King James Version

What Does Romans 14:1 Mean?

Romans 14:1 in the King James Version says “Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. not: or, not to judge his doubtful thoughts” — study this verse from Romans chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. not: or, not to judge his doubtful thoughts”

Romans 14:1 · KJV

Faith

Context

1

Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. not: or, not to judge his doubtful thoughts

2

For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.

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.

Read Romans 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Him that is weak in the faith receive ye—Ton de asthenounta tē pistei proslambanesthe (τὸν δὲ ἀσθενοῦντα τῇ πίστει προσλαμβάνεσθε). Asthenounta (ἀσθενέω, being weak) is present participle—ongoing condition, not momentary lapse. The 'weak' are those with scrupulous consciences about disputable matters (food, holy days). Proslambanō (προσλαμβάνω, receive/welcome) means accept into fellowship, not merely tolerate. The imperative commands active hospitality despite differences on non-essential matters.

But not to doubtful disputations—Mē eis diakriseis dialogismōn (μὴ εἰς διακρίσεις διαλογισμῶν, 'not for judgments of opinions'). Diakriseis (judgments/disputes) suggests critical evaluation. Dialogismōn (opinions/thoughts) refers to debatable matters, not core doctrines. Paul prohibits receiving the weak in order to argue them into the 'strong' position. Welcome them without requiring conformity on disputable matters. Unity doesn't demand uniformity on non-essentials—in essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Roman church was divided between 'strong' (likely Gentile Christians free from food laws) and 'weak' (likely Jewish Christians observing dietary restrictions and Sabbaths). After Claudius expelled Jews from Rome (AD 49, Acts 18:2), Gentile Christians dominated. When Jews returned (after AD 54), tensions arose over law-observance. Paul addresses both groups: strong must not despise the weak's scrupulosity; weak must not judge the strong's liberty. This pattern repeats in every generation over different issues.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are the 'disputable matters' (<em>dialogismōn</em>) in your church context—issues where genuine believers disagree in good conscience?
  2. How do you 'receive' (<em>proslambanesthe</em>) believers who differ on secondary issues without requiring conformity or engaging in endless debates?
  3. Are you 'strong' or 'weak' on various issues—and does your attitude toward the other group reflect Paul's counsel here?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
Τὸν1 of 10
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ2 of 10

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀσθενοῦντα3 of 10

“Him that is weak”

G770

to be feeble (in any sense)

τῇ4 of 10
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πίστει5 of 10

“in the faith”

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

προσλαμβάνεσθε6 of 10

“receive ye”

G4355

to take to oneself, i.e., use (food), lead (aside), admit (to friendship or hospitality)

μὴ7 of 10

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

εἰς8 of 10

“to”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

διακρίσεις9 of 10

“disputations”

G1253

judicial estimation

διαλογισμῶν10 of 10

“doubtful”

G1261

discussion, i.e., (internal) consideration (by implication, purpose), or (external) debate

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 14:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 14:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 15:11 Corinthians 8:7-131 Corinthians 9:22Romans 15:7Romans 14:211 Corinthians 3:1-2

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 14 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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