Romans 14:17
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Original Language Analysis
γάρ
For
G1063
γάρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 19
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλεία
the kingdom
G932
βασιλεία
the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
5 of 19
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
7 of 19
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
βρῶσις
meat
G1035
βρῶσις
meat
Strong's:
G1035
Word #:
8 of 19
(abstractly) eating (literally or figuratively); by extension (concretely) food (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
11 of 19
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
δικαιοσύνη
righteousness
G1343
δικαιοσύνη
righteousness
Strong's:
G1343
Word #:
12 of 19
equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰρήνη
peace
G1515
εἰρήνη
peace
Strong's:
G1515
Word #:
14 of 19
peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Romans 15:13Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.Matthew 6:33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.1 Corinthians 4:20For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.Galatians 5:22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,1 Corinthians 8:8But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.Romans 8:6For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.1 Thessalonians 2:12That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.Daniel 2:44And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.1 Corinthians 6:9Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,John 3:3Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Historical Context
This corrects both Jewish Christians making dietary laws salvific and Gentile Christians despising OT categories. The kingdom Jesus inaugurated transcends external observance (Mark 7:18-19, 'nothing entering defiles'). Pharisees tithed mint and dill while neglecting justice, mercy, faith (Matthew 23:23)—majoring on minors. Paul's triad (righteousness, peace, joy) echoes Isaiah 32:17, 'the work of righteousness shall be peace.' The kingdom manifests in transformed hearts, Spirit-indwelt lives, reconciled communities—not food codes. This shaped Reformation theology: external rites don't save; only Spirit-wrought faith produces righteousness.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'meat and drink' issues (external, disputable matters) dominate your Christian community at the expense of righteousness, peace, and joy?
- How do you cultivate the kingdom's true marks—<em>dikaiosynē, eirēnē, chara en pneumati</em>—rather than focusing on externals?
- What would it look like for your church to prioritize kingdom essentials (Spirit-produced character) over disputable matters (dietary choices, calendar observance)?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost—Ou gar estin hē basileia tou theou brōsis kai posis, alla dikaiosynē kai eirēnē kai chara en pneumati hagiō (οὐ γὰρ ἐστιν ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ θεοῦ βρῶσις καὶ πόσις, ἀλλὰ δικαιοσύνη καὶ εἰρήνη καὶ χαρὰ ἐν πνεύματι ἁγίῳ). Hē basileia tou theou (the kingdom of God) is God's saving reign breaking into the present through Christ. It's not brōsis kai posis (eating and drinking)—external rituals or dietary codes don't define kingdom citizenship.
It is dikaiosynē (righteousness—right standing with God, Romans 1:17), eirēnē (peace—reconciliation with God and others, 5:1), and chara (joy—Spirit-produced delight, Galatians 5:22). All three are en pneumati hagiō (in the Holy Spirit)—Spirit-generated, not self-produced. Paul relativizes disputable matters: don't major on minors (diet) while neglecting majors (righteousness, peace, joy). Kingdom priorities demand perspective—what matters eternally versus temporally?