Romans 14:6

KJV

He that regardeth the day, regardeth [it] unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard [it]. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

KJV (with Strong's)

He that regardeth {G5426} the day {G2250}, regardeth {G5426} it unto the Lord {G2962}; and {G2532} he that regardeth {G5426} not {G3361} the day {G2250}, to the Lord {G2962} he doth {G5426} not {G3756} regard {G5426} it. He that eateth {G2068}, eateth {G2068} to the Lord {G2962}, for {G1063} he giveth God {G2316} thanks {G2168}; and {G2532} he that eateth {G2068} not {G3361}, to the Lord {G2962} he eateth {G2068} not {G3756}, and {G2532} giveth God {G2316} thanks {G2168}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He who observes a day as special does so to honor the Lord. Also he who eats anything, eats to honor the Lord, since he gives thanks to God; likewise the abstainer abstains to honor the Lord, and he too gives thanks to God.

Berean Standard Bible

He who observes a special day does so to the Lord; he who eats does so to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.

American Standard Version

He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord: and he that eateth, eateth unto the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, unto the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 14:6 articulates the core principle guiding Christian liberty in disputable matters: all actions, whether observing a particular day or abstaining from certain foods, must be undertaken with a sincere conscience and directed "unto the Lord." Paul emphasizes that both those who choose to observe and those who choose not to observe, as well as those who eat and those who abstain, are acceptable to God if their motivation is to honor Him and if they do so with gratitude. This verse underscores the supremacy of Christ's Lordship over individual practices and highlights the unifying power of sincere devotion and thankfulness within the diverse body of believers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 14 begins Paul's extended discussion on "disputable matters" within the Roman church, following his profound exposition on justification by faith and the practical implications of living in the Spirit in chapters 12-13. The immediate context of verse 6 is Paul's exhortation for believers to "receive one another" regardless of their convictions on non-essential issues, specifically regarding diet and the observance of certain days, as introduced in [Romans 14:1](/romans/14-1 "Romans 14:1 - Receiving One Another"). He warns against judging or despising fellow believers for their choices ([Romans 14:3](/romans/14-3 "Romans 14:3 - Do Not Judge Your Brother")), asserting that each person stands or falls before God, not before human judgment ([Romans 14:4](/romans/14-4 "Romans 14:4 - God Upholds the Believer")). Verse 6 builds upon this by explaining the spiritual validity of differing practices when they are genuinely offered to the Lord.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian community in Rome was a diverse mix of Jewish and Gentile believers, each bringing their own cultural and religious backgrounds. Jewish Christians often maintained dietary laws (e.g., abstaining from pork, keeping kosher) and observed traditional Jewish festivals or the Sabbath. Gentile converts, particularly those from pagan backgrounds, might have struggled with meat sold in the market that had been sacrificed to idols, or they might have had no prior religious restrictions on food. Some, understanding their freedom in Christ, felt liberty to eat all foods and disregard special days. This created tension, as those with stricter consciences (often labeled "weak in faith" by Paul, though not pejoratively) might judge those who exercised their freedom, and vice versa. Paul's teaching here directly addresses these specific points of contention, emphasizing unity and mutual acceptance over rigid adherence to non-essential practices.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes in Romans and Paul's broader theology. It reinforces the theme of **Christian Liberty**, demonstrating that believers are free from external regulations in non-essential matters, yet this freedom is to be exercised responsibly and with love. It highlights the importance of **Conscience and Conviction**, asserting that personal actions, when rooted in genuine faith and directed toward God, are valid. The verse also powerfully promotes **Unity in Diversity** within the body of Christ, teaching that differences in practice should not lead to division, but rather to mutual acceptance and respect, as long as Christ's Lordship is honored. This aligns with Paul's call for believers to live in harmony and build one another up, as seen in [Romans 15:1-7](/romans/15-1-7 "Romans 15:1-7 - Bear with the Weak, Glorify God"). Ultimately, the passage elevates the **Lordship of Christ** as the ultimate standard, emphasizing that all actions should be performed "unto the Lord," reflecting the principle found throughout Scripture that all of life is to be lived for God's glory ([1 Corinthians 10:31](/1-corinthians/10-31 "1 Corinthians 10:31 - Do All to the Glory of God")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **regardeth (Greek, _phronéō'_):** This word (G5426) signifies more than a casual observance or neglect; it implies a deliberate exercise of the mind, to entertain a sentiment or opinion, or to be mentally disposed in a certain direction. Thus, "he that regardeth the day" is someone who thoughtfully and intentionally chooses to observe it out of conviction, while "he that regardeth not the day" is someone who, with equal thoughtfulness and conviction, chooses not to observe it. The emphasis is on the internal disposition and the conscious decision.
* **day (Greek, _hēméra'_):** The term (G2250) refers literally to a time space between dawn and dark, or a whole 24 hours. Figuratively, as used here, it denotes a specific period or special day, such as a Sabbath, a Jewish feast day, or perhaps a day of fasting. Paul's use acknowledges that some believers felt compelled to observe certain days as holy, while others understood their freedom in Christ to consider all days equally.
* **giveth God thanks (Greek, _eucharistéō'_):** This verb (G2168) means "to be grateful" or "to express gratitude," specifically in the context of giving thanks at a meal. Its inclusion here is highly significant, as it highlights that regardless of whether one eats or abstains, the underlying attitude should be one of profound gratitude to God. This shared act of thanksgiving unites believers in their devotion, transcending their differences in practice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that regardeth the day, regardeth [it] unto the Lord;":** This clause establishes that a believer who chooses to observe a specific day (e.g., Sabbath, a feast day) does so with the intention of honoring the Lord. Their conviction is rooted in devotion to God, and their observance is an act of worship.
* **"and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard [it].":** This parallel clause affirms that a believer who, out of conscience and conviction, chooses *not* to observe a particular day, also does so with the intention of honoring the Lord. Their freedom from such observances is equally an act of devotion, demonstrating their understanding of Christ's fulfillment of the law.
* **"He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks;":** Here, the focus shifts to dietary practices. A believer who chooses to eat certain foods (e.g., meat, including that potentially sacrificed to idols) does so to honor the Lord, and crucially, expresses gratitude to God for the food. Their act of eating is sanctified by their thankful heart.
* **"and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.":** Completing the parallel, this clause states that a believer who chooses to abstain from certain foods (e.g., vegetarianism, avoiding idol meat) also does so to honor the Lord. Importantly, even in their abstinence, they too express thanks to God. This demonstrates that both eating and not eating can be acts of worship when accompanied by a grateful heart directed toward God.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 14:6 is masterfully crafted using several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **Antithetical Parallelism**, where contrasting ideas are presented in a balanced structure ("regardeth the day" vs. "regardeth not the day"; "eateth" vs. "eateth not"). This highlights the two opposing practices while emphasizing that both are valid when done "unto the Lord." **Repetition** is also key, with the phrase "unto the Lord" appearing four times, powerfully underscoring the central theme that Christ's Lordship is the ultimate motivation and standard for all Christian conduct. The phrase "giveth God thanks" is also repeated, emphasizing the unifying and sanctifying power of gratitude, regardless of the specific practice. These devices create a rhythmic and memorable statement that reinforces Paul's argument for mutual acceptance based on sincere, Christ-centered devotion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 14:6 profoundly shapes our understanding of Christian liberty, the role of conscience, and the nature of true worship. It teaches that while certain practices may differ among believers, the ultimate criterion for their validity is the heart's intention to honor God. This moves beyond mere external observance to the internal disposition, emphasizing that genuine faith expresses itself in actions done "unto the Lord" with gratitude. This principle prevents legalism by freeing believers from rigid adherence to non-essential rules, and it simultaneously prevents license by requiring that all actions be submitted to Christ's Lordship. It fosters unity by allowing for diversity in practice, provided that the underlying motive is sincere devotion and thankfulness to God, recognizing that Christ is the common Lord of all.

