Romans 14:4

KJV

Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.

KJV (with Strong's)

Who {G5101} art {G1488} thou {G4771} that judgest {G2919} another man's {G245} servant {G3610}? to his own {G2398} master {G2962} he standeth {G4739} or {G2228} falleth {G4098}. Yea {G1161}, he shall be holden up {G2476}: for {G1063} God {G2316} is {G2076} able {G1415} to make {G2476} him {G846} stand {G2476}.

Complete Jewish Bible

who are you to pass judgment on someone else’s servant? It is before his own master that he will stand or fall; and the fact is that he will stand, because the Lord is able to make him stand.

Berean Standard Bible

Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.

American Standard Version

Who art thou that judgest the servant of another? to his own lord he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be made to stand; for the Lord hath power to make him stand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 14:4 profoundly challenges believers to refrain from judging fellow Christians on non-essential matters of conscience, asserting that each individual is a servant accountable solely to their divine Master, God. It underscores the principle of individual spiritual autonomy under God's lordship, culminating in the powerful assurance that God possesses the sovereign power and unwavering faithfulness to uphold and establish every one of His servants, regardless of human opinion or perceived weakness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal statement within Paul's extensive discussion in [Romans 14-15](/romans/14 "Romans 14-15 - Principles of Christian Liberty and Unity"), where he addresses internal divisions within the Roman church. The immediate preceding verses (e.g., [Romans 14:1-3](/romans/14-1-3 "Romans 14:1-3 - Receiving the Weak in Faith")) introduce the problem: believers were judging one another over "disputable matters," specifically concerning dietary practices (vegetarianism versus eating meat, likely including meat offered to idols) and the observance of certain days. Paul's rhetorical question in [Romans 14:4](/romans/14-4 "Romans 14:4 - Do Not Judge Another's Servant") directly confronts the judgmental attitude, setting the stage for his argument that mutual acceptance and love, rather than condemnation, should characterize Christian community. The subsequent verses expand on the implications of this principle, emphasizing that all actions should be done unto the Lord and that ultimately, all believers will stand before God's judgment seat, as highlighted in [Romans 14:10](/romans/14-10 "Romans 14:10 - All Stand Before God's Judgment Seat").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Roman church was a diverse community, comprising both Jewish and Gentile converts. This diversity often led to friction, particularly concerning practices rooted in Jewish law or pagan customs. Jewish Christians, many of whom had meticulously observed dietary laws and special days their entire lives, might have viewed Gentile Christians' freedom in these areas as lax or even sinful. Conversely, Gentile Christians, understanding their liberty in Christ, might have looked down upon their Jewish brethren's scruples as unnecessary legalism. The concept of a "servant" (Greek: _oiketēs_) was deeply ingrained in Roman society, where household slaves or servants were entirely subject to their master's authority and not to the judgment of other servants or outsiders. Paul leverages this familiar social structure to illustrate the believer's direct and exclusive accountability to God, their ultimate Master (_kyrios_), thereby undermining the cultural tendency to impose one's own standards on others.
* **Key Themes:** [Romans 14:4](/romans/14-4 "Romans 14:4 - Do Not Judge Another's Servant") powerfully articulates several core themes central to Paul's theology in [the book of Romans](/romans/1 "The Book of Romans"). Firstly, it champions **Christian Liberty and Conscience**, affirming that believers have freedom in Christ regarding non-salvific issues, and their convictions on such matters are between them and God. Secondly, it strongly emphasizes **Individual Accountability to God**, asserting that each believer's standing is determined by their own Master, not by the opinions or judgments of other believers. This theme is reiterated in [Romans 14:10-12](/romans/14-10-12 "Romans 14:10-12 - Each Accountable to God"). Thirdly, the verse highlights **God's Sovereign Power and Faithfulness** to uphold His own. The assurance that "God is able to make him stand" underscores divine enablement, implying that God's grace is sufficient to sustain even those who appear "weak" in faith, preventing them from falling away due to their convictions. Finally, it