Romans 14:20

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 14:20 delivers a powerful injunction against allowing personal liberties, particularly concerning dietary practices, to become a stumbling block that undermines the spiritual well-being of a fellow believer. Paul asserts that while all things are indeed ceremonially pure under the New Covenant, it is morally wrong for a believer to act in a way that causes another to sin against their conscience or to falter in their faith. This verse encapsulates the principle that love and mutual edification must always supersede individual rights and preferences within the Christian community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Romans 14:1-23, a critical passage addressing the delicate balance between Christian liberty and communal responsibility. Paul is guiding the Roman church through internal divisions stemming from differing convictions, primarily regarding food (meat vs. vegetarianism) and the observance of special days. The "strong" in faith understood their freedom from Old Testament ceremonial laws, while the "weak" felt bound by them or had tender consciences. Paul's overarching concern is not to declare one group absolutely "right" but to foster unity, peace, and mutual edification. Preceding this verse, Paul has already established the principle of not judging one another, but rather resolving "not to put a [stumblingblock or an occasion to fall](/romans/14-13 "Romans 14:13 - Do Not Cause a Stumbling Block") in our brother's way." He emphasizes that the kingdom of God is not about eating and drinking but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, urging believers to "follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may [edify another](/romans/14-19 "Romans 14:19 - Pursue Peace and Mutual Edification")." Romans 14:20 directly supports this call for edification by warning against destructive actions.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian community in Rome was a diverse mix of Jewish and Gentile believers. Jewish Christians, many of whom had grown up under the Mosaic Law, often struggled with the concept of food purity, particularly regarding meat that might have been sacrificed to idols or not prepared according to kosher laws. Gentile converts, on the other hand, often had no such scruples, having been accustomed to a broader range of foods. This created tension and judgment within the nascent church. Paul's teaching here is revolutionary, moving beyond ritualistic purity to emphasize the ethical implications of actions on others. The cultural setting also involved communal meals and social interactions where these dietary differences would become apparent, making the issue a practical concern for church unity and evangelism. The early church was often seen as a cohesive unit, and internal strife over such matters could undermine its witness to the surrounding pagan society.

* **Key Themes:** Romans 14:20 contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in Romans and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Christian Liberty and Responsibility**. While believers are indeed free in Christ from the strictures of the Mosaic Law concerning food, this freedom is not absolute; it is always to be exercised with consideration for others, especially those with weaker consciences. Paul consistently teaches that liberty should not become a license for self-indulgence but an opportunity for love and service, as seen in [Galatians 5:13](/galatians/5-13 "Galatians 5:13 - Freedom for Service"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Primacy of Love and Edification** within the body of Christ. Paul prioritizes the spiritual well-being and unity of the community over individual rights, echoing the call to "love thy neighbour as thyself" found in [Romans 13:9](/romans/13-9 "Romans 13:9 - Love Your Neighbor"). Destroying "the work of God" (a fellow believer's faith) through inconsiderate actions is a grave offense against love. Thirdly, it reinforces the **Inward Nature of Purity**. The declaration "All things indeed are pure" aligns with Jesus' teaching that defilement comes from within, not from external things ([Mark 7:15](/mark/7-15 "Mark 7:15 - What Defiles a Person")). The issue is not the inherent purity of the food but the moral consequence of one's actions on another's conscience, which can lead them to sin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **meat (Greek, _brōma'_):** From the base of *bibrōskō*, meaning "food (literally or figuratively), especially (ceremonially) articles allowed or forbidden by the Jewish law." In this context, *brōma* specifically refers to food, particularly that which was a point of contention regarding ceremonial purity or idol sacrifice. Paul uses it to represent any area of Christian liberty where one's practice might impact another's conscience.
* **destroy (Greek, _katalýō'_):** From *kata* (down) and *lyō* (to loosen, dissolve). It means "to loosen down (disintegrate), i.e. (by implication) to demolish (literally or figuratively)." Here, it denotes the act of tearing down or ruining a fellow believer's faith or spiritual walk. It implies a serious, damaging impact, not merely causing mild discomfort or disagreement.
* **offence (Greek, _próskomma'_):** From *proskoptō*, meaning "a stub, i.e. (figuratively) occasion of apostasy." This word signifies a stumbling block or an obstacle that causes someone to trip or fall, spiritually speaking. It's not just about offending someone's sensibilities, but causing them to violate their conscience, act against their convictions, or even fall away from faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For meat destroy not the work of God."**: This opening clause serves as a direct command and the central warning of the verse. "For meat" (διὰ βρῶμα, *dia brōma*) specifies the particular issue at hand, but the principle extends beyond food. The phrase "the work of God" (τὸ ἔργον τοῦ Θεοῦ, *to ergon tou Theou*) refers primarily to the faith, spiritual growth, and conscience of a fellow believer, which Paul considers to be God's precious work. To "destroy" (κατάλυε, *katalye*) this work means to cause spiritual harm, to undermine their faith, or to lead them to sin against their conscience, effectively tearing down what God is building in them.
* **"All things indeed [are] pure;"**: This declarative statement affirms the theological truth of Christian liberty under the New Covenant. Paul reiterates that no food is inherently defiling, aligning with the teaching that ceremonial distinctions have been abolished in Christ. The Greek particle "indeed" (μὲν, *men*) sets up a contrast with the following clause, acknowledging the truth of purity while immediately qualifying it.
* **"but [it is] evil for that man who eateth with offence."**: This clause introduces the crucial qualification to the preceding statement of purity. The conjunction "but" (ἀλλὰ, *alla*) signals a strong counterpoint. While things are pure in themselves, the act of eating becomes "evil" (κακὸν, *kakon* – intrinsically worthless, injurious) when done "with offence" (διὰ προσκόμματος, *dia proskommatos*). This means eating in a way that causes a fellow believer to stumble, to violate their conscience, or to be led into sin. The responsibility lies with the "strong" believer to consider the impact of their actions on the "weak" or those with tender consciences, prioritizing love over the exercise of personal freedom.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey his urgent message. **Antithesis** is prominent, contrasting the inherent purity of "all things" with the "evil" outcome of eating "with offence." This highlights the tension between theological truth (liberty) and practical application (love). The phrase "the work of God" functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, portraying a believer's faith and spiritual development as something divinely constructed and therefore immensely valuable, which should not be carelessly demolished. The use of "destroy" (katalýō) itself is a strong **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the severe spiritual damage that inconsiderate actions can inflict, far beyond simple disagreement. Finally, the concept of "offence" (próskomma) acts as a **Symbol**, representing any action that causes a spiritual stumbling block, making the abstract idea of harming another's faith concrete and tangible.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 14:20 stands as a foundational text for understanding the ethical implications of Christian liberty. It teaches that while the New Covenant grants freedom from many Old Testament ceremonial laws, this freedom is not an end in itself but a means to serve God and others in love. The theological emphasis shifts from external purity rituals to internal spiritual integrity and the preservation of communal unity. The "work of God" is not just an individual's salvation but their ongoing sanctification and their place within the body of Christ. To destroy this work for the sake of a personal preference is to act contrary to the very nature of God's redemptive purpose, which values each soul and seeks to build up His church. This principle calls believers to a higher standard of self-sacrificial love, prioritizing the spiritual welfare of others over the assertion of personal rights.

