Romans 14:5

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

One {G3303} man {G3739} esteemeth {G2919} one day {G2250} above {G3844} another {G2250}:{G1161} another {G3739} esteemeth {G2919} every {G3956} day {G2250} alike. Let {G4135} every man {G1538} be fully persuaded {G4135} in {G1722} his own {G2398} mind {G3563}.

Complete Jewish Bible

One person considers some days more holy than others, while someone else regards them as being all alike. What is important is for each to be fully convinced in his own mind.

Berean Standard Bible

One person regards a certain day above the others, while someone else considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.

American Standard Version

One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let each man be fully assured in his own mind.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 14:5 addresses the diverse practices within the early Christian community regarding the observance of specific days, advocating for personal conviction and mutual respect in non-essential matters. The Apostle Paul instructs believers not to judge one another concerning such "disputable matters" but rather to allow each individual to be fully persuaded in their own mind, ensuring their actions are rooted in a sincere faith and a clear conscience before the Lord. This verse underscores the principles of Christian liberty, the importance of individual spiritual discernment, and the overarching call for unity and love within the body of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 14:5 is situated within a crucial section of Paul's letter to the Romans, specifically [Romans 14](/romans/14 "Romans 14 - Disputable Matters and Christian Liberty") through [Romans 15:13](/romans/15-13 "Romans 15:13 - Hope and Unity"). This portion of the epistle directly follows Paul's profound theological exposition on justification by faith, sanctification, and God's sovereign plan for Israel. Having established the foundational truths of the gospel, Paul now applies these principles to practical Christian living, particularly concerning areas of disagreement and potential division within the church. The chapter opens with an exhortation to [receive those who are weak in faith](/romans/14-1 "Romans 14:1 - Receiving the Weak"), emphasizing that such reception should not lead to quarrels over opinions. The specific issues Paul addresses are dietary practices (eating meat versus vegetarianism, as seen in [Romans 14:2-3](/romans/14-2-3 "Romans 14:2-3 - Dietary Differences")) and, as in our focal verse, the observance of particular days. The flow of Paul's argument consistently prioritizes love, unity, and the avoidance of causing a brother or sister to stumble over non-essential matters.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian church was a diverse community, comprising both Jewish converts and Gentile converts. This demographic reality often led to tensions and disagreements over practices rooted in their former religious or cultural backgrounds. Jewish Christians, having grown up under the Mosaic Law, might have felt compelled to continue observing dietary restrictions (like kosher laws) and specific days, such as the weekly Sabbath, annual feast days (e.g., Passover, Pentecost), or fast days. For them, these observances were deeply ingrained aspects of their spiritual heritage. Gentile Christians, on the other hand, often came from pagan backgrounds where meat was frequently offered to idols (a significant issue addressed in [1 Corinthians 8](/1_corinthians/8 "1 Corinthians 8 - Food Sacrificed to Idols")) and no specific holy days were observed in the same manner. Some might have been tempted to continue avoiding certain days associated with pagan festivals, or conversely, to disregard all such observances entirely. Paul's instruction in [Romans 14](/romans/14 "Romans 14 - Christian Liberty") directly addresses these real-world conflicts, urging a spirit of grace and understanding rather than legalism or judgment, acknowledging that both groups were sincerely seeking to honor God.
* **Key Themes:** Romans 14:5 profoundly contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within the broader book of Romans and Paul's epistles. First, it underscores the theme of **Christian Liberty**, highlighting the freedom believers have in Christ from legalistic adherence to external regulations not explicitly commanded by God. This liberty allows for diversity in practice, as long as it aligns with a clear conscience and glorifies God. Paul reiterates this concept in [Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Freedom from Legalism"), where he states that food, drink, and holy days are but "a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ." Second, the verse champions **Personal Conviction**, emphasizing that each believer must operate out of a deep, settled persuasion in their own mind, rather than conforming out of fear or judging others. This conviction is not mere opinion but a conclusion reached through prayer, study, and a desire to honor the Lord. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Unity in Diversity**, a cornerstone of Paul's ecclesiology. While differences in practice are acknowledged, the ultimate goal is not forced uniformity but harmonious coexistence, where love, mutual edification, and the avoidance of causing a brother to stumble ([Romans 14:13](/romans/14-13 "Romans 14:13 - Do Not Cause a Brother to Stumble")) supersede individual preferences or judgments.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **esteemeth (Greek, _krínō'_):** This word, G2919, properly means "to distinguish," "to decide (mentally or judicially)," or by implication, "to try, condemn, punish." In this context, it carries the sense of making a judgment or a distinction about the value or significance of something, specifically a day. When one "esteems" a day, they are making a personal assessment or decision about its spiritual importance, either elevating it above others or treating all days as equally significant. It implies a conscious act of discernment.
* **day (Greek, _hēméra'_):** G2250 refers to a "day," literally the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours. Figuratively, it can denote a "period" defined by context. Here, it refers to specific calendar days or periods observed for religious purposes, such as the Sabbath, Jewish feast days, or perhaps even days associated with pagan practices that some new converts might have continued to avoid. The word highlights the temporal aspect of the "disputable matter" at hand.
* **fully persuaded (Greek, _plērophoréō'_):** G4135, derived from words meaning "full" and "to carry," signifies "to carry out fully (in evidence)," "to completely assure (or convince)," or "to entirely accomplish." It denotes a deep, settled conviction or full assurance. It's not a casual opinion but a thoughtfully arrived-at conclusion, indicating that one has weighed the matter, perhaps through prayer and study, and is convinced of its rightness for themselves before God. This emphasizes the internal, conscientious nature of the believer's decision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"One man esteemeth one day above another:"** This clause introduces the first group of believers, those who assign special spiritual significance or value to particular days. This could refer to Jewish Christians who continued to observe the Sabbath or specific Old Testament feast days, or perhaps even Gentile Christians who chose to observe certain days for personal spiritual reasons (e.g., a day of fasting or prayer). The phrase "esteemeth... above another" implies a hierarchical view of days, where some are considered more sacred or set apart than others.
* **"another esteemeth every day [alike]."** This clause presents the contrasting perspective. This group of believers, likely Gentile Christians or those with a strong understanding of Christian liberty, saw all days as equally sacred in the eyes of God, recognizing that the spiritual significance of a day is not inherent but derived from one's attitude and actions on that day. The parenthetical "[alike]" in the KJV clarifies the meaning, indicating that no particular day holds inherent spiritual superiority over another. Both groups are acting out of what they believe honors God.
* **"Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind."** This is the core exhortation and the prescriptive command of the verse. Paul's directive is not to force uniformity, but to encourage individual, conscientious conviction. "Every man" (G1538 _hékastos_) emphasizes the individual responsibility of each believer. "Fully persuaded" (G4135 _plērophoréō_) highlights the need for a deep, settled conviction, not a wavering opinion. This conviction must reside "in his own mind" (G3563 _noûs_), indicating that the decision is an internal, intellectual, and spiritual one, made before God, rather than a mere conformity to external pressure or the judgment of others.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Antithesis** in this verse by presenting two contrasting viewpoints regarding the observance of days: "One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike." This stark contrast highlights the diversity of practice within the Christian community. He then uses **Emphasis** through the strong command, "Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind," to underscore the importance of individual conviction and the internal state of the believer over external conformity. This rhetorical strategy serves to validate both positions as potentially legitimate expressions of faith, provided they are rooted in sincere conviction before God, thereby redirecting the focus from external observance to internal disposition and the overarching principle of love.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 14:5 is a profound statement on Christian liberty and the role of conscience, echoing the broader New Testament teaching that the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God")). It challenges believers to move beyond legalistic adherence to external rules and instead cultivate a heart of love and genuine conviction before God. The theological implication is that while foundational doctrines are non-negotiable, many practices fall into the realm of "adiaphora" (matters indifferent), where individual freedom and conscience should prevail. This principle prevents judgmentalism and fosters unity, recognizing that sincere believers can arrive at different conclusions on non-essential matters while still honoring the same Lord. The ultimate goal is not to impose one's convictions on others but to build up the body of Christ in love, ensuring that one's liberty does not become a stumbling block for another.

