Romans 14:20

For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed [are] pure; but [it is] evil for that man who eateth with offence.

For {G1752} meat {G1033} destroy {G2647} not {G3361} the work {G2041} of God {G2316}. All things {G3956} indeed {G3303} are pure {G2513}; but {G235} it is evil {G2556} for that man {G444} who eateth {G2068} with {G1223} offence {G4348}.

Don’t tear down God’s work for the sake of food. True enough, all things are clean; but it is wrong for anybody by his eating to cause someone to fall away.

Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to let his eating be a stumbling block.

Overthrow not for meat’s sake the work of God. All things indeed are clean; howbeit it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.

Romans 14:20 is a crucial verse in Paul's discussion about Christian liberty, conscience, and the importance of unity within the early church. It addresses the delicate balance between personal freedom in Christ and the responsibility to not cause a fellow believer to stumble.

Context

This verse is part of a larger passage (Romans 14:1-23) where Paul addresses disagreements between "strong" and "weak" believers, particularly concerning dietary practices (eating meat vs. vegetarianism) and observance of special days. The "strong" understood their freedom in Christ from Old Testament ceremonial laws, while the "weak" still felt bound by them or had tender consciences regarding these matters. Paul's primary concern is not who is "right" in their practice, but how believers treat one another, emphasizing love and mutual edification over individual rights. He previously stated that we should not judge one another, but rather resolve not to put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in our brother's way.

Key Themes

  • Preserving the "Work of God": The phrase "work of God" here primarily refers to a fellow believer, or their faith and spiritual walk. Paul warns against actions that could harm or destroy the spiritual progress and conscience of another Christian. It underscores the immense value God places on each individual's spiritual well-being.
  • Purity of All Things: The statement "All things indeed are pure" reiterates the New Covenant understanding that food itself is not inherently defiling. This aligns with Paul's earlier assertion in Romans 14:14, where he declares that "there is nothing unclean of itself." The purity is not the issue; the impact on others is.
  • The Danger of Offence: Eating "with offence" means engaging in an action that causes another believer to stumble, violate their conscience, or be led into sin. Even if an action is permissible for one, it becomes "evil" if it leads a weaker brother or sister to do something they believe is wrong, thereby defiling their conscience. This highlights the principle of love overriding personal liberty.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "offence" is proskomma (πρόσκομμα), which means a stumbling block or an occasion to fall. It's closely related to skandalon (σκάνδαλον), often translated as "stumbling block" or "trap." The emphasis is not on merely offending someone's sensibilities, but on causing them to trip up spiritually or to act against their own convictions, which is a serious matter in God's eyes.

Practical Application

Romans 14:20 calls believers to a higher standard of love and consideration for one another, especially in areas of Christian liberty. It teaches that our freedom in Christ should always be exercised with a view towards building up, not tearing down, our fellow believers. Before acting on our personal freedoms, we should ask:

  • Will this action cause a brother or sister to stumble or violate their conscience?
  • Does this action prioritize my right to do something over the spiritual well-being of another?
This principle applies far beyond dietary choices, encompassing various aspects of Christian life where personal preferences or convictions might differ. Our ultimate aim should be to pursue peace and mutual edification within the body of Christ, remembering that love is the fulfilling of the law (Romans 13:10).

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 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.

  • Romans 14:15

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

  • Matthew 18:6

    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.

  • Titus 1:15

    Unto the pure all things [are] pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving [is] nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

  • Acts 10:15

    And the voice [spake] unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, [that] call not thou common.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:31

    Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:33

    Even as I please all [men] in all [things], not seeking mine own profit, but the [profit] of many, that they may be saved.

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