Romans 14:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Romans 14:6
6 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.
Chapter Context
Romans 14 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of redemption, truth, judgment. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 57 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Christians in Rome navigated tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers under imperial watch.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-23: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Romans and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Romans 14:6
6 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.
Analysis
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—Ho phronōn tēn hēmeran kyriō phronei, kai ho esthiōn kyriō esthiei, eucharistei gar tō theō (ὁ φρονῶν τὴν ἡμέραν κυρίῳ φρονεῖ, καὶ ὁ ἐσθίων κυρίῳ ἐσθίει, εὐχαριστεῖ γὰρ τῷ θεῷ). Phronei kyriō (regards unto the Lord) indicates God-directed motive. Whether observing a day or not, eating or abstaining, the action is unto the Lord—offered to God as worship. Eucharistei (εὐχαριστέω, gives thanks) reveals the heart attitude: gratitude to God.
And he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks—Kai ho mē esthiōn kyriō ouk esthiei, kai eucharistei tō theō (καὶ ὁ μὴ ἐσθίων κυρίῳ οὐκ ἐσθίει, καὶ εὐχαριστεῖ τῷ θεῷ). The abstainer also acts unto the Lord, giving thanks. Both parties are sincere worshipers—their dietary choices express devotion, not rebellion. Paul validates both: if done for God's glory from informed conscience, it's acceptable. The issue isn't what you eat/observe but why—does it honor God? This transforms disputable matters from battlegrounds into worship opportunities.
Historical Context
Jewish Christians fasted regularly, maintained dietary laws, observed Sabbath—all 'unto the Lord.' Gentile Christians ate freely, observed no calendar—also 'unto the Lord.' Paul affirms both as legitimate expressions of devotion. This principle shaped early Christian diversity: Eastern and Western churches developed different liturgies, calendars, disciplines—yet remained unified in essentials (Nicene Creed). The Reformation debates over worship forms, vestments, liturgy drew on Romans 14: allow liberty where Scripture doesn't mandate uniformity.
Reflection
- Are your practices (diet, calendar, disciplines) done '<em>kyriō</em>' (unto the Lord) or from tradition, peer pressure, or legalism?
- How does recognizing that both parties 'give thanks to God' (<em>eucharistei tō theō</em>) change your attitude toward those who differ?
- What would it look like to transform disputable matters from divisive issues into diverse expressions of sincere worship?
Word Studies
- Lord: Κύριος (Kurios) G2962 - Lord, Master
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Matthew 14:19, 15:36