* [Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Freedom from Legalism in Christ")
* [1 Corinthians 8:8-9](/1_corinthians/8-8-9 "1 Corinthians 8:8-9 - Food Does Not Commend Us to God")
* [Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Stand Firm in Freedom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 14:5 offers timeless wisdom for navigating the inevitable differences that arise within any community, especially the church. In an age often marked by polarization and division, this verse calls us to a higher standard of grace and understanding. It challenges us to examine our own convictions: are they truly "fully persuaded in our own minds" before the Lord, or are they merely inherited traditions, personal preferences, or reactions to others? This passage reminds us that our primary allegiance is to Christ, and our actions, whether in observing a day or not, should be done "to the Lord" ([Romans 14:6](/romans/14-6 "Romans 14:6 - Doing All to the Lord")). It urges us to extend charity and respect to those who hold differing convictions on non-essential matters, recognizing that their conscience, like ours, is accountable to God. Instead of judging or causing division over secondary issues, we are called to prioritize love, peace, and mutual edification, fostering an environment where all believers can grow in their faith without fear of condemnation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are some "disputable matters" or non-essential practices in the church or Christian community today that might cause division?**
* **How can I ensure that my convictions on these matters are "fully persuaded in my own mind" before the Lord, rather than simply following tradition or judging others?**
* **In what ways might my exercise of Christian liberty, or my judgment of another's liberty, be a stumbling block for a weaker brother or sister?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater spirit of love and respect for fellow believers who hold different convictions on non-essential issues?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean that Christians should not observe any special days, like the Sabbath or holidays?**

