Romans 14:7

For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.

For {G1063} none {G3762} of us {G2257} liveth {G2198} to himself {G1438}, and {G2532} no man {G3762} dieth {G599} to himself {G1438}.

For none of us lives only in relation to himself, and none of us dies only in relation to himself;

For none of us lives to himself alone, and none of us dies to himself alone.

For none of us liveth to himself, and none dieth to himself.

Romans 14:7 is a foundational verse within Paul's discourse on Christian liberty and unity in the Roman church. It succinctly states a core principle of Christian existence: our lives are not lived in isolation, nor do they end in isolation. Every believer is interconnected, and their ultimate allegiance and purpose are tied to the Lord.

Context

This verse is part of a larger discussion in Romans 14 where Paul addresses tensions between "strong" and "weak" believers concerning disputable matters, such as dietary laws (eating meat offered to idols) and the observance of special days. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that while individuals have differing convictions, their actions should not cause others to stumble or divide the body of Christ. This verse serves as the underlying theological justification for the call to mutual acceptance and consideration found throughout the chapter, particularly in Romans 14:1 and Romans 14:3.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Interconnectedness of Believers: The verse highlights that no Christian lives or dies solely for themselves. Our choices and behaviors inevitably impact others within the community of faith and reflect on our shared witness.
  • Accountability to God: It underscores that our lives are ultimately lived before God. This theme is further developed in Romans 14:10, which speaks of standing before the judgment seat of Christ.
  • Christ-Centered Living: The core message is that believers' lives and deaths are fundamentally "to the Lord." This points to Romans 14:8 and Romans 14:9, emphasizing Christ's Lordship over all aspects of existence.
  • Selflessness: The verse implicitly calls believers away from self-centeredness and towards a life dedicated to God's glory and the well-being of others, echoing the principle of glorifying God in all things.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase "liveth to himself" (heautō zē) and "dieth to himself" (heautō apothnēskei) conveys the idea of living or dying for one's own benefit, according to one's own will, or as an independent entity. Paul emphatically states that this is not the case for believers. Our existence is not self-contained but is always in relation to God and, by extension, to the Christian community.

Practical Application

Romans 14:7 has profound implications for daily Christian living:

  • It challenges us to consider the impact of our personal choices and freedoms on other believers, especially those with weaker consciences.
  • It reminds us that our ultimate purpose is to honor God in every aspect of our lives, from our spiritual disciplines to our everyday decisions.
  • It fosters a spirit of unity and mutual respect within the church, encouraging believers to prioritize the common good over individual preferences when those preferences become a stumbling block.
  • It calls for a life of selfless devotion, recognizing that our lives are a gift from God and are to be used for His purposes, not merely our own.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Peter 4:2

    That he no longer should live the rest of [his] time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:15

    And [that] he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:19

    What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost [which is] in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

  • 1 Corinthians 6:20

    For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:10

    Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

  • Philippians 1:20

    According to my earnest expectation and [my] hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but [that] with all boldness, as always, [so] now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether [it be] by life, or by death.

  • Philippians 1:24

    Nevertheless to abide in the flesh [is] more needful for you.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back