divide the nascent church. The concept of "weakness" here does not imply moral failing or lack of genuine faith, but rather a conscience that, for various reasons (perhaps lingering legalistic tendencies, a desire to avoid stumbling others, or a less developed understanding of Christian liberty), feels bound by scruples that others do not.
* **Key Themes:** [Romans 14](/romans/14 "Romans 14 - Christian Liberty and Conscience") is rich with significant theological and practical themes. **Christian Liberty** is central, highlighting the freedom believers have in Christ from external regulations, particularly those not explicitly commanded by God. However, this liberty is balanced by the theme of **Conscience**, emphasizing that one's actions must align with their personal conviction before God. The chapter also powerfully articulates the theme of **Mutual Acceptance and Unity**, urging believers to receive one another despite differences in non-essential practices, rather than judging or despising. This leads to the theme of **Edification and Love**, where the "strong" are called to bear with the "weak" and to prioritize building up their fellow believers over exercising their own rights, lest they cause a brother to stumble ([Romans 14:13](/romans/14-13 "Romans 14:13 - Do Not Cause a Brother to Stumble")). Ultimately, the chapter points to **Accountability to God**, reminding every believer that they will individually give an account to Christ, not to another human ([Romans 14:10-12](/romans/14-10-12 "Romans 14:10-12 - We Shall All Stand Before the Judgment Seat of Christ")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **believeth (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** From G4100, meaning "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ)." In this context, it signifies a strong conviction or persuasion, rooted in faith in the gospel's liberating truth, that all foods are permissible. This is not mere intellectual assent but a settled confidence in Christian liberty.
* **weak (Greek, _asthenéō'_):** From G770, meaning "to be feeble (in any sense)." Here, it refers to a believer whose conscience is not yet fully robust or persuaded regarding the extent of Christian liberty in a particular area. It does not denote a lack of salvation or moral deficiency, but rather a sensitivity or scrupulousness that leads them to feel bound by certain restrictions, even if those restrictions are not divinely mandated. Their faith, though genuine, is "weak" in its application to this specific area of freedom.
* **herbs (Greek, _láchanon'_):** From G3001, meaning "a vegetable." This word specifically refers to plants or vegetables. In the context of dietary restrictions, eating "herbs" or only vegetables would be the most extreme form of dietary limitation, often associated with a desire to avoid all potentially "unclean" foods or foods offered to idols, ensuring a "safe" and "pure" diet according to one's scrupulous conscience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For one believeth that he may eat all things":** This clause describes the "strong" believer. Their "belief" (conviction, faith) is that, in Christ, they are liberated from all dietary restrictions. Their understanding of the gospel leads them to conclude that "all things" (referring to all types of food) are permissible for consumption, as God has made them clean and good. This conviction is rooted in a mature comprehension of grace and freedom in Christ.
* **"another, who is weak, eateth herbs":** This clause introduces the contrasting figure, the "weak" believer. This individual, due to a sensitive or less-developed conscience concerning Christian liberty, feels compelled to restrict their diet. To avoid any potential defilement or violation of conscience, they choose the safest option, consuming only "herbs" (vegetables). Their practice is born not out of a lack of faith in Christ, but out of a weakness in their understanding or application of the full scope of Christian freedom in this particular area.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs a clear **Contrast** in this verse, juxtaposing two distinct types of believers: the one who feels free to "eat all things" and the "weak" one who "eateth herbs." This **Antithesis** immediately highlights the central tension within the Roman church regarding non-essential practices. By presenting these two figures side-by-side, Paul sets the stage for his subsequent argument that neither should judge the other, but rather both should exercise mutual acceptance and love. The simplicity of the phrasing underscores the commonality of such differences in belief and practice within any diverse community of faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 14:2 serves as the practical starting point for Paul's profound teaching on Christian liberty and the imperative of unity within the body of Christ. It underscores that genuine faith does not always manifest in uniform practices, especially in "disputable matters" not central to the gospel. The "strong" believer, understanding their freedom, must not use their liberty as a license to disregard the conscience of the "weak," nor should the "weak" condemn the "strong" for exercising their freedom. The overarching theological principle is that love, which seeks the good of the other, must govern all interactions, prioritizing the edification of the body over personal rights or preferences. This passage ultimately calls believers to live in a way that honors God and promotes peace and mutual upbuilding, recognizing that each believer stands before the Lord, not before one another.

* [1 Corinthians 8:9](/1_corinthians/8-9 "1 Corinthians 8:9 - Do Not Cause Others to Stumble")
* [1 Corinthians 10:23-24](/1_corinthians/10-23-24 "1 Corinthians 10:23-24 - All Things Are Lawful, But Not All Things Are Profitable")
* [Galatians 5:13](/galatians/5-13 "Galatians 5:13 - Freedom for Service")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 14:2 offers timeless wisdom for navigating the complexities of Christian community. It challenges us to examine our own convictions and practices, not just in terms of what is permissible, but what is profitable for building up others. In a world where differences often lead to division, this verse calls believers to a higher standard of grace, empathy, and humility. It reminds us that our freedom in Christ is not merely for personal enjoyment but is to be exercised responsibly, with a deep awareness of its impact on those around us, especially those whose consciences may be more sensitive. True spiritual maturity is demonstrated not by flaunting liberty, but by willingly restricting it for the sake of a brother or sister, prioritizing unity and love over personal preferences. This principle extends far beyond dietary choices, applying to entertainment, social engagement, political views, and any other area where believers hold differing, yet non-essential, convictions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I exercise Christian liberty, and how aware am I of its potential impact on others?**
* **Am I prone to judge those whose convictions differ from my own, whether they are "weaker" or "stronger" in a particular area?**
* **How can I better demonstrate love and acceptance towards fellow believers with differing consciences, prioritizing unity over personal preferences?**
* **What specific steps can I take to ensure my freedom in Christ does not become a stumbling block for a brother or sister?**

### FAQ
**What does "weak" mean in this context, and is it a negative term?**

Answer: In [Romans 14:2](/romans/14-2 "Romans 14:2 - The Weak and Strong in Faith"), "weak" (Greek _asthenéō_) does not imply a moral failing, a lack of genuine faith, or spiritual inferiority. Instead, it refers to a believer whose conscience is more scrupulous or less fully persuaded regarding the extent of Christian liberty in a specific, non-essential area, such as diet. This "weakness" means they feel bound by certain restrictions (like eating only herbs) that a "stronger" believer, who fully understands their freedom in Christ, does not. Paul uses the term descriptively to highlight a difference in conviction, not to condemn. His concern is for the "strong" to bear with the "weak" and not cause them to stumble, as seen in [Romans 15:1](/romans/15-1 "Romans 15:1 - The Strong Should Bear with the Weak").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Romans 14:2](/romans/14-2 "Romans 14:2 - Dietary Differences") directly addresses practical differences within the church, its underlying principles find their ultimate fulfillment and pattern in Christ. Jesus Himself, though perfectly free and Lord of all, did not insist on His rights but willingly laid them aside for the sake of others. He came not to be served, but to serve ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")), demonstrating the very self-sacrificial love Paul calls believers to embody. Christ's life and ministry consistently prioritized the needs and well-being of the marginalized and vulnerable, bearing with human weakness and sin to bring about reconciliation. His ultimate act of humility and love on the cross, where He became sin for us though He knew no sin ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")), perfectly illustrates the principle of the "strong" (Christ) bearing the burden of the "weak" (humanity). Thus, the call in [Romans 14](/romans/14 "Romans 14 - Living in Harmony") to mutual acceptance, non-judgment, and deferring to the conscience of another is a direct reflection of the character and redemptive work of Jesus, who perfectly modeled how to use freedom not for self-indulgence, but for the glory of God and the edification of His people ([Romans 15:3](/romans/15-3 "Romans 15:3 - Christ Did Not Please Himself")).

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 14:14

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.

1 Timothy 4:4

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

Romans 14:22

Hast thou faith? have [it] to thyself before God. Happy [is] he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.

Romans 14:23

And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because [he eateth] not of faith: for whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin.

Proverbs 15:17

Better [is] a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

Hebrews 13:9

Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For [it is] a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.

Genesis 9:3

Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.