14:2 14:2

Romans 14:3

14:4 14:4

Bible Versions

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.
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}.
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 —
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.
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.

Romans 14:3 addresses the crucial topic of Christian unity and mutual acceptance amidst differences in personal conviction, particularly concerning matters of Christian liberty and conscience.

Context

This verse is part of a larger discussion in Romans 14 about "disputable matters" or "non-essential doctrines" within the early church. Specifically, it refers to debates over dietary practices—whether to eat meat (which might have been sacrificed to idols, or simply avoided by vegetarians) or to abstain. Paul identifies two groups: the "strong" in faith, who understand their freedom in Christ and eat without qualms, and the "weak" in faith, whose consciences might still be bound by previous traditions or scruples, leading them to abstain from certain foods.

Key Themes

  • Mutual Acceptance: The core message is a call for believers to accept one another despite differing practices or convictions on non-essential issues. There should be no contempt or condemnation.
  • Non-Judgment: Paul explicitly forbids the "eater" from despising the "non-eater" and vice versa. This highlights the importance of refraining from judgment over matters of personal conscience, which are ultimately between the individual and God.
  • God's Reception: The foundational reason for this mutual tolerance is profound: "for God hath received him." If God, in His infinite grace, has welcomed and accepted both the one who eats and the one who does not, then believers should extend the same grace and acceptance to each other. This underscores God's inclusive love for all His children.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word for "despise" is exoutheneō (ἐξουθενέω), which means to treat with contempt, disdain, or to regard as worthless. It implies looking down on someone from a position of perceived superiority.
  • "Judge" translates from krinō (κρίνω), meaning to pass a critical verdict, condemn, or evaluate another's actions in a condemning way.
  • "Received" comes from proslambanō (προσλαμβάνω), indicating to take to oneself, to welcome, or to accept warmly. This emphasizes God's active and loving embrace of both groups of believers.

Practical Application

The principles of Romans 14:3 extend far beyond dietary laws to any area where Christians hold differing, yet biblically permissible, convictions. This includes worship styles, political views, entertainment choices, or other secondary issues. The verse challenges believers today to:

  • Prioritize unity and love within the body of Christ over personal preferences or disputable matters.
  • Resist the temptation to look down on or condemn fellow believers whose practices differ from our own, especially when those practices are rooted in a sincere conscience before God.
  • Remember that our ultimate accountability is to God (Romans 14:10-12). If God has accepted them, we should too.
  • Focus on building up one another rather than causing division.
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.

  • 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?
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