King James Version

What Does Romans 14:16 Mean?

Romans 14:16 in the King James Version says “Let not then your good be evil spoken of:” — study this verse from Romans chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Let not then your good be evil spoken of:”

Romans 14:16 · KJV

Context

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

16

Let not then your good be evil spoken of:

17

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

18

For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Let not then your good be evil spoken of—The imperative μὴ βλασφημείσθω (mē blasphēmeisthō, 'let not be blasphemed') is passive voice, indicating that the 'strong' believers' exercise of freedom (τὸ ἀγαθὸν ὑμῶν, 'your good thing') can become an occasion for slander by others. The term βλασφημέω (blasphēmeō) is strong—used elsewhere for blaspheming God (Romans 2:24)—suggesting that causing a brother to stumble brings God's name into disrepute.

Paul's logic: what is objectively good (Christian freedom, right doctrine) can functionally become evil if it destroys weaker believers (v. 15). The 'good' refers to the strong believers' correct understanding that all foods are clean (v. 14, 20) and that Christ has freed them from dietary law. But truth wielded without love becomes a weapon. The passive voice implies that others will do the blaspheming—either weak believers scandalized by the strong's liberty, or outsiders who see Christian freedom as license and hypocrisy.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In first-century Rome, house churches often shared common meals (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:17-34). The 'strong' eating food sacrificed to idols or ignoring Jewish food laws could cause 'weak' Jewish Christians to stumble back into law-observance or even abandon faith. Additionally, pagan neighbors observing Christian disunity over food could blaspheme the God who supposedly unites Jew and Gentile. Paul prioritizes ecclesial unity and evangelistic witness over individual rights.

Reflection Questions

  1. What theologically correct positions might you hold that, if exercised without love, could cause others to blaspheme God?
  2. How do you balance standing firm on biblical truth while limiting your freedom for weaker believers' sake?
  3. In what ways might your exercise of Christian liberty cause outsiders to 'evil speak of your good'—to see faith as hypocritical or divisive?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 6 words
μὴ1 of 6

“not”

G3361

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

βλασφημείσθω2 of 6

“Let”

G987

to vilify; specially, to speak impiously

οὖν3 of 6

“then”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ὑμῶν4 of 6

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

τὸ5 of 6
G3588

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

ἀγαθόν6 of 6

“good”

G18

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

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 14:16 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 14:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 12:171 Corinthians 10:29-301 Thessalonians 5:222 Corinthians 8:20-21

Test Your Knowledge

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

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