Romans Chapter 14 · Verse 13
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.
Original Language Analysis
οὖν
not therefore
G3767
οὖν
not therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 16
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
5 of 16
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
that no man
G3361
μὴ
that no man
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
10 of 16
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τιθέναι
put
G5087
τιθέναι
put
Strong's:
G5087
Word #:
11 of 16
to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr
πρόσκομμα
a stumblingblock
G4348
πρόσκομμα
a stumblingblock
Strong's:
G4348
Word #:
12 of 16
a stub, i.e., (figuratively) occasion of apostasy
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 6:3Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:James 4:11Speak 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.Luke 12:57Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?Isaiah 57:14And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people.Matthew 7:1Judge not, that ye be not judged.Luke 17:2It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.Revelation 2:14But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.Romans 14:10But 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.Romans 16:17Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.Romans 14:4Who 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.
Historical Context
The 'stumbling block' metaphor drew on Leviticus 19:14: 'Thou shalt not put a stumblingblock before the blind.' Paul applies it spiritually: don't place obstacles before those with weaker consciences. This principle governed early Christian practice on meat offered to idols (1 Corinthians 8:9-13), alcohol, Sabbath observance. The strong have knowledge (8:1) but must prioritize love—limit liberty to build up, not tear down, the weak. This isn't legalism but love—willingly restricting freedom for the sake of others' spiritual welfare.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you 'judge' yourself (<em>touto krinate</em>) regarding whether your freedoms become stumbling blocks (<em>proskomma</em>) to others?
- What legitimate liberties might you limit for the sake of weaker believers—alcohol, entertainment, political engagement, speech?
- Where's the balance between limiting freedom for love's sake and imposing legalistic restrictions that violate Christian liberty?
Analysis & Commentary
Let us not therefore judge one another any more—Mēketi oun allēlous krinōmen (μηκέτι οὖν ἀλλήλους κρίνωμεν). Mēketi (no longer) signals decisive break. Allēlous (one another) emphasizes mutuality—both 'strong' and 'weak' must cease judgment. The hortatory subjunctive krinōmen (let us judge) includes Paul—this isn't condescending lecture but pastoral exhortation: 'we all must stop judging.' Judgment on disputable matters fractures the body; Christ alone is Judge (v. 10).
But judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way—Alla touto krinate mallon, to mē tithenai proskomma tō adelphō ē skandalon (ἀλλὰ τοῦτο κρίνατε μᾶλλον, τὸ μὴ τιθέναι πρόσκομμα τῷ ἀδελφῷ ἢ σκάνδαλον). Paul redirects 'judging' from critiquing others to self-examination. Proskomma (πρόσκομμα, stumbling block) is obstacle causing someone to trip. Skandalon (σκάνδαλον, snare/trap) is more severe—something causing spiritual ruin. Both refer to actions (even permissible ones) that cause weaker believers to stumble into sin or abandon faith.