implicitly promotes **Unity and Mutual Acceptance** within the diverse body of Christ, urging believers to receive one another as Christ has received them, as further expounded in [Romans 15:7](/romans/15-7 "Romans 15:7 - Mutual Acceptance in Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **judgest (Greek, _krínō'_):** This word (G2919) properly means "to distinguish," but in this context, it carries the strong implication of "to decide (judicially)," "to try," or "to condemn." Paul uses it to denote an unwarranted act of passing definitive, negative judgment or condemnation on another person's spiritual standing or practices. It's not merely forming an opinion but assuming an authoritative role that belongs only to God.
* **servant (Greek, _oikétēs'_):** This term (G3610) specifically refers to a "household servant" or "slave." By using this word, Paul emphasizes the intimate and exclusive relationship between the individual believer and their Master (God/Christ). A household servant's loyalty and accountability are solely to their own master, not to other servants or external parties. Therefore, for one servant to judge another is to usurp the master's authority.
* **able (Greek, _dynatós'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to be powerful," this adjective (G1415) describes God as "powerful" or "capable." When Paul states that "God is able to make him stand," he is asserting God's inherent omnipotence and His specific capacity to sustain, strengthen, and confirm the spiritual standing of His servants. It speaks to God's active intervention and faithfulness in upholding those who belong to Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who art thou that judgest another man's servant?"**: This is a powerful rhetorical question designed to rebuke and humble the judgmental believer. It challenges their authority, implying that they have no right or legitimate standing to pass judgment on someone who does not belong to them but to another Master. The "another man's servant" highlights the exclusive ownership and accountability of the believer to God.
* **"to his own master he standeth or falleth."**: This clause clarifies the locus of accountability. The servant's ultimate success ("standeth") or failure ("falleth") is determined by their own master, not by fellow servants. In the spiritual sense, a believer's standing before God is solely dependent on God's assessment, not on the scrutiny or approval of other human beings. It emphasizes individual responsibility and divine prerogative.
* **"Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand."**: This concluding affirmation provides profound assurance and shifts the focus from human judgment to divine power. The phrase "he shall be holden up" (or "he will be made to stand") is a divine passive, indicating that God Himself is the agent of upholding. The subsequent explanatory clause, "for God is able to make him stand," grounds this assurance in God's omnipotence and His faithfulness to His covenant people. It implies that God will not allow His true servants to utterly fall or be condemned, but will graciously sustain and establish them.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 14:4 employs several effective **literary devices**. The most prominent is the **rhetorical question**, "Who art thou that judgest another man's servant?" This question is not meant to elicit an answer but to make a forceful point, highlighting the presumption and lack of authority in judging a fellow believer. It serves as a direct challenge and rebuke. The verse also utilizes **parallelism** in the phrase "he standeth or falleth," creating a concise and memorable expression of the two possible outcomes, both determined by the master. Finally, the verse concludes with a powerful **affirmation** or **assurance**, "Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand." This provides a strong, positive declaration of God's sovereign power and faithfulness, acting as a theological anchor that undergirds Paul's call for non-judgment and mutual acceptance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 14:4 is a cornerstone for understanding Christian unity amidst diversity, emphasizing that the ultimate authority and judge over a believer's life is God alone. It teaches that matters of conscience, not directly commanded or forbidden by Scripture, fall under the purview of individual accountability to the Lord. This principle safeguards Christian liberty, preventing legalism and fostering an environment where believers can mature in their faith without fear of condemnation from their peers. It redirects the focus from human scrutiny to divine grace, reminding us that God's power to sustain His own far outweighs any human judgment.

