Romans 14

Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.

For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.

Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.

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.

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

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.

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

For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.

For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.

But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.

I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.

But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.

Let not then your good be evil spoken of:

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.

Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.

It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.

And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

What does Romans 14:8 mean?

Explanation

Romans 14:8 is a verse in the Christian New Testament that speaks to the Christian's relationship with the Lord in both life and death.

It emphasizes that regardless of one's state -- living or deceased -- believers belong to the Lord.

This speaks to a deeper spiritual truth that emphasizes the sovereignty of God over the life of believers and the concept of living a life that honors God.

It suggests an undivided allegiance and dedication to God, where every aspect of life and the ultimate event of death are seen within the context of serving and belonging to the Lord.

Top Rated Romans Books

Historical Context

This verse is part of the Apostle Paul's letter to the Romans, written around 57 AD.

Paul addressed the Christian community in Rome, a diverse group that included both Jews and Gentiles.

The early church in Rome faced internal conflicts: they were challenged to understand how believers from different backgrounds and practices could live in harmony.

Romans 14 deals specifically with issues of personal convictions concerning dietary laws and observed holy days.

Paul teaches that such matters are secondary to the greater principle of living in service to the Lord.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Romans 14:8 reflects different perspectives.

In the Lutheran and Reformed traditions, this verse might be understood in light of God's complete lordship over life and the assurance of salvation, including in death.

In Catholic theology, it could be associated with the idea of the communion of saints and the belief that life's ultimate purpose is unity with God.

The verse also touches upon existential themes like the meaning of life and death, indicating that the believer's existence is not random or self-contained but rather enveloped in divine purpose.

Practical Applications

The teachings of Romans 14:8 can be applied by believers in several ways.

It motivates Christians to consider the bigger picture of their existence – that life is not about serving oneself, but about service to God.

This perspective helps people to refrain from judging others based on non-essential matters, embrace diversity within the Christian community, and live each day purposefully and ethically, knowing that everything they do should honor God.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 6:19-20: "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost...and ye are not your own?"
Philippians 1:21: "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
Galatians 2:20: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me..."

Language Study

The key words in Romans 14:8 in the original Greek are:

"live" (ζῶμεν, zōmen): to live or be alive, in this context, to continue in the physical life.
"die" (ἀποθνῄσκομεν, apothnēskomen): to die, referring to the cessation of physical life.
"Lord's" (Κυρίου, Kyriou): belonging to the Lord, indicating a possessive relationship where the Lord is the master and believers are his.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient cultures, such as those in Rome and Greece, life and death were often influenced by polytheistic beliefs and the notion of fate. The Jewish context, into which early Christianity was born, saw life and death under the sovereignty of Yahweh.

This verse in Romans aligns with Jewish monotheism and differs from Greco-Roman mythologies that often depicted the gods as capricious and not always morally invested in human affairs.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives focus on the observable and typically don't address philosophical or theological interpretations of life and death.

However, some interdisciplinary dialogues explore how religious beliefs about life, death, and purpose resonate with or differ from scientific understandings of human existence.

commentaries

Commentators on this verse offer various insights:

John Stott highlights the importance of Christian liberty and responsibility, mentioning that the decisions made by an individual believer should always be made with the consciousness of the Lord's presence and authority.
F.F.

Bruce notes the significance of personal conscience in matters of indifference and advocates that in things that don't compromise one's faith, there is freedom in Christ.

William Barclay emphasizes the individual's accountability to God in life and death, suggesting that one's whole existence, including its end, is within God's care and for his service.

Romans 14

Romans 14

What does Romans 14:8 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Romans Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?

What does Romans 14:8 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Romans Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?