Romans 14:4

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Romans 14:4 serves as a foundational verse in Paul's teaching on Christian liberty and mutual acceptance within the church. It directly challenges believers not to pass judgment on fellow Christians regarding matters of conscience or non-essential practices.

Context

This verse is situated within Romans chapters 14 and 15, where Paul addresses disagreements among believers in the Roman church. These disputes revolved around "disputable matters" (such as dietary practices—eating meat versus vegetables—and the observance of certain days). Some Christians, particularly those from a Jewish background, felt bound by scruples, while others understood their freedom in Christ. Paul's core message is that believers should not judge one another on these non-salvific issues, but rather show acceptance and respect, recognizing that each person is accountable to God alone.

Key Themes

  • Non-Judgment of Fellow Believers: The opening rhetorical question, "Who art thou that judgest another man's servant?", emphatically states that judging a fellow believer in these areas is overstepping one's bounds. Believers are servants of Christ, not of each other.
  • Individual Accountability to God: Each Christian is ultimately responsible to God, their true "master," for their convictions and actions. "To his own master he standeth or falleth" underscores this direct relationship and accountability. This idea is echoed in Romans 14:10, where Paul states that "we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ."
  • God's Ability to Uphold: The verse concludes with a powerful affirmation: "Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand." This offers tremendous assurance. It implies that even if a believer seems "weak" in faith or has scruples, God Himself is capable of sustaining and strengthening them. It is God's grace and power, not human judgment, that ultimately determines a believer's standing.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "another man's servant" translates the Greek word oiketēn (οἰκέτην), which specifically refers to a household servant or slave. This emphasizes that the individual belongs to the master of the house, not to other servants. Therefore, judging another believer is akin to a servant judging another servant who ultimately answers to the same master—God.

The phrase "he shall be holden up" comes from the Greek stathēsetai (σταθήσεται), a future passive indicative verb. This means "he will be made to stand" or "he will be established." It highlights divine enablement and assurance that God actively supports and confirms His servants, regardless of the opinions of others.

Practical Application

Romans 14:4 calls believers to humility and mutual respect. Instead of focusing on and criticizing the practices or convictions of other Christians in non-essential areas, we are reminded to focus on our own walk with God and trust in His ability to guide and sustain every individual believer. It encourages an atmosphere of grace, understanding, and unity within the church, where diverse expressions of faith can coexist under the Lordship of Christ. This principle is vital for fostering healthy relationships and preventing division over minor issues, allowing the church to focus on its true mission: proclaiming the gospel and living out God's love, as emphasized in Romans 15:7, "Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God."

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Cross-References

  • James 4:11 (13 votes)

    ¶ 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 (13 votes)

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

  • Romans 9:20 (10 votes)

    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 (9 votes)

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

  • Romans 8:39 (9 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

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