Romans 14:1
Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
Original Language Analysis
Τὸν
G3588
Τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πίστει
in the faith
G4102
πίστει
in the faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
5 of 10
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
προσλαμβάνεσθε
receive ye
G4355
προσλαμβάνεσθε
receive ye
Strong's:
G4355
Word #:
6 of 10
to take to oneself, i.e., use (food), lead (aside), admit (to friendship or hospitality)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
7 of 10
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
8 of 10
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Romans 15:1We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.Romans 15:7Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.1 Corinthians 9:22To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.Romans 14:21It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.Isaiah 40:11He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.Isaiah 42:3A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.Job 4:3Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands.Romans 4:19And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb:Matthew 14:31And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?Matthew 12:20A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.
Historical Context
The Roman church was divided between 'strong' (likely Gentile Christians free from food laws) and 'weak' (likely Jewish Christians observing dietary restrictions and Sabbaths). After Claudius expelled Jews from Rome (AD 49, Acts 18:2), Gentile Christians dominated. When Jews returned (after AD 54), tensions arose over law-observance. Paul addresses both groups: strong must not despise the weak's scrupulosity; weak must not judge the strong's liberty. This pattern repeats in every generation over different issues.
Questions for Reflection
- What are the 'disputable matters' (<em>dialogismōn</em>) in your church context—issues where genuine believers disagree in good conscience?
- How do you 'receive' (<em>proslambanesthe</em>) believers who differ on secondary issues without requiring conformity or engaging in endless debates?
- Are you 'strong' or 'weak' on various issues—and does your attitude toward the other group reflect Paul's counsel here?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Him that is weak in the faith receive ye—Ton de asthenounta tē pistei proslambanesthe (τὸν δὲ ἀσθενοῦντα τῇ πίστει προσλαμβάνεσθε). Asthenounta (ἀσθενέω, being weak) is present participle—ongoing condition, not momentary lapse. The 'weak' are those with scrupulous consciences about disputable matters (food, holy days). Proslambanō (προσλαμβάνω, receive/welcome) means accept into fellowship, not merely tolerate. The imperative commands active hospitality despite differences on non-essential matters.
But not to doubtful disputations—Mē eis diakriseis dialogismōn (μὴ εἰς διακρίσεις διαλογισμῶν, 'not for judgments of opinions'). Diakriseis (judgments/disputes) suggests critical evaluation. Dialogismōn (opinions/thoughts) refers to debatable matters, not core doctrines. Paul prohibits receiving the weak in order to argue them into the 'strong' position. Welcome them without requiring conformity on disputable matters. Unity doesn't demand uniformity on non-essentials—in essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity.