King James Version

What Does Romans 14:13 Mean?

Romans 14:13 in the King James Version says “Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion ...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Let 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 14:13 · KJV

Context

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.

13

Let 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.

14

I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. unclean: Gr. common

15

But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably . Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. charitably: Gr. according to charity

Read Romans 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Let us not therefore judge one another any more—Mēketi oun allēlous krinōmen (μηκέτι οὖν ἀλλήλους κρίνωμεν). Mēketi (no longer) signals decisive break. Allēlous (one another) emphasizes mutuality—both 'strong' and 'weak' must cease judgment. The hortatory subjunctive krinōmen (let us judge) includes Paul—this isn't condescending lecture but pastoral exhortation: 'we all must stop judging.' Judgment on disputable matters fractures the body; Christ alone is Judge (v. 10).

But judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way—Alla touto krinate mallon, to mē tithenai proskomma tō adelphō ē skandalon (ἀλλὰ τοῦτο κρίνατε μᾶλλον, τὸ μὴ τιθέναι πρόσκομμα τῷ ἀδελφῷ ἢ σκάνδαλον). Paul redirects 'judging' from critiquing others to self-examination. Proskomma (πρόσκομμα, stumbling block) is obstacle causing someone to trip. Skandalon (σκάνδαλον, snare/trap) is more severe—something causing spiritual ruin. Both refer to actions (even permissible ones) that cause weaker believers to stumble into sin or abandon faith.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The 'stumbling block' metaphor drew on Leviticus 19:14: 'Thou shalt not put a stumblingblock before the blind.' Paul applies it spiritually: don't place obstacles before those with weaker consciences. This principle governed early Christian practice on meat offered to idols (1 Corinthians 8:9-13), alcohol, Sabbath observance. The strong have knowledge (8:1) but must prioritize love—limit liberty to build up, not tear down, the weak. This isn't legalism but love—willingly restricting freedom for the sake of others' spiritual welfare.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you 'judge' yourself (<em>touto krinate</em>) regarding whether your freedoms become stumbling blocks (<em>proskomma</em>) to others?
  2. What legitimate liberties might you limit for the sake of weaker believers—alcohol, entertainment, political engagement, speech?
  3. Where's the balance between limiting freedom for love's sake and imposing legalistic restrictions that violate Christian liberty?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
Μηκέτι1 of 16

“any more”

G3371

no further

οὖν2 of 16

“not therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἀλλήλους3 of 16

“one another”

G240

one another

κρίνατε4 of 16

“Let us”

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

ἀλλὰ5 of 16

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

τοῦτο6 of 16

“this”

G5124

that thing

κρίνατε7 of 16

“Let us”

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

μᾶλλον8 of 16

“rather”

G3123

(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather

τὸ9 of 16
G3588

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

μὴ10 of 16

“that no man”

G3361

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

τιθέναι11 of 16

“put”

G5087

to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr

πρόσκομμα12 of 16

“a stumblingblock”

G4348

a stub, i.e., (figuratively) occasion of apostasy

τῷ13 of 16
G3588

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

ἀδελφῷ14 of 16

“in his brother's way”

G80

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

ἢ15 of 16

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

σκάνδαλον16 of 16

“an occasion to fall”

G4625

a trap-stick (bent sapling), i.e., snare (figuratively, cause of displeasure or sin)

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 14:13 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 14:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 6:3James 4:111 Corinthians 8:9-13Luke 17:2Luke 12:57Romans 16:17

Test Your Knowledge

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

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