* [1 Corinthians 8:9](/1_corinthians/8-9 "1 Corinthians 8:9 - Take Heed Lest Your Liberty Be a Stumblingblock")
* [Philippians 2:3-4](/philippians/2-3-4 "Philippians 2:3-4 - Consider Others More Significant Than Yourselves")
* [Matthew 18:6](/matthew/18-6 "Matthew 18:6 - Causing Little Ones to Stumble")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 14:20 is a timeless call to humility, empathy, and sacrificial love within the Christian community. It challenges us to look beyond our own rights and preferences and consider the impact of our actions on the spiritual journey of others. In a world increasingly polarized by differing opinions and practices, this verse reminds us that the pursuit of peace and the edification of our brothers and sisters in Christ should always take precedence. It compels us to ask if our exercise of Christian liberty is truly building up the body of Christ or inadvertently tearing it down. This principle extends far beyond dietary choices to encompass various areas of life where believers hold differing convictions, such as entertainment, political engagement, or lifestyle choices. Our ultimate goal should be to live in such a way that our lives reflect the selfless love of Christ, always seeking to strengthen and encourage, never to cause another to stumble.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my Christian liberty might my actions inadvertently cause a brother or sister to stumble or violate their conscience?**
* **How can I better discern the "work of God" in others and intentionally seek to build it up rather than risk destroying it?**
* **Am I willing to forgo a personal preference or right for the sake of another's spiritual well-being and the unity of the church?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a greater sense of empathy and consideration for those with different convictions than my own?**

### FAQ

**What does Paul mean by "the work of God" in this verse?**

Answer: In Romans 14:20, "the work of God" (τὸ ἔργον τοῦ Θεοῦ, *to ergon tou Theou*) primarily refers to a fellow believer's faith, their spiritual growth, and their conscience. It signifies what God is actively doing in their life to save, sanctify, and mature them. Paul considers this work so precious that he warns against any action, even one permissible in itself, that might undermine or "destroy" it. This destruction could involve causing a weaker brother or sister to violate their conscience, to doubt their faith, or even to fall away from Christ. It underscores the immense value God places on each individual's spiritual journey and the responsibility believers have to protect and nurture that journey in one another. This aligns with Paul's broader teaching on the church as God's building ([1 Corinthians 3:9](/1_corinthians/3-9 "1 Corinthians 3:9 - You Are God's Building")) and believers as temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 14:20 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christ, though possessing all divine rights and liberties, chose to humble Himself and become a servant, not seeking His own will but the will of the Father and the good of humanity. His entire life was an embodiment of self-sacrificial love, culminating in His death on the cross, where He laid down His life for those who were weak and ungodly ([Romans 5:6-8](/romans/5-6-8 "Romans 5:6-8 - Christ Died for the Ungodly")). He did not insist on His rights or purity but became sin for us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")) so that we might be made righteous. The principle of not destroying "the work of God" for the sake of "meat" (or any personal liberty) is a direct reflection of Christ's own example. He consistently prioritized the spiritual well-being of others, even when it meant challenging cultural norms or enduring suffering. His perfect love and obedience demonstrate that true freedom is found not in asserting one's rights, but in willingly limiting them out of love for God and neighbor, just as He did when He came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Therefore, when we forgo our liberties for the sake of a weaker brother, we are not merely being considerate; we are participating in the very self-giving nature of Christ, building up His body as He built His church through self-sacrifice.

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.

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.