Romans 14:6

Authorized King James Version

He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
φρονεῖ·
He that regardeth
to exercise the mind, i.e., entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain d
#3
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
ἡμέραν,
the day
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
#5
Κυρίῳ
it unto the Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#6
φρονεῖ·
He that regardeth
to exercise the mind, i.e., entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain d
#7
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
μὴ
not
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#10
φρονεῖ·
He that regardeth
to exercise the mind, i.e., entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain d
#11
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
ἡμέραν,
the day
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
#13
Κυρίῳ
it unto the Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#14
οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#15
φρονεῖ·
He that regardeth
to exercise the mind, i.e., entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain d
#16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
ἐσθίει
eateth
used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)
#18
Κυρίῳ
it unto the Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#19
ἐσθίει
eateth
used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)
#20
εὐχαριστεῖ
thanks
to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal
#21
γὰρ
for
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#22
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
θεῷ
giveth God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#24
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#26
μὴ
not
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#27
ἐσθίει
eateth
used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)
#28
Κυρίῳ
it unto the Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#29
οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#30
ἐσθίει
eateth
used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)
#31
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#32
εὐχαριστεῖ
thanks
to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal
#33
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#34
θεῷ
giveth God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Hellenistic epistolary literature with sophisticated theological argumentation shapes this text's meaning. Paul's systematic presentation built upon centuries of Jewish understanding about righteousness and divine justice Understanding a worldview shaped by both Jewish monotheism and Greco-Roman philosophical thought helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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