Romans 14:3
Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐσθίοντα
him that eateth
G2068
ἐσθίοντα
him that eateth
Strong's:
G2068
Word #:
2 of 20
used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
4 of 20
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἐσθίοντα
him that eateth
G2068
ἐσθίοντα
him that eateth
Strong's:
G2068
Word #:
5 of 20
used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
6 of 20
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
10 of 20
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἐσθίοντα
him that eateth
G2068
ἐσθίοντα
him that eateth
Strong's:
G2068
Word #:
11 of 20
used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐσθίοντα
him that eateth
G2068
ἐσθίοντα
him that eateth
Strong's:
G2068
Word #:
13 of 20
used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
14 of 20
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
17 of 20
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
18 of 20
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
Cross References
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.Luke 18:9And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:Acts 10:34Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:Romans 14:13Let 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.Romans 14:15But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.Romans 14:21It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.Matthew 18:10Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.Acts 10:44While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.Zechariah 4:10For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.Matthew 9:14Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?
Historical Context
Paul addresses both groups' sins: strong despise (pride, elitism, contempt for 'lesser' believers), weak judge (legalism, self-righteousness, condemnation of freedom). Both attitudes fracture the body. Early church councils (Acts 15, Galatians 2) navigated Jew-Gentile tensions over law. Paul's solution isn't compromise but mutual forbearance grounded in the gospel—we're all saved by grace, not dietary conformity. This framework applies to every generation's divisive issues: worship styles, alcohol, entertainment, politics.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you tend toward the strong's sin (despising <em>exoutheneō</em> those with stricter consciences) or the weak's sin (judging <em>krinō</em> those with more liberty)?
- How does God's acceptance of both groups (<em>ho theos proselabeto</em>) obligate you to receive those who differ on disputable matters?
- What specific actions would demonstrate receiving others without despising or judging them over secondary issues?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth—Ho esthiōn ton mē esthionta mē exoutheneō, ho de mē esthiōn ton esthionta mē krinetō (ὁ ἐσθίων τὸν μὴ ἐσθίοντα μὴ ἐξουθενετω, ὁ δὲ μὴ ἐσθίων τὸν ἐσθίοντα μὴ κρινέτω). Two equal and opposite errors: exoutheneō (ἐξουθενέω, despise/look down on) and krinō (κρίνω, judge/condemn). The strong despise the weak as immature, bound, legalistic. The weak judge the strong as worldly, carnal, compromised.
For God hath received him—Ho theos gar auton proselabeto (ὁ θεὸς γὰρ αὐτὸν προσελάβετο). The aorist proselabeto (received) points to God's definitive acceptance at conversion. If God has welcomed both into His family, who are you to reject your brother over dietary choices? This appeals to divine acceptance as the ground of mutual acceptance. God's welcome transcends our preferences—those God receives, we must receive (15:7). Unity is grounded in common salvation, not uniformity in disputable matters.