Romans Chapter 14 · Verse 10
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.
Original Language Analysis
τί
why
G5101
τί
why
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
3 of 22
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφόν
brother
G80
ἀδελφόν
brother
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
6 of 22
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
καὶ
G2532
καὶ
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τί
why
G5101
τί
why
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
11 of 22
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφόν
brother
G80
ἀδελφόν
brother
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
14 of 22
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
17 of 22
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
παραστησόμεθα
stand before
G3936
παραστησόμεθα
stand before
Strong's:
G3936
Word #:
18 of 22
to stand beside, i.e., (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βήματι
the judgment seat
G968
βήματι
the judgment seat
Strong's:
G968
Word #:
20 of 22
a step, i.e., foot-breath; by implication, a rostrum, i.e., a tribunal
Cross References
2 Corinthians 5:10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.1 Corinthians 4:5Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.Ecclesiastes 12:14For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.Romans 2:16In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.John 5:22For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
Historical Context
The bēma (judgment seat) in Roman cities was where officials adjudicated disputes (Acts 18:12-17, Paul before Gallio's bēma). Paul applies this to Christ's eschatological tribunal where believers give account for their stewardship (not for salvation, secured by grace). This judgment evaluates works for reward/loss (1 Corinthians 3:10-15), faithfulness in disputable matters, and motives. Early Christians anticipated this bēma with sobriety, living 'coram Deo' (before God's face), accountable to Christ alone. This relativized human judgment—why fear man's judgment when Christ is Judge?
Questions for Reflection
- How does anticipation of standing before Christ's '<em>bēma</em>' (judgment seat) curb your tendency to judge or despise brothers?
- What will Christ evaluate at the <em>bēma</em>—salvation status, faithfulness, motives, or stewardship of freedom?
- How should the reality that 'we shall all stand' (<em>pantes parastēsometha</em>) shape your current attitudes toward those who differ on disputable matters?
Analysis & Commentary
But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother?—Sy de ti krineis ton adelphon sou? ē kai sy ti exoutheneis ton adelphon sou? (σὺ δὲ τί κρίνεις τὸν ἀδελφόν σου; ἢ καὶ σὺ τί ἐξουθενεῖς τὸν ἀδελφόν σου;). The emphatic sy (you) confronts both groups: 'weak' judge (krineis) the strong as licentious; 'strong' despise (exoutheneis, set at nothing) the weak as legalistic. Both sins violate ton adelphon sou (your brother)—familial language. You're judging/despising family, not strangers.
For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ—Pantes gar parastēsometha tō bēmati tou Christou (πάντες γὰρ παραστησόμεθα τῷ βήματι τοῦ Χριστοῦ). The future parastēsometha (we shall stand) is certain. Tō bēmati (the judgment seat) was the elevated platform where Roman magistrates pronounced judgment. Christou (of Christ) identifies the Judge—not Caesar, not fellow believers, but Christ Himself (2 Corinthians 5:10). If all appear before Christ's bēma, usurping His role by judging brothers is presumptuous. Leave judgment to the Judge.