King James Version

What Does Romans 14:10 Mean?

Romans 14:10 in the King James Version says “But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgm...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But 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.”

Romans 14:10 · KJV

Context

8

For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.

9

For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.

10

But 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.

11

For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

12

So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

Read Romans 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother?—Sy de ti krineis ton adelphon sou? ē kai sy ti exoutheneis ton adelphon sou? (σὺ δὲ τί κρίνεις τὸν ἀδελφόν σου; ἢ καὶ σὺ τί ἐξουθενεῖς τὸν ἀδελφόν σου;). The emphatic sy (you) confronts both groups: 'weak' judge (krineis) the strong as licentious; 'strong' despise (exoutheneis, set at nothing) the weak as legalistic. Both sins violate ton adelphon sou (your brother)—familial language. You're judging/despising family, not strangers.

For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ—Pantes gar parastēsometha tō bēmati tou Christou (πάντες γὰρ παραστησόμεθα τῷ βήματι τοῦ Χριστοῦ). The future parastēsometha (we shall stand) is certain. Tō bēmati (the judgment seat) was the elevated platform where Roman magistrates pronounced judgment. Christou (of Christ) identifies the Judge—not Caesar, not fellow believers, but Christ Himself (2 Corinthians 5:10). If all appear before Christ's bēma, usurping His role by judging brothers is presumptuous. Leave judgment to the Judge.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The bēma (judgment seat) in Roman cities was where officials adjudicated disputes (Acts 18:12-17, Paul before Gallio's bēma). Paul applies this to Christ's eschatological tribunal where believers give account for their stewardship (not for salvation, secured by grace). This judgment evaluates works for reward/loss (1 Corinthians 3:10-15), faithfulness in disputable matters, and motives. Early Christians anticipated this bēma with sobriety, living 'coram Deo' (before God's face), accountable to Christ alone. This relativized human judgment—why fear man's judgment when Christ is Judge?

Reflection Questions

  1. How does anticipation of standing before Christ's '<em>bēma</em>' (judgment seat) curb your tendency to judge or despise brothers?
  2. What will Christ evaluate at the <em>bēma</em>—salvation status, faithfulness, motives, or stewardship of freedom?
  3. How should the reality that 'we shall all stand' (<em>pantes parastēsometha</em>) shape your current attitudes toward those who differ on disputable matters?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
σὺ1 of 22

“thou”

G4771

thou

δὲ2 of 22

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

τί3 of 22

“why”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

κρίνεις4 of 22

“dost”

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

τὸν5 of 22
G3588

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

ἀδελφόν6 of 22

“brother”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

σου;7 of 22

“thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

ἢ8 of 22

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

καὶ9 of 22
G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

σὺ10 of 22

“thou”

G4771

thou

τί11 of 22

“why”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἐξουθενεῖς12 of 22

“set at nought”

G1848

to despise

τὸν13 of 22
G3588

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

ἀδελφόν14 of 22

“brother”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

σου;15 of 22

“thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

πάντες16 of 22

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

γὰρ17 of 22

“for”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

παραστησόμεθα18 of 22

“stand before”

G3936

to stand beside, i.e., (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or

τῷ19 of 22
G3588

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

βήματι20 of 22

“the judgment seat”

G968

a step, i.e., foot-breath; by implication, a rostrum, i.e., a tribunal

τοῦ21 of 22
G3588

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

Χριστοῦ22 of 22

“of Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

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 14:10 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 14:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 5:101 Corinthians 4:5Ecclesiastes 12:14Romans 2:16Romans 14:3-4Matthew 25:31-32

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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