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.

And {G1161} he that doubteth {G1252} is damned {G2632} if {G1437} he eat {G5315}, because {G3754} he eateth not {G3756} of {G1537} faith {G4102}: for {G1161} whatsoever {G3739}{G3956} is not {G3756} of {G1537} faith {G4102} is {G2076} sin {G266}.

But the doubter comes under condemnation if he eats, because his action is not based on trust. And anything not based on trust is a sin.

But the one who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that is not from faith is sin.

But he that doubteth is condemned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith; and whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

Romans 14:23 concludes a significant discussion by the Apostle Paul regarding Christian liberty, conscience, and unity within the early church. This verse delivers a powerful, overarching principle: actions not performed out of conviction and clear faith are considered sin for the individual.

Context

The fourteenth chapter of Romans primarily addresses disputes among believers concerning non-essential matters, particularly dietary practices (e.g., eating meat, vegetarianism) and the observance of certain days. Paul distinguishes between "strong" believers, who understand their freedom in Christ regarding such matters, and "weak" believers, who still hold to scruples or traditions. The core message throughout the chapter is that believers should not judge one another in these areas and should act in love, ensuring their liberty does not cause a weaker brother to stumble. Verse 23 serves as a summary principle for the individual's conscience and moral responsibility.

Key Themes

  • The Primacy of Conscience: The verse emphasizes that a believer's actions must align with their personal conviction before God. To act against one's conscience, even in matters considered "indifferent" (adiaphora), leads to self-condemnation.
  • Faith as the Basis of Action: For an action to be righteous in the eyes of God, it must proceed from faith. This means acting with a clear understanding and conviction that what one is doing is acceptable and pleasing to God. If there is doubt, the action lacks the necessary foundation of faith.
  • The Nature of Sin: Here, sin is broadly defined as anything not done "of faith." This highlights that sin is not merely about violating explicit commands but also about acting contrary to one's inner conviction and trust in God regarding the rightness of an action. For the individual, an action performed with doubt becomes a transgression against their conscience.

Linguistic Insights

The word "damned" (Greek: katakrino) in this context does not signify eternal condemnation but rather being "condemned" or "judged" by one's own conscience. It implies a state of guilt or self-reproach resulting from acting against one's internal moral compass. The phrase "not of faith" (Greek: ek pisteōs) is crucial; it means the action does not originate from a firm belief, trust, or conviction that it is right and pleasing to God. This principle underscores that without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).

Practical Application

Romans 14:23 offers timeless guidance for Christian living:

  • Heed Your Conscience: This verse compels believers to cultivate a well-informed conscience, guided by Scripture and the Holy Spirit. Acting against one's conscience, even in morally neutral areas, can weaken one's spiritual resolve and relationship with God.
  • Cultivate Faith-Based Decisions: Every action, from the mundane to the monumental, should ideally be undertaken with a clear conviction that it is pleasing to God. This principle encourages thoughtful decision-making rooted in prayer and spiritual discernment.
  • Respect Others' Convictions: While this verse focuses on individual responsibility, it also implicitly supports the broader teaching of Romans 14: do not cause a brother or sister to stumble by pressuring them to violate their own conscience. Our Christian liberty should be exercised responsibly, with love for others in mind.

In essence, Romans 14:23 is a profound statement on the integrity of the Christian life, emphasizing that genuine righteousness flows from actions rooted in a sincere faith and a clear conscience before God.

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.

  • 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.

  • Hebrews 11:6

    But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:29

    For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:31

    For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

  • 1 Corinthians 8:7

    ¶ Howbeit [there is] not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat [it] as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.

  • Romans 14:5

    One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day [alike]. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.

  • Romans 13:2

    Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
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