* [James 4:12](/james/4-12 "James 4:12 - There is One Lawgiver and Judge")
* [1 Corinthians 4:5](/1_corinthians/4-5 "1 Corinthians 4:5 - Wait for the Lord's Judgment")
* [Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Do Not Let Anyone Judge You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a profound call to humility and grace within the Christian community. In a world often characterized by quick judgments and rigid expectations, Romans 14:4 reminds us that our primary concern should be our own walk with God, not the perceived shortcomings or differing convictions of others in non-essential areas. It challenges us to cultivate a spirit of acceptance and love, recognizing that each believer is on their own unique journey with Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit, and ultimately accountable to Him alone. This perspective encourages us to extend the same grace to others that God has extended to us, fostering genuine unity and preventing division over minor issues. When we resist the urge to judge, we create space for others to grow in their faith, trusting in God's unfailing ability to uphold and strengthen them.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or within my Christian community do I tend to pass judgment on others regarding non-essential matters of faith or practice?**
* **How does recognizing God as the ultimate Master and Upholder of every believer change my perspective on those with whom I disagree?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more accepting and less judgmental attitude towards fellow Christians?**

### FAQ

**What are "disputable matters" as referred to in Romans 14?**

Answer: "Disputable matters" (or "doubtful disputations" in KJV) refer to issues of Christian practice or conscience that are not explicitly commanded or forbidden by Scripture, and therefore do not directly impact one's salvation. In [Romans 14](/romans/14 "Romans 14 - Christian Liberty and Conscience"), Paul specifically addresses dietary choices (eating meat vs. vegetables, likely including meat offered to idols) and the observance of certain days. These are areas where sincere believers might hold different convictions without compromising core Christian doctrine. The key is that while individual convictions may vary, the ultimate standard is one's personal accountability to the Lord, as [Romans 14:10](/romans/14-10 "Romans 14:10 - All Stand Before God's Judgment Seat") makes clear.

**Does this verse mean Christians should never confront sin or offer correction?**

Answer: No, this verse specifically addresses judgment on "disputable matters" of conscience, not clear moral failings or doctrinal error. The Bible elsewhere clearly teaches the importance of [loving confrontation of sin](/galatians/6-1 "Galatians 6:1 - Restoring a Brother Gently") within the church, holding believers accountable to God's revealed moral law, and upholding sound doctrine ([Titus 2:15](/titus/2-15 "Titus 2:15 - Speak and Exhort with All Authority")). Romans 14:4 is about respecting individual conscience where the Bible is silent, not condoning sin or false teaching.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 14:4 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the "Master" to whom every believer stands or falls, the Lord who purchased us with His own blood, making us His exclusive servants ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Bought with a Price")). Christ Himself exemplified the principle of non-judgment regarding non-essentials, focusing instead on the weightier matters of the law and extending grace to all who came to Him, even those considered "weak" or outcast ([Matthew 9:10-13](/matthew/9-10-13 "Matthew 9:10-13 - Jesus Eats with Sinners")). Furthermore, the assurance that "God is able to make him stand" is profoundly Christ-centered. It is through Christ that we are justified and given a righteous standing before God ([Romans 5:1-2](/romans/5-1-2 "Romans 5:1-2 - Justified by Faith")). Jesus is not only our Master but also our Great High Priest who intercedes for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrew/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Our High Priest")), and the One who promises to keep His sheep safe in His hand, ensuring that none can snatch them away ([John 10:28-29](/john/10-28-29 "John 10:28-29 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")). Ultimately, it is before the judgment seat of Christ that all believers will stand, not to be condemned, but to give an account of their lives, confident in His grace and upholding power ([2 Corinthians 5:10](/2_corinthians/5-10 "2 Corinthians 5:10 - All Must Appear Before the Judgment Seat of Christ")). Thus, our ability to "stand" is not based on our own strength or the approval of others, but entirely on the finished work and ongoing intercession of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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

James 4:11

¶ Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of [his] brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.

James 4:12

There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

Romans 9:20

Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed [it], Why hast thou made me thus?

Romans 8:31

¶ What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?

Romans 8:39

Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Jude 1:24

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

Psalms 37:24

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth [him with] his hand.