Romans 14:23
And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
This verse became controversial in later theology. Reformers used it to argue that unregenerate 'good works' are sin because they lack saving faith. Medieval Catholics disagreed, arguing pagan virtues (justice, kindness) have natural goodness. Paul's context is narrower: disputable matters done with divided conscience are sin. Yet the principle applies: all of life must flow from faith-rooted conviction, not hypocrisy, doubt, or coercion. Augustine wrote, 'He who acts against conscience builds the road to hell.' Violating conscience hardens it, making future sin easier. Acting from conviction cultivates integrity.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas do you act with 'doubt' (<em>diakrinomenos</em>)—internal conflict signaling you're violating conscience?
- How does the principle 'whatsoever is not of faith is sin' apply beyond food to work, relationships, entertainment, and daily decisions?
- What's the difference between acting 'from faith' (<em>ek pisteōs</em>, from conviction) and acting from fear, peer pressure, or habit?
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Analysis & Commentary
And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith—Ho de diakrinomenos ean phagē katakekritai, hoti ouk ek pisteōs (ὁ δὲ διακρινόμενος ἐὰν φάγῃ κατακέκριται, ὅτι οὐκ ἐκ πίστεως). Diakrinomenos (διακρίνω, doubting/being divided) means internal conflict, hesitation, uncertainty. Katakritai (κατακρίνω, is condemned) likely means self-condemned, not eternally damned—he acts against conscience, producing guilt. Ouk ek pisteōs (not from faith/conviction) identifies the problem: action without persuasion violates integrity.
For whatsoever is not of faith is sin—Pan de ho ouk ek pisteōs hamartia estin (πᾶν δὲ ὃ οὐκ ἐκ πίστεως ἁμαρτία ἐστίν). Pan (πᾶς, everything) universalizes—this principle extends beyond food to all of life. Hamartia (ἁμαρτία, sin) means missing the mark, falling short. Acting without conviction (pistis—persuasion, assurance) is sin because it's not offered to God from the heart (v. 6, 8). Even objectively good actions, if done from doubt, manipulation, or coercion, don't please God (Hebrews 11:6, 'without faith impossible to please God').