Romans 14:2

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Context

Romans chapter 14 deals with issues of Christian liberty and conscience within the church. Paul addresses disagreements among believers in Rome, specifically concerning the eating of certain foods and the observance of particular days. This tension likely arose from differing backgrounds – Jewish believers who may have retained dietary laws and Gentile believers who might have struggled with food offered to idols. The chapter emphasizes the importance of mutual acceptance rather than judgment over these non-essential matters.

Key Themes

  • Christian Liberty: The verse highlights the freedom some believers have in Christ regarding matters not explicitly forbidden by scripture.
  • Weak vs. Strong Faith: It introduces the concept of believers being 'strong' or 'weak' in their understanding and application of this liberty, particularly concerning conscience.
  • Acceptance of Differences: The underlying theme of the chapter, introduced here, is the need for believers with differing convictions on non-essential practices to accept one another without judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The word translated 'believeth' in "one believeth that he may eat all things" carries the sense of having a strong conviction or faith concerning the freedom to eat anything. The term 'weak' refers not to moral weakness, but to a conscience that is not yet fully persuaded or strong in its understanding of Christian liberty in this specific area, leading to restrictions like eating only 'herbs' (vegetables). This distinction is key to understanding the dynamic Paul addresses throughout Romans 14.

Commentary

This verse presents a clear contrast between two types of believers in the Roman church. On one hand, there is the believer who has a strong conviction (faith) based on their understanding of the gospel that all foods are permissible for consumption (compare 1 Timothy 4:4). This individual feels free to eat anything without violating their conscience. On the other hand, there is the believer described as 'weak,' who, perhaps due to lingering scruples from a previous background (like Judaism with its dietary laws) or a sensitive conscience, restricts their diet to only vegetables ('herbs'). This difference is presented as a matter of faith and conscience, not a fundamental doctrinal issue.

Practical Application

This verse remains highly relevant today as believers navigate differences in practice and conviction that are not central to the gospel. It teaches us to recognize that fellow believers may have different levels of understanding or sensitivity regarding matters of liberty (e.g., entertainment choices, specific lifestyle practices, holiday observances). Instead of judging those whose consciences are weaker or those whose faith allows them more freedom, the call is to mutual acceptance and respect, as Paul emphasizes later in the chapter (see Romans 14:3). Our focus should be on pleasing God and building up one another, rather than imposing our own convictions on others or despising those who hold different views on non-essentials.

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Cross-References

  • Romans 14:14 (7 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

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

  • Romans 14:22 (7 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

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

  • Hebrews 13:9 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

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