Romans Chapter 14 · Verse 2
For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
Original Language Analysis
ὃς
one
G3739
ὃς
one
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 10
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
μὲν
For
G3303
μὲν
For
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
πιστεύει
believeth
G4100
πιστεύει
believeth
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
3 of 10
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Proverbs 15:17Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.Romans 14:14I 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.1 Timothy 4:4For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:Hebrews 13:9Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.Genesis 9:3Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.Hebrews 9:10Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.1 Corinthians 10:25Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:Galatians 2:12For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.Titus 1:15Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.Daniel 1:12Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.
Historical Context
Meat sold in Roman markets was often from pagan temple sacrifices (1 Corinthians 8-10). Some Christians avoided all meat to ensure purity. Jewish Christians maintained kosher laws, considering Gentile food practices defiling. Paul navigates between extreme positions: legalists who made food laws salvific, and libertines who flaunted freedom destructively. His principle: truth with love. Strong are right theologically (all foods clean, Mark 7:19) but wrong to destroy weak believers (v. 15, 20). Weak are bound by conscience, which must not be violated (v. 23).
Questions for Reflection
- What modern equivalents exist to the meat-eating controversy—alcohol, entertainment, political positions, worship styles?
- How do you distinguish between 'disputable matters' (where conscience governs) and essential doctrines (where conformity to truth is required)?
- Are you more prone to despise the 'weak' for scrupulosity or judge the 'strong' for license—and how does Paul's teaching correct you?
Analysis & Commentary
For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs—Hos men pisteuei phagein panta, ho de asthenōn lachana esthiei (ὃς μὲν πιστεύει φαγεῖν πάντα, ὁ δὲ ἀσθενῶν λάχανα ἐσθίει). Pisteuei (believes/is persuaded) indicates conscience conviction, not mere opinion. The 'strong' believer is persuaded (pisteuei phagein panta, believes to eat all things)—convinced that foods don't defile (Mark 7:18-19). The 'weak' (asthenōn) eats only lachana (vegetables/herbs), avoiding meat possibly offered to idols or not kosher.
Paul doesn't adjudicate who's correct (though 14:14, 20 reveal his position). The issue isn't truth but how to handle conscience differences in the body. Both eat 'unto the Lord' (v. 6) from sincere conviction. The problem arises when strong despise weak as legalistic, or weak judge strong as licentious. Paul protects both conscience and unity—don't violate your conscience, don't force others to violate theirs, don't fracture fellowship over disputable matters.