Romans Chapter 14 · Verse 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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διακρινόμενος
he that doubteth
G1252
διακρινόμενος
he that doubteth
Strong's:
G1252
Word #:
3 of 18
to separate thoroughly, i.e., (literally and reflexively) to withdraw from, or (by implication) oppose; figuratively, to discriminate (by implication,
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
4 of 18
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
7 of 18
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
οὐκ
he eateth not
G3756
οὐκ
he eateth not
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
8 of 18
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
9 of 18
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
πίστεως
faith
G4102
πίστεως
faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
10 of 18
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
ὃ
G3739
ὃ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
13 of 18
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
οὐκ
he eateth not
G3756
οὐκ
he eateth not
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
14 of 18
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
15 of 18
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Cross References
Hebrews 11:6But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.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.1 Corinthians 8:7Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.Romans 14:5One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.Romans 13:2Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
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?
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').