Romans 14:3

KJV

Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let {G1848} not {G3361} him that eateth {G2068} despise {G1848} him that eateth {G2068} not {G3361}; and {G2532} let {G2068} not {G3361} him which eateth {G2068} not {G3361} judge {G2919} him that eateth {G2068}: for {G1063} God {G2316} hath received {G4355} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The one who eats anything must not look down on the one who abstains; and the abstainer must not pass judgment on the one who eats anything, because God has accepted him —

Berean Standard Bible

The one who eats everything must not belittle the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted him.

American Standard Version

Let not him that eateth set at nought him that eateth not; and let not him that eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 14:3 serves as a foundational exhortation for Christian unity and mutual acceptance, particularly concerning matters of disputable practices or non-essential convictions within the body of Christ. Paul urges believers to refrain from contempt and judgment over differences in dietary practices, emphasizing that God has graciously received all believers, regardless of their specific scruples, thereby setting the ultimate standard for how they should relate to one another. This verse encapsulates the call for humility, grace, and brotherly love in the face of diverse expressions of faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 14:3 is situated within a broader discussion in [Romans 14](/romans/14 "Romans 14 - Disputable Matters") concerning "disputable matters" (adiaphora) that were causing division within the Roman church. The preceding verses ([Romans 14:1-2](/romans/14-1-2 "Romans 14:1-2 - Receiving the Weak in Faith")) introduce the two primary groups: those who "eat anything" (the "strong" in faith, understanding their liberty in Christ) and those who "eat only vegetables" (the "weak" in faith, whose consciences were perhaps more scrupulous due to past practices or convictions). This verse directly addresses the attitudes these groups should adopt toward each other, moving beyond mere tolerance to active acceptance and non-judgment. The subsequent verses ([Romans 14:4-12](/romans/14-4-12 "Romans 14:4-12 - The Lord's Judgment")) further elaborate on the principle that each believer is ultimately accountable to the Lord, not to fellow believers, for their convictions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The specific "disputable matters" in view primarily revolved around food and drink, and the observance of certain days. This likely stemmed from several factors: Jewish dietary laws (kosher laws), the practice of eating meat that might have been sacrificed to idols (a significant issue addressed elsewhere, such as in [1 Corinthians 8](/1_corinthians/8 "1 Corinthians 8 - Food Sacrificed to Idols")), and general vegetarianism. For Jewish Christians, abandoning long-held dietary traditions could be a profound spiritual struggle, while Gentile Christians, especially those coming from pagan backgrounds, might have been wary of idolatrous associations with meat sold in the market. The Roman church was a diverse community, comprising both Jewish and Gentile believers, and these cultural and religious backgrounds naturally led to differing consciences and practices, necessitating Paul's guidance on how to maintain unity in such diversity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Romans and Pauline theology. It underscores the theme of **Christian Liberty and Conscience**, highlighting that while believers have freedom in Christ, this freedom must be exercised with consideration for others, as seen in [Romans 14:13](/romans/14-13 "Romans 14:13 - Do Not Cause Others to Stumble"). It also champions **Mutual Acceptance and Unity in Diversity**, arguing that the church's unity is not predicated on uniformity in non-essential practices but on shared faith in Christ, a concept echoed in [Ephesians 4:1-3](/ephesians/4-1-3 "Ephesians 4:1-3 - Unity in the Body of Christ"). Furthermore, the phrase "for God hath received him" introduces the crucial theme of **God's Inclusive Grace and Sovereignty in Salvation**, reminding believers that if God has accepted someone into His family, then fellow believers have no right to reject or judge them based on secondary issues. This divine reception forms the bedrock for human acceptance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **despise (Greek, _exouthenéō_):** This word, meaning "to treat with contempt," "to disdain," or "to regard as worthless," conveys a strong sense of looking down upon someone from a position of perceived superiority. It suggests a judgmental attitude that devalues another person's faith or conviction, implying that their practice is inferior or misguided. Paul forbids this arrogant dismissal of a fellow believer.
* **judge (Greek, _krínō_):** This term means "to distinguish," "to decide," or "to pass a critical verdict." In this context, it refers to evaluating another's actions or conscience in a condemning way, effectively setting oneself up as the arbiter of another's spiritual standing before God. Paul prohibits this unauthorized condemnation, reserving ultimate judgment for God alone.
* **received (Greek, _proslambánō_):** Meaning "to take to oneself," "to welcome," or "to accept warmly," this word emphasizes God's active, loving, and inclusive embrace of believers. It highlights that God has already extended grace and fellowship to both the "eater" and the "non-eater," thereby establishing the divine precedent for how believers should interact with one another.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not":** This clause addresses the "strong" in faith, those who understand their liberty to eat all foods. Paul instructs them not to look down upon or treat with contempt those whose consciences lead them to abstain. The "eater" might be tempted to view the "non-eater" as weak, legalistic, or unenlightened, but Paul forbids such a dismissive and arrogant attitude.
* **"and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth":** Conversely, this clause speaks to the "weak" in faith, those who choose to abstain from certain foods. Paul commands them not to pass a condemning verdict on those who exercise their freedom to eat. The "non-eater" might be tempted to view the "eater" as worldly, lax, or unspiritual, but Paul prohibits such critical and condemning judgment.
* **"for God hath received him":** This is the foundational theological reason underpinning Paul's double prohibition. The ultimate basis for mutual acceptance among believers is God's prior and unconditional acceptance of each individual. If God, in His infinite grace and wisdom, has welcomed and embraced both the one who eats and the one who abstains, then believers have no legitimate grounds to reject or condemn one another over such disputable matters. God's reception of them validates their standing before Him, making human judgment presumptuous and unnecessary.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 14:3 employs several powerful literary devices. **Antithesis** is prominent, setting up a clear contrast between "him that eateth" and "him that eateth not," and then paralleling the forbidden actions of "despise" and "judge." This highlights the reciprocal nature of the command for mutual respect. The verse also demonstrates a form of **Chiasm** (ABBA structure) in its prohibitions: "Let not A (eater) despise B (non-eater); and let not B (non-eater) judge A (eater)." This structure draws attention to the balanced responsibility of both groups to refrain from negative attitudes. Finally, the concluding phrase, "for God hath received him," acts as a powerful **Argument from Authority** and a **Grounding Clause**, providing the irrefutable theological basis for the preceding commands. It shifts the focus from human opinion to divine action, underscoring the ultimate authority for acceptance within the Christian community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 14:3 profoundly shapes our understanding of Christian community and the nature of grace. It asserts that the ultimate standard for acceptance within the body of Christ is not adherence to a specific set of secondary practices, but God's own prior act of receiving individuals into His family through faith. This principle transcends mere tolerance, calling for a deep, grace-filled acceptance that mirrors God's inclusive love. It reminds us that our unity in Christ is more fundamental and enduring than any differences in personal conviction, and that judging one another over such matters usurps God's prerogative and undermines the very grace by which we are all saved. The verse thus champions a robust theology of Christian liberty exercised in love, where the focus remains on building up one another rather than tearing down over non-essentials.

* [Romans 15:7](/romans/15-7 "Accept One Another")
* [1 Corinthians 8:9](/1_corinthians/8-9 "Beware of Stumbling Blocks")
* [Philippians 2:1-4](/philippians/2-1-4 "Humility and Unity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 14:3 offers timeless wisdom for navigating differences within the Christian community today. In a world increasingly polarized, and even within the church, where diverse opinions on everything from worship styles and political engagement to social issues and personal freedoms abound, this verse calls us back to the core principle of grace-filled acceptance. It challenges us to examine our own hearts for any tendency to look down on or condemn fellow believers whose convictions or practices differ from ours, especially when those differences fall within the bounds of biblical liberty. Our primary allegiance is to Christ, and our ultimate accountability is to God. If God has welcomed them, who are we to reject them? This verse compels us to prioritize love, unity, and the building up of the body of Christ over personal preferences or disputable matters, fostering an environment where all are genuinely received and valued, just as Christ received us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "disputable matters" in my life or church community tend to cause division or judgment?**
* **How does remembering that "God hath received him" change my perspective on fellow believers with whom I disagree?**
* **Am I more prone to "despise" (look down on) or "judge" (condemn) others, and how can I cultivate a more accepting attitude?**
* **In what ways can I actively demonstrate acceptance and build up a brother or sister in Christ, even if their convictions differ from mine?**

### FAQ
**What does "disputable matters" mean in the context of Romans 14?**

Answer: "Disputable matters" (Greek: *adiaphora*) refers to issues that are not explicitly commanded or forbidden by Scripture, and therefore fall into the realm of Christian liberty and personal conscience. In [Romans 14](/romans/14 "Romans 14 - Disputable Matters"), these specifically included dietary practices (eating meat vs. vegetarianism) and the observance of certain days. Paul teaches that while individuals may have strong convictions on these matters, they are not essential for salvation or Christian fellowship, and believers should not judge or despise one another over them. The core principle is that each person should be fully convinced in their own mind and act according to their conscience before God, as highlighted in [Romans 14:5](/romans/14-5 "Romans 14:5 - Conscience in Observance of Days").

**Why is God's reception of believers so crucial to Paul's argument in Romans 14:3?**

Answer: God's reception of believers is the theological bedrock of Paul's argument because it establishes the ultimate authority and standard for acceptance within the Christian community. If God, in His sovereign grace, has welcomed and accepted both the "strong" and the "weak" in faith, then believers have no right to reject or condemn one another based on secondary issues. This truth underscores that our standing before God is not based on our adherence to specific practices but on His grace and our faith in Christ. Therefore, to despise or judge a fellow believer whom God has already received is to implicitly question God's wisdom and grace, as [Romans 14:4](/romans/14-4 "Romans 14:4 - Who Are You to Judge?") further explains. It shifts the focus from human opinion to divine decree, making mutual acceptance a spiritual imperative rather than a mere suggestion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 14:3, with its call for mutual acceptance and non-judgment, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christ Himself perfectly embodied the principle of receiving all who come to Him, regardless of their background, past, or perceived "weakness." He welcomed sinners, outcasts, and those considered "unclean" by society, demonstrating God's boundless grace and inclusive love. His ministry consistently broke down barriers, whether between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")), or between the righteous and the unrighteous ([Matthew 9:10-13](/matthew/9-10-13 "Matthew 9:10-10 - Jesus Calls Sinners")). The very "reception" that God extends to believers, as mentioned in this verse, is made possible through Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross, where He "received" the full wrath of God for our sins, thereby making us acceptable to the Father ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Therefore, when Paul commands believers to accept one another, he is not merely suggesting a polite social convention, but is calling them to imitate the very heart of Christ, who, by His own example and sacrifice, has made it possible for all believers to be received into God's family and, consequently, into one another's fellowship ([Romans 15:7](/romans/15-7 "Romans 15:7 - Accept One Another")).

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 14:10

But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

Colossians 2:16

¶ Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath [days]:

Colossians 2:17

Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body [is] of Christ.

Luke 18:9

¶ And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:

Romans 14:13

Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in [his] brother's way.

1 Corinthians 10:29

Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another [man's] conscience?

1 Corinthians 10:30

For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?