Answer: Not necessarily. Romans 14:5 emphasizes the principle of personal conviction and Christian liberty, not the abolition of all special observances. For some, observing a day (like Sunday as the Lord's Day, or Christmas/Easter) is a deeply meaningful way to honor God and remember His works. For others, every day is equally sacred, and their worship is not tied to specific dates. The key is that whatever one chooses to do, or not do, it must be done out of a sincere conviction before the Lord, not out of legalistic obligation or a desire to judge others. Paul's concern is not the specific practice itself, but the heart and conscience behind it, and the impact it has on unity within the body of Christ ([Romans 14:13](/romans/14-13 "Romans 14:13 - Do Not Judge Your Brother")).

**What is the difference between "personal conviction" and "personal opinion" in the context of this verse?**

Answer: While "opinion" often implies a casual preference or a subjective viewpoint without deep theological grounding, "personal conviction" (from _plērophoréō_, G4135, meaning "fully persuaded" or "full assurance") suggests a conclusion reached through careful thought, prayer, and a sincere desire to honor God based on one's understanding of Scripture. It implies a settled belief that guides one's actions, made with a clear conscience before the Lord. An opinion might be easily swayed or imposed on others; a conviction is deeply held and respects the freedom of others to hold differing convictions on non-essential matters. The goal is not to have an opinion, but to be "fully persuaded" in one's own mind, meaning one has genuinely sought God's will for themselves.

**How do we apply the principle of "disputable matters" from Romans 14:5 to modern issues within the church?**

Answer: The principle of Romans 14:5 is highly relevant for contemporary issues that are not explicitly addressed by clear biblical commands, or where there is room for differing interpretations among sincere believers. These might include preferences in worship styles (traditional vs. contemporary), certain forms of entertainment, political affiliations, specific dietary choices (beyond clear biblical prohibitions), or even approaches to homeschooling versus public schooling. The core application is to distinguish between essential doctrines (on which there can be no compromise) and non-essential practices. For non-essentials, believers are called to exercise their liberty with a clear conscience, avoid judging others, and prioritize love and unity, ensuring that their choices do not cause a weaker brother or sister to stumble ([Romans 14:19](/romans/14-19 "Romans 14:19 - Pursue Peace and Mutual Edification")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 14:5, with its emphasis on Christian liberty and personal conviction regarding non-essential observances, finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the one who perfectly embodied freedom from legalism, not by abolishing the law, but by fulfilling it in love ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Christ has set believers free from the bondage of sin and the curse of the law, including its ceremonial aspects. As [Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Stand Firm in Freedom") declares, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." Jesus Himself challenged rigid, external interpretations of the Sabbath, emphasizing that "the Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath" ([Mark 2:27](/mark/2-27 "Mark 2:27 - The Sabbath for Man")). He taught that true worship is not about specific places or days, but about worshipping "in spirit and in truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). Furthermore, Christ's supreme command was to love God and to love one another ([Matthew 22:37-39](/matthew/22-37-39 "Matthew 22:37-39 - The Greatest Commandment")), a love that transcends differences in practice and prioritizes the unity and edification of the body. Thus, the principles of Romans 14:5—liberty, conscience, and unity—are not merely pragmatic rules for church life, but reflections of the liberating, loving, and unifying work of Christ, who is the "body" of which all these observances were but "a shadow" ([Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Shadow and Reality in 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

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.

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.

1 John 3:19

And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.

1 John 3:21

Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, [then] have we confidence toward God.

Galatians 4:9

But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?

Galatians 4:10

Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.