* [1 Corinthians 10:31](/1-corinthians/10-31 "1 Corinthians 10:31 - Do All to the Glory of God")
* [Colossians 3:17](/colossians/3-17 "Colossians 3:17 - Doing All in the Name of the Lord Jesus")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as a Living Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 14:6 offers timeless wisdom for navigating differences within the Christian community and for cultivating a life of genuine devotion. It challenges us to examine the motivations behind our choices, asking whether our actions, big or small, are truly "unto the Lord." This means moving beyond a mere checklist of dos and don'ts to a heart-centered approach where every decision is an act of worship and gratitude. In a world often polarized by differing opinions, this verse calls believers to radical grace and acceptance, recognizing that sincere faith can manifest in diverse ways. It reminds us that our shared devotion to Christ and our common spirit of thankfulness are far more important than uniformity in non-essential practices. By focusing on honoring God in all things, we can foster deeper unity, reduce judgment, and live out a more authentic and impactful faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "disputable matters" exist in my life or in my Christian community today, and how does Romans 14:6 challenge my perspective on them?**
* **Am I truly performing my actions, whether eating, working, or resting, "unto the Lord," or am I primarily motivated by personal preference, tradition, or fear of judgment?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper spirit of gratitude in all circumstances, even when my practices differ from those around me?**
* **In what ways can I demonstrate greater acceptance and love towards believers whose convictions or practices differ from my own, without compromising essential truths?**

### FAQ

**Does Romans 14:6 mean that all personal choices are equally valid, regardless of their nature?**

Answer: No, Romans 14:6 specifically addresses "disputable matters" (as introduced in [Romans 14:1](/romans/14-1 "Romans 14:1 - Receiving the Weak in Faith")), which are issues of Christian liberty that do not violate clear biblical commands or fundamental doctrines. Paul is not suggesting that sinful actions or practices contrary to God's revealed will are acceptable if done "unto the Lord." Rather, he is speaking about areas where believers have genuine freedom and differing consciences, such as dietary choices or the observance of specific days, which are not mandated for salvation or holiness in the New Covenant. The core principle is that for these non-essential matters, the sincerity of one's conviction and the intention to honor God are paramount.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 14:6 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the "Lord" to whom all actions are directed, the one who perfectly embodied a life lived entirely for God's glory. Christ's finished work on the cross frees believers from the legalistic demands of the law concerning external observances, as He is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes ([Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ, the End of the Law")). His sacrifice establishes a new covenant where the focus shifts from outward rules to an inward transformation by the Spirit, enabling believers to serve God with a pure conscience. Furthermore, Christ's supreme Lordship means that whether we live or die, we are the Lord's ([Romans 14:8](/romans/14-8 "Romans 14:8 - We Are the Lord's")), and it is before His judgment seat that every believer will ultimately stand ([Romans 14:10-12](/romans/14-10-12 "Romans 14:10-12 - We Shall All Stand Before the Judgment Seat of Christ")). Therefore, all our choices, whether regarding days or food, are to be made in light of His perfect example, His liberating grace, and His ultimate authority, ensuring that our liberty always serves love and builds up the body of Christ, just as He laid down His life for us ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")).

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

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?

1 Corinthians 10:31

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

1 Timothy 4:3

Forbidding to marry, [and commanding] to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

1 Timothy 4:5

For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

Matthew 14:19

And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to [his] disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

Matthew 15:36

And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake [them], and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

Exodus 12